2025 Kia Soul Vs. Hyundai Kona: Features, Value, And Style
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona at a Glance
- Both the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona offer seating for up to five occupants and equip a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower.
- The Kia Soul offers more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona, despite being over 5 inches shorter in length.
- The Kia Soul has a much lower starting MSRP than the Hyundai Kona, yet has comparable features, resulting in better overall value.
- The Kia Soul achieves better fuel economy than most of the Hyundai Kona lineup, thanks to its smaller size and front-wheel drive configuration.
2025 Kia Soul vs. 2025 Hyundai Kona Comparison Chart
| 2025 Kia Soul | 2025 Hyundai Kona | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Standard Horsepower | 147 | 147 |
| Standard Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | IVT | IVT |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 29 / 35 / 31 MPG1 | 29 / 34 / 31 MPG2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 165.2 in | 171.3-172.6 in |
| Body Width | 70.9 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 63 in | 62.2-62.6 in (FWD) |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 104.7 in |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 6.7 in | 6.7 in |
| Cargo Space (Standard / Max.) | 24.2 / 62.1 cu ft | 25.5 / 63.7 in |
| Headroom w/o Sunroof (Front / Rear) | 39.9 / 39.5 in | 39.9 / 38.3 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.1 / 38.8 in | 41.7 / 38.2 in |
2025 Kia Soul vs. 2025 Hyundai Kona Fuel Economy
When it comes to Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona fuel efficiency, each of these small SUVs offers impressive MPG ratings, with one of the models having a slight edge: the Kia Soul.
The Kia Soul achieves an EPA-estimated 27/33/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 on all models except the Kia Soul EX, which achieves slightly better figures at 29/35/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
Comparatively, the Hyundai Kona MPG figures range from 24/29/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 on the lower end of all-wheel drive models to up to 29/34/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with the front-wheel-drive base model.
Shop the new Kia Soul for sale to take advantage of the fuel efficiency of this subcompact SUV.
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Specs
Both the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In both vehicles, this engine is mated with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), and each vehicle can achieve up to 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. In short, when it comes to performance, the Soul and Kona are on par with each other.
The Hyundai Kona offers an available engine and all-wheel-drive system, giving you more power and traction, respectively. However, you'll be shelling out quite a bit more for either upgrade, especially since the stronger turbo engine is only available on the top three trims for the model. On the other hand, front-wheel drive can still perform well when faced with adverse weather and some terrain, and you won't have to compromise on fuel efficiency.
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Cargo Space
Cargo space is an important aspect of any SUV. Whether you're toting groceries, your latest shopping hauls, sports or camping gear, or anything else, the cargo area of your vehicle should be both spacious and versatile. Both the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona offer versatile, spacious cargo areas. With only a little over 1 foot of difference in maximum cargo volume, these SUVs are comparable when you fold the rear seats flat. The Kia Soul boasts up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Hyundai Kona holds up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo.
When the rear seats are in use, the Kia Soul can carry 24.2 cubic feet of gear compared to 25.5 cubic feet in the Hyundai Kona. Both SUVs have split-folding rear seats to take advantage of the space.
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Interior Space & Comfort Features
Regarding interior space, the 2025 Kia Soul vs. 2025 Hyundai Kona have similar dimensions. The Kia Soul is around 5 inches shorter in length than the Hyundai Kona, yet it doesn't sacrifice passenger comfort. In fact, the Kia Soul offers more rear legroom for passengers and headroom than the Hyundai Kona despite its smaller size.
Interior comfort features can make a vehicle go from good to great, and the Kia Soul is filled with features the entire family will enjoy. As you shop the various trim levels of the Kia Soul in our new Kia vehicles for sale, you'll find models that provide the following features and amenities.
- Eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment
- Heated front seats
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Dual-level cargo floor
- Sunroof
- Cloth, Tricot, or SynTex seating upholstery
- An 8- or 10.25-inch touchscreen display (Navigation included with the larger display)
- Harman Kardon® premium audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer and external amplifier
- Wireless phone charging
- Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility
- Pre-Cooling and Heating through the Kia Access App
The Hyundai Kona also offers many great features and amenities of its own. The Kona has comparable options, like Cloth or H-Tex leatherette seating, available heated seats, and many more, depending on the trim level. However, you won't get quite the same concert-like experience with its eight-speaker Bose® premium audio system.
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Price & Value
When it comes to the price and overall value of the Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona, the Kia Soul stands out as the obvious choice for drivers seeking a combination of excellent features and the best value for their budget.
The Kia Soul has a lower starting MSRP than the Hyundai Kona. In fact, the top-tier Kia Soul trim level is comparable in price to the base model of the Hyundai Kona.
If you're searching for a spacious, fully-featured SUV without stretching your budget, the Kia Soul is waiting for you. Finance or lease a new 2025 Kia Soul at Wallace Kia of Bristol.
Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Warranty
Regarding warranty coverages, both the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona offer the following factory warranties for new vehicle purchases:
- 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty3
- 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty3
Both vehicles offer additional standard coverages for things like Roadside Assistance, Anti-Perforation, and more. Contact our dealer for more details.
Learn More About the Kia Soul at Wallace Kia of Bristol
Both the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul are excellent SUV options, but if you're looking for a perfect blend of features, comfort, and value, the Kia Soul is the preferred choice. Learn more about the new Kia Soul for sale at Wallace Kia of Bristol! You can fill out a credit application online or contact us to learn about our current deals and incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kia Soul or the Hyundai Kona more fuel-efficient?
While the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona have similar fuel efficiency specs, the Kia Soul is more efficient overall. With up to 29/35/31 MPG1 for the EX trim level, the Kia Soul beats even the most fuel efficient Hyundai Kona model, which achieves 29/34/31 MPG.1 The better fuel efficiency of the Soul is attributed to it's smaller size and front-wheel drive configuration.
Which model is more customizable: the Kia Soul or the Hyundai Kona?
The Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona both offer multiple trim options, available features, and nine exterior paint choices. While the Hyundai Kona gives you more individualized customizations via its two additional trims and single accessories, the Kia Soul opts to pack most of the same available features into fewer trims and bundle add-ons into packages – all at much lower MSRP – giving you more value for every dollar.
How do the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona compare in terms of cargo space?
Both SUVs offer plenty of space behind for storage of groceries, gear, and anything in between. The Hyundai Kona is a bit larger than the Kia Soul, and it offers a little over 1 more cubic foot of maximum cargo storage space – 62.1 and 63.7 cubic feet, respectively. That said, your rear-seat passengers will thank you for the more generous passenger dimensions in the Kia Soul.
Discover More Kia Model Comparisons
1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
3Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.