Kia Soul (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,611 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£980
£82/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
Electric
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £980/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Home charging at about 7.5p a mile
Band A (zero emission)
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
88% of MOT tests on Kia Souls from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 3,611 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 52,716 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
52,716
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Kia Soul had 52,716 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2016 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Kia Soul by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 Kia Soul
The 2016 Kia Soul is a city car. Our records list this model year as electric, but most of the model's other years are petrol or diesel, so the fuel type and running costs here may be wrong. 3,611 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 52,716 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Kia Soul owners drive about as much as the UK average.
What does it cost to own a 2016 Kia Soul?
Total estimated annual running cost is £980 (£82/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Kia Soul Reliability Trend
Newer Kia Souls pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2016 Kia Soul
At 10 years old, the Kia Soul is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 Kia Soul stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul(2016) | 88% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £980 |
| Volvo XC90(2018) | 89% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£180 |
| Hyundai Kona(2018) | 91% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,010+£30 |
| Mercedes B-Class(2015) | 86% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £980same |
| Smart (MCC) Fortwo(2017) | 88% | £555 | £200 | n/a | £1,160+£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2016 Kia Soul
Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2016 Kia Souls ended in a pass, from 3,611 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Kia Soul cost to run?
Our estimate is £980 a year (£82 a month): £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Kia Soul?
88% of 3,611 MOT tests on the 2016 Kia Soul ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 254th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).
Which year Kia Soul has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Kia Soul has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2009 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Kia Soul?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Kia Soul is 52,716 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
Kia Sportage
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
Kia Picanto
2018 · 998cc Petrol
Kia Ceed
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
Volvo XC90
2018 · Electric
Hyundai Kona
2018 · Electric
Mercedes B-Class
2015 · Electric
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