2016 Kia Soul Gets a Handful of Updates

2016 Kia Soul (Credit: © Kia)

I am torn when it comes to the Kia Soul, as I am not a huge fan of its cube-like look, but its interior is well laid out and pretty upscale in its higher trim levels. Apparently, there are plenty of people who like its look and agree with me on its interior, as it continues to sell well and has received a handful of updates for the 2016 model year.

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The updates for this new year are fairly subtle, and include new features across the three trim levels: base, Plus, and Exclaim. The biggest standard change on the base 2016 Soul are its new alloy wheels, but it also gains an optional Convenience Package, which includes a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM, and a rearview camera.

2016 Kia Soul (Credit: © Kia)

Moving into the Plus trim level, the 2016 Soul’s standard features list expands to include gloss-black “tusks” on the bumper and a rearview camera. Optional on the Plus trim level is the Designer Collection, which adds some exclusivity to the Soul by way of a two-toned color combination (white with a red roof or red with a black roof), 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.

Even the range-topping Exclaim trim level includes a slight change in the form of standard leather seating. Like the other two trims, the Exclaim also has a new optional package. Known as the Premium Package, this add-on includes goodies like a forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning, navigation, an upgraded Infinity sound system, speaker-surround mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, seat heaters up front and on the outer rear seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.

2016 Kia Soul (Credit: © Kia)

Finally, the optional Umber Color Package now comes with HID projector headlights, Nappa leather seats, and door armrest accents.

The under-hood bits of the Soul carry over for the 2016 model year, which means the standard model gets motivation from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. The optional engine is a 2.0-liter four-pot with 164 horses and 151 pound-feet of torque. The 1.6-liter engine comes standard with a six-cog manual, while the 2.0-liter engine has a six-speed auto.

There is no mention of when the 2016 Soul will hit dealer lots, nor is there any pricing information. I would expect the 2016 model to arrive this fall with a mild price hike.