2016 Kia Soul: Interior Dimensions, Space, And Comfort

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2016 Kia Soul's interior dimensions. If you're considering this funky little ride, you're probably wondering about how much space you'll actually get. Is it comfy for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and maybe even a road trip or two? The answer, my friends, is a resounding yes, but let's get into the nitty-gritty details. We'll explore everything from headroom and legroom to cargo space and how well the Soul fares in the real world when it comes to passenger comfort. So, buckle up (pun intended!), and let's unravel the secrets of the 2016 Kia Soul's interior!

Interior Dimensions Breakdown: Headroom, Legroom, and Shoulder Room

Alright, let's start with the basics: interior dimensions. Knowing the numbers is crucial when you're sizing up a car. The 2016 Kia Soul provides a surprisingly spacious cabin for its compact footprint. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it handles both front and rear passenger comfort. Kia has done a solid job maximizing the interior space, making the Soul feel bigger than it looks from the outside. Let’s break it down:

• Headroom: In the front, you're looking at around 39.6 inches of headroom, which is pretty generous. Even taller folks should find it comfortable. In the back, it's slightly less, at about 39.5 inches, but still ample for most adults. The boxy shape of the Soul really helps in this area, giving passengers that much-needed vertical space. This is a crucial factor for comfort, especially on longer journeys. Nobody wants to feel cramped, right?
• Legroom: Front legroom is a comfortable 40.9 inches. Backseat passengers get a decent 39.1 inches. This is important because it dictates how much space your legs have to stretch out. The Soul provides a pretty good experience in this regard, easily accommodating average-sized adults in both rows. The thoughtful design of the seats and the clever packaging contribute to this feeling of spaciousness. Even with front seats adjusted for taller drivers, rear passengers will still find a reasonable amount of legroom.
• Shoulder Room: This is another important factor often overlooked. In the front, shoulder room is approximately 55.5 inches, while in the rear, it's about 54.7 inches. These figures indicate how much personal space each occupant gets. Again, the Soul performs well here, giving you and your passengers enough room to avoid feeling like sardines in a can. This contributes greatly to the overall feeling of spaciousness inside the car.

So, as you can see, the 2016 Kia Soul packs a lot of interior space into its compact frame. The numbers speak for themselves. Headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are all competitive in its class, and in many ways, it feels like a larger vehicle than it is.

Cargo Space and Storage Solutions

Now, let's talk about hauling stuff! Cargo space is a crucial factor, especially for those who need to carry groceries, luggage, or gear. The 2016 Kia Soul doesn't disappoint in this area. It's surprisingly versatile. Let's delve into the details:

• Cargo Capacity Behind the Rear Seats: With the rear seats in place, you'll have approximately 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This is plenty of room for everyday needs, like groceries, backpacks, or even a small suitcase or two. It's a very practical space.
• Cargo Capacity with Rear Seats Folded: This is where the Soul really shines. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to a generous 61.3 cubic feet. This opens up a lot of possibilities. You can easily fit larger items like boxes, sporting equipment, or even some smaller furniture. The folding seats create a nearly flat load floor, which makes loading and unloading a breeze. This flexibility is one of the Soul's greatest strengths. It transforms from a daily commuter to a cargo-hauling machine in seconds.
• Storage Solutions: Beyond the main cargo area, the 2016 Kia Soul offers a variety of storage solutions throughout the cabin. You'll find a decent-sized glove compartment, door pockets in both the front and rear, and a center console storage bin. Some trim levels may also include a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor, providing even more space to stash away valuables or smaller items. These thoughtful storage solutions help keep the cabin organized and clutter-free, contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience.

In terms of cargo space, the 2016 Kia Soul is a standout in its class. It offers a good amount of space with the seats up and an impressive amount when the rear seats are folded down. This, combined with the various storage solutions, makes the Soul a highly practical vehicle for a variety of needs. It’s perfect for those who need a car that can handle both their daily routine and their weekend adventures.

Comfort and Features: What Makes the Soul a Pleasant Place to Be

Beyond raw dimensions, the 2016 Kia Soul offers several features that contribute to its overall comfort and appeal. The interior design plays a big role in creating a welcoming environment. The materials used, the placement of controls, and the available features all contribute to the overall experience.

