The 2016 Kia Soul stands out for its upright hatchback shape, roomy interior, and urban-friendly character, giving it a distinct place among compact daily drivers from the mid-2010s. Its styling encouraged buyers to personalize the vehicle, and tire choice still plays a big role in how it looks and drives today. This Soul uses three primary radial tire sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18, depending on sub-model and wheel package. Available choices range from a whitewall 16-inch option to blackwall performance-oriented 17- and 18-inch tires. The key step is matching the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing appearance, series, and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Kia Soul
Three tire sizes apply to the 2016 Kia Soul, and they are tied to sub-model and wheel diameter rather than a single universal setup. The first thing to confirm is whether the vehicle has 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels, then match that to the exact Soul trim. Once size is settled, the decision shifts to tread style, sidewall appearance, and the character of the available radial tire options.
In 215/55R17, the 215 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is a modern radial size used on certain 2016 Kia Soul configurations with 17-inch wheels. Available options in this size come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form across g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A series. It is the size to evaluate when the Soul has the mid-level 17-inch wheel setup and the goal is to balance correct fitment with the right tire character for daily use.
In 235/45R18, the 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 18 denotes the wheel diameter in inches. This size belongs to 2016 Kia Soul applications equipped with 18-inch wheels and carries a lower-profile look than the other primary sizes used on this model. BFGoodrich offers blackwall choices here in g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series. It is the right size to consider only after confirming the vehicle is actually on the 18-inch wheel package.
In 205/60R16, the 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This radial size is used on 2016 Kia Soul setups with 16-inch wheels and has a slightly taller sidewall profile than the larger-diameter wheel packages. An American Classic Radial is available in this size with a 1.50 inch whitewall and asymmetrical tread styling. It is the size to focus on when the Soul retains its 16-inch wheel fitment and appearance matters as much as basic replacement sizing.
Tire fitment on the 2016 Kia Soul varies by sub-model and wheel package, so trim identification matters before choosing a replacement. Some versions share one size, while others can use more than one depending on the wheel diameter installed on the vehicle.
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2016 Kia Soul !
The 2016 Kia Soul ! uses radial tire fitments tied to either 17-inch or 18-inch wheel setups. Tire selection starts with confirming the installed wheel diameter, then comparing the available blackwall performance-oriented choices in the matching size.
The 2016 Kia Soul + also uses radial tire fitments that correspond to 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since moving into the wrong rim diameter changes the fitment decision before brand or series comparisons even begin.
The 2016 Kia Soul Base uses radial tire fitments associated with either 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. That setup can lead to two very different replacement paths, from a whitewall 16-inch presentation to a blackwall 17-inch look, so the wheel size on the vehicle should be checked first.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2016 Kia Soul Tires for Sale
Available 2016 Kia Soul tire choices center on radial construction, with BFGoodrich blackwall options in the 17- and 18-inch sizes and an American Classic wide whitewall option in 205/60R16. The product grid is where series, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and load-related specifications start to matter.
Common 2016 Kia Soul tire questions usually come down to the correct size for the exact trim, wheel diameter confirmation, radial tire selection, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting the vehicle back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Kia Soul?
The 2016 Kia Soul uses three primary radial tire sizes: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18. The correct size depends on the sub-model and the wheel package installed on the vehicle, so there is not one universal tire size for every 2016 Soul.
The most important first check is the actual wheel diameter on the car. A Soul Base may use 16-inch or 17-inch fitment, while the Soul + and Soul ! can also move into larger wheel setups, so matching the tire to the existing rim is essential before comparing tread style, sidewall appearance, or product series.
What size rim does a 2016 Kia Soul use?
A 2016 Kia Soul can use 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch rims depending on the sub-model and wheel package. The matching tire sizes are 205/60R16 for 16-inch rims, 215/55R17 for 17-inch rims, and 235/45R18 for 18-inch rims.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed directly on the vehicle before selecting tires, especially on Souls that may have had wheel changes over time. Once rim diameter is verified, the next steps are checking the exact tire size already mounted, comparing rim-width suitability for the replacement tire, and making sure the overall setup still has proper fender and suspension clearance.
Why does the 2016 Kia Soul have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Kia Soul has more than one tire size because different sub-models and wheel packages use different wheel diameters. That is why the model ranges from 205/60R16 to 215/55R17 and up to 235/45R18, rather than relying on a single size across every version.
For the buyer, that means trim name alone is helpful but not always enough. A quick check of the installed wheel and the current tire sidewall helps prevent choosing a tire built for a different rim diameter, and it also keeps the selection process focused on the right product group for the vehicle's actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2016 Kia Soul?
Start with the correct primary size for the vehicle's actual wheel setup: 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18. After size is confirmed, the next considerations are radial construction details, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the tire's rim-width range matches the wheel on the car.
A 16-inch Soul setup may point toward a different appearance choice than a 17- or 18-inch setup, especially since the available 205/60R16 option uses a wide whitewall while the larger sizes are blackwall BFGoodrich offerings. Load-related specifications, intended driving use, and the vehicle's current wheel package all help narrow the best match.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Kia Soul tires?
Two sidewall styles appear across the available 2016 Kia Soul tire options: Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. The 17-inch and 18-inch sizes are offered as blackwall tires, while the 205/60R16 size includes a 1.50 inch wide whitewall option from American Classic.
That difference makes sidewall style part of the selection process rather than just a cosmetic afterthought. A buyer choosing for a 16-inch wheel setup may want the visual contrast of a whitewall, while owners of 17-inch or 18-inch Souls will be comparing blackwall tires more by series, construction details, and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Kia Soul?
Available tires for the 2016 Kia Soul come from BFGoodrich and American Classic. BFGoodrich covers the 215/55R17 and 235/45R18 sizes in several g-Force series, while American Classic offers a 205/60R16 radial with a wide whitewall presentation.
Brand choice follows size choice on this vehicle, since the available brands are not spread evenly across all three fitments. Once the correct wheel diameter and tire size are confirmed, comparing the available brand in that size becomes more useful than trying to compare every product across the entire Soul lineup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Kia Soul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Kia Soul. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowering, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change how a 205/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18 tire sits in the wheelwell.
That matters even when the tire size matches one of the factory-used dimensions, because the wheel itself may no longer match the original setup. Checking wheel diameter, actual wheel width, inner clearance, outer fender space, and steering travel helps prevent rubbing issues and keeps the replacement decision tied to the car as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Kia Soul on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Kia Soul on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct tire size for the rim diameter, and verify that the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to check for suspension wear, uneven old tire wear patterns, and any signs of alignment issues.
A short follow-up inspection after initial road use is also worthwhile. Looking for any contact marks inside the wheelwell, checking air pressure again, and making sure the vehicle tracks normally can catch fitment or setup issues early, especially if the Soul has replacement wheels or has gone a long time between tire changes.
How often should tires on a 2016 Kia Soul be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Kia Soul should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Pressure, tread wear, cuts, punctures, bulges, and sidewall cracking all deserve routine attention, especially on a vehicle that sees mixed city use, curb contact, or long intervals between service checks.
Monthly pressure checks are a sensible habit, and a closer visual inspection before longer drives adds another layer of protection. Uneven wear can also point to alignment or suspension issues rather than a tire problem alone, so the condition of the entire wheel-and-tire setup should be reviewed whenever the Soul begins to ride or steer differently.
