“LOVE THIS CAR! This is a smart, stylish electric vehicle that is well designed. If more people knew how great an electric vehicle could be, we'd all ditch the gas station. Hopefully soon, there will be battery retro-fitting that allow a more powerful battery to store more charge so that we can travel farther in our cool car!”
2016 Kia Soul EV: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Kia Soul EV is the new California-only EV-e entry trim, which expands the lineup from two versions to three. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Kia Soul EV
First-generation Soul EV in the U.S. (2015-2019), second model year; still on the second-generation Soul platform and still before any major refresh.
Kia positions the Soul EV as a roomy, quirky-looking electric hatchback for city and suburban driving, with more passenger and cargo space than many early affordable EV rivals. The big selling points are easy everyday usability, quick low-speed electric torque, an EPA-estimated 93-mile range, and an eco-minded cabin that uses bio-based materials. It stands out less for outright speed or long-distance travel and more for being practical, distinctive, and easy to live with.
The 2016 lineup starts with the simpler EV-e, which retains fast charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and push-button start. The Soul EV adds an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a rear camera, and a heat-pump climate system, while the EV+ tops the range with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and parking sensors. Every version uses the same 27-kWh battery and 109-hp electric motor.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The new California-only EV-e joins the Soul EV and EV+, expanding the lineup from two trims to three.
Tech
Every trim gains a charge-port nozzle lock and illuminated USB/auxiliary ports.
2016 Kia Soul EV specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 109 hp | 109 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft | 210 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft | 49.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 93 | 93 | 93 |
| MPGe Combined | 105 | 105 | 105 |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Kia Soul EV?
The biggest change is the new California-only EV-e entry trim. It expands the Soul EV lineup from two trims to three.
Does the 2016 Kia Soul EV have more range than the 2015 model?
No. The 2016 Soul EV keeps the 27-kWh battery, 109-hp motor, and EPA-estimated 93-mile range from 2015.
Which 2016 Kia Soul EV trim is California-only?
The EV-e is the California-only trim for 2016. It is the new entry version and still has fast charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and push-button start.
What features were added to every 2016 Kia Soul EV trim?
Every 2016 Soul EV gains a charge-port nozzle lock and illuminated USB/auxiliary ports.
Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV a redesign?
No. The 2016 Soul EV is a light trim-and-equipment update within the first generation, not a redesign or major refresh.
2016 Kia Soul EV Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Kia Soul EV.
4.2
2016 Kia Soul EV
(42 reviews)
“Fantastic vehicle. Comfortable, thoughtfully engineered. Fun to drive and ELECTRIC!”
“Great package, excellent range for the price, the free after sale available update to the in dash navigation and UVO system is almost unheard of in this industry. A BEV that is meeting our transportation requirements.”