• Seating Comfort: The seats in the Soul are generally considered comfortable, even on longer drives. The base models come with cloth upholstery, while higher trim levels may offer leather or leatherette. The seats provide good support and are designed to minimize fatigue. The driver's seat often has adjustments for height and lumbar support, allowing you to fine-tune your seating position. The rear seats also offer decent comfort, with enough cushioning to make passengers feel at ease.
• Interior Design and Materials: The 2016 Kia Soul has a unique and distinctive interior design. The dashboard is modern and well-laid-out, with easy-to-reach controls. The materials used are generally of good quality for the price point. While there are some hard plastics, they are well-placed and don't detract from the overall feel of the cabin. The design is functional and stylish, with a focus on ease of use.
• Available Features: Depending on the trim level, the 2016 Kia Soul offers a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. These may include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a premium sound system, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and more. These features add to the overall sense of comfort and make the driving experience more enjoyable. The availability of these features makes the Soul a compelling choice in its class, as it offers a lot of value for the price.
• Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH): Kia has made efforts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness in the Soul. While it’s not a luxury car, the cabin is generally quiet, especially compared to some of its competitors. This helps create a more relaxing driving experience. The suspension also does a decent job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, contributing to overall comfort.

In essence, the 2016 Kia Soul offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior that goes beyond just providing space. The combination of comfortable seating, thoughtful design, and available features makes it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip. It's a car that caters to the driver and passengers alike, creating a truly enjoyable experience.

Comparing the 2016 Kia Soul to its Competition

When you're shopping for a car, it's always helpful to compare it to its rivals. The 2016 Kia Soul competes in a crowded segment. This section will give you a quick rundown of how it stacks up against some of its key competitors, and some of the advantages the Soul has.

• vs. Nissan Juke: The Nissan Juke, known for its quirky styling, offers a similar amount of interior space, but the Soul arguably has a more practical and user-friendly interior. The Juke's rear seats can feel cramped compared to the Soul, and its cargo space is a bit less versatile. The Soul's boxier shape also provides better headroom for passengers.
• vs. Honda HR-V: The Honda HR-V is known for its spacious and flexible cargo area, but the 2016 Kia Soul holds its own. The HR-V might offer a bit more overall cargo volume with the seats folded, but the Soul provides a good balance of passenger space and cargo capacity. The Soul might feel a little more stylish and have a more modern feel.
• vs. Mazda CX-3: The Mazda CX-3 is often praised for its sporty handling and stylish design, but the 2016 Kia Soul provides more passenger space and a more practical cargo area. The CX-3 is a bit smaller overall, which can make a difference if you regularly transport passengers or cargo. The Soul's boxy shape maximizes interior space.

Ultimately, the best car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The 2016 Kia Soul stands out with its unique styling, spacious interior, and practical cargo area. It's a great option for those who want a versatile and comfortable vehicle. When comparing, consider your priorities – passenger space, cargo capacity, features, and overall driving experience. The Soul consistently rates well for its value, making it an excellent choice for a variety of drivers.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2016 Kia Soul Right for You?

So, after exploring all the 2016 Kia Soul's interior dimensions, what's the verdict? Is it the right car for you? The answer largely depends on your specific needs and priorities. The 2016 Kia Soul offers a lot to love, especially if you value space, versatility, and a touch of style. Let's recap:

• Spacious Interior: The Soul provides a surprisingly roomy interior for its size, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers.
• Practical Cargo Space: It boasts a versatile cargo area that can handle everything from groceries to luggage, and it expands significantly when the rear seats are folded.
• Comfortable Features: It comes with a range of comfort and convenience features, depending on the trim level. It also has a well-designed interior, adding to the overall driving experience.
• Great Value: It offers excellent value for the money, making it a compelling choice in its class.

If you're looking for a compact car that prioritizes space, practicality, and a bit of personality, the 2016 Kia Soul should definitely be on your radar. It’s a great car for everyday commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. It has a practical and comfortable interior. If you’re looking for a vehicle that punches above its weight, the 2016 Kia Soul is a fantastic option. Test drive one and see for yourself! You might just fall in love with its unique charm and versatility. Happy driving!