Kia Soul ratings Consumer Reports

The 2016 Kia Soul has a roomy, comfortable and nicely equipped cabin, according to critics, which helps make it a stylish and versatile hatchback.

The 2016 Kia Soul has the best combination of interior space, safety and reliability ratings, and available family-friendly features in its class, making it our 2016 Best Compact Car for Families and Best Hatchback for Families.

Performance Summary

According to test drivers, the Soul's base 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine lacks power. They say the Soul's optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides more power. However, they note that the 2.0-liter engine still isn't especially strong. They also write that it is noisy at full throttle. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.

The 2016 Soul gets an EPA-estimated 24/30 mpg city/highway with the base engine and the automatic transmission, which is poor for the class. Though critics say that some competitors are more nimble, most test drivers write that the Soul has decent handling around corners. Reviewers add that they like the Soul's smooth, quiet highway ride and reassuring braking power.

Interior Summary

The 2016 Kia Soul's interior is stylish according to reviewers, with top-notch materials and a long list of available features for the class. Auto writers also say the Soul's high-tech features are easy to use. The Soul has roomy front and back seats, critics report, and it has one of the most spacious cargo areas in the class.

Standard features include a USB port, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio and Bluetooth. Available features include Kia's UVO infotainment system, which can connect with your smartphone, a 4.3-inch touch-screen audio display, navigation with an 8-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, an Infinity audio system, HD Radio, push-button start, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

• "Beyond its hip good looks and catchy ad campaign (we know you've seen the dancing hamsters by now), the Soul offers solid affordable transportation with an amazing 10-year/100, 000-mile powertrain warranty, all for a price starting under $17, 000." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Proving once and for all that it's hip to be square, the Kia Soul stands out from other compacts with a unique look that manages to be both boxy and extremely funky. The affordably priced, hamster-endorsed hatchback also delivers a roomy cabin, ample standard features and numerous optional extras, making it an appealing blend of style and substance." - Left Lane News (2015)

Other Cars to Consider

The Mazda3 is one of the best-handling cars in the class, according to critics, and it has peppy acceleration, especially with its larger engine option. The Mazda3 gets much better fuel economy than the Kia Soul.

The Honda Fit also gets significantly higher fuel economy than the Soul. Reviewers like that the Fit's rear "Magic Seat" offers plenty of passenger space and can fold in a variety of directions for maximum cargo flexibility.