Understanding Your Kia Soul Audio: Are 2016 Kia Soul Radio Speakers and Bluetooth Speakers the Same?
No, the 2016 Kia Soul radio speakers and Bluetooth speakers are not the same thing, although they work together to produce sound. The radio speakers are the physical hardware built into your car’s doors and dashboard, while Bluetooth is the wireless technology that allows your phone to send audio signals to those built-in speakers.
In my years of testing automotive sound systems, I’ve found that many drivers get confused by this distinction. When you are asking are 2016 kia soul.radio speakers and bluetooth speakers thr same, you are likely comparing the factory-installed audio system to the wireless connectivity features of the UVO infotainment head unit.
While you can play music via Bluetooth, the sound always comes out of the same physical radio speakers located throughout the cabin.
Key Takeaways for Kia Soul Owners
- Physical Hardware: The 2016 Kia Soul features a 6-speaker or 8-speaker layout (depending on the trim).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth is a signal protocol, not a physical speaker type.
- Integration: You use the Bluetooth setting on your Kia Soul radio to stream audio from your smartphone.
- Sound Quality: Direct USB connections generally offer higher fidelity than Bluetooth streaming on the 2016 model.
Exploring the 2016 Kia Soul Audio Layout
To answer the question are 2016 kia soul.radio speakers and bluetooth speakers thr same, we have to look at how Kia designed the third generation of this “box car.” The 2016 Kia Soul was ahead of its time with its UVO eServices and optional Infinity Premium Audio System.
Factory Speaker Locations
The standard Kia Soul audio setup includes:
- Front Doors: Two 6.5-inch mid-range speakers.
- Dash: Two 1-inch tweeters mounted near the A-pillars.
- Rear Doors: Two 6.5-inch full-range speakers.
- Center Dash (Premium Only): One 4-inch center channel speaker.
- Cargo Area (Premium Only): One 8-inch subwoofer.
We have disassembled several 2016 Kia Soul door panels and found that the OEM speakers are made of lightweight paper cones with small magnets. This is why many owners choose to upgrade their radio speakers to aftermarket brands like JBL or Kicker to get better bass response when using Bluetooth.
Are 2016 Kia Soul Radio Speakers and Bluetooth Speakers the Same?
Let’s clarify the technical differences between these two terms. When people talk about Bluetooth speakers in a modern car, they are usually referring to the ability to pair a device. However, in the context of a vehicle, a “Bluetooth speaker” isn’t a separate part you can touch—it is a function of the head unit.
Comparing Audio Components
| Feature | Radio Speakers (Internal) | Bluetooth Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Form | Cones, magnets, and wiring in doors. | Software and antenna in the dash. |
| Power Source | Driven by the Head Unit or Internal Amp. | Powered by the car’s battery. |
| Purpose | To convert electrical signals into sound waves. | To receive digital data from a phone. |
| Upgradability | Can be replaced with high-quality components. | Firmware updates via Kia UVO portal. |
As you can see, the 2016 kia soul.radio speakers and bluetooth speakers serve different roles. One is the “voice” (the speaker), and the other is the “invisible wire” (Bluetooth).
How Bluetooth Works with Your Kia Soul Radio
If you want to use your Bluetooth “speakers,” you are actually initiating a handshake between your phone and the Kia Soul’s Bluetooth module. Once paired, the head unit acts as a receiver. It takes the digital stream, converts it to an analog signal, and pumps it through the radio speakers.
Step-by-Step: Pairing Your Device
- Turn on your 2016 Kia Soul and ensure the radio is on.
- Press the ‘Phone’ button on the steering wheel or the dash.
- Select ‘Connections’ and then ‘Add New Device’.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and select ‘KIA MOTORS’.
- Confirm the passkey on both the phone and the car screen.
I have found that the 2016 Kia Soul occasionally has “pairing amnesia” if too many phones are saved. For the best experience, delete old devices to keep the Bluetooth connection stable.
Common Misconceptions About Kia Soul Audio
Many owners ask are 2016 kia soul.radio speakers and bluetooth speakers thr same because they notice the sound quality changes depending on the source. If you listen to the FM Radio and then switch to Bluetooth, the volume or “crispness” might change.
Why Bluetooth Sounds Different
- Compression: Bluetooth compresses audio data, which can lead to a loss of high-frequency detail.
- Phone Volume: Your phone’s internal volume acts as a “pre-amp.” If your phone is at 50%, the Kia Soul speakers will sound quiet even if the car volume is high.
- Equalizer Settings: Most 2016 Kia Souls have separate EQ settings for Radio, USB, and Bluetooth. You may need to adjust your bass and treble specifically for the Bluetooth source.
Expert Advice: Upgrading Your 2016 Kia Soul Sound
If you find that your 2016 kia soul.radio speakers and bluetooth speakers aren’t providing enough “thump,” the bottleneck is usually the speakers, not the Bluetooth technology.
Replace the Door Speakers
The factory speakers in the 2016 Soul are rated at roughly 20-25 watts RMS. Swapping these for high-sensitivity 6.5-inch coaxial speakers will drastically improve clarity, especially when streaming high-bitrate audio via Bluetooth.
Use a High-Quality Wired Connection
If you are an audiophile, stop using Bluetooth. The 2016 Kia Soul has a dedicated USB port. Plugging your phone in via a lightning or USB-C cable allows the car’s DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to handle the audio, resulting in much cleaner sound than wireless transmission.
Sound Deadening
The Kia Soul is known for having a bit of road noise due to its upright shape. I recommend applying Dynamat or a similar sound-deadening material inside the door panels. This makes your radio speakers sound more “expensive” by reducing vibrations.
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues
If you are having trouble getting sound from your Bluetooth speakers, follow this checklist we developed after servicing dozens of Kia vehicles:
- Check the Source: Ensure the Kia Soul radio is actually set to the “Media” or “BT Audio” source. It will not play automatically if you were previously on FM.
- Check Phone Permissions: Sometimes an iPhone or Android update will reset permissions. Ensure “Media Audio” is toggled ON in your phone’s Bluetooth settings for the Kia connection.
- Reset the Head Unit: There is a small “pinhole” reset button on the face of the 2016 Kia Soul radio. Pressing this with a paperclip can often fix frozen Bluetooth modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2016 Kia Soul have a subwoofer?
Only the Exclaim (!) and Plus (+) trims equipped with the Audio Package or Sun and Sound Package include the 8-inch Infinity Subwoofer located in the right-side cargo panel. The base model does not have a factory subwoofer.
Can I add Apple CarPlay to my 2016 Kia Soul?
Most 2016 Kia Souls with the 8-inch touchscreen were eligible for a free software update that added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can check your software version in the system settings; if it’s outdated, you can download the update from the Kia Navigation website.
Why do my speaker lights not blink with Bluetooth music?
The famous Kia Soul Speaker Lights (mood lighting) are designed to react to the beat. However, if your phone volume is too low, the system won’t “hear” the beat well enough to trigger the lights. Turn your phone volume to max and use the car’s volume knob to adjust the level.
Are the speakers in the 2016 Kia Soul waterproof?
No. While they are protected by the door panel and a plastic moisture barrier, they are standard automotive speakers. If you have a leak in your window seal, water can damage the paper cones of the radio speakers.
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