2025 Buick Envista vs 2025 Kia Soul
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical differentiator between the 2025 Buick Envista and the 2025 Kia Soul is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Kia Soul starting at $3,310 less ($20,490 vs $23,800). Power delivery favors the Kia Soul, boasting 147 hp compared to the Envista's 137 hp, although the Buick counters with a torque advantage of 162 lb-ft versus the Soul's 132 lb-ft. Both vehicles achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, but the Soul offers superior highway efficiency at 33 MPG versus the Envista's 32 MPG. In terms of physical footprint, the Envista is substantially longer at 182.6 inches compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches, contributing to the Soul's slightly superior cargo capacity of 24.2 cu ft compared to the Envista’s 20.7 cu ft. The Envista’s transmission is a 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the Soul utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is the better commuter choice due to its $3,310 lower starting price and marginally better highway fuel economy of 33 MPG.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Buick Envista's 20.7 cu ft, which is more practical for family utility.
2025 Buick Envista
The 2025 Buick Envista provides significantly higher torque output at 162 lb-ft compared to the Kia Soul's 132 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul provides 147 hp and greater cargo space for $3,310 less than the Buick Envista.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- You prioritize higher torque output, as the Envista delivers 162 lb-ft versus the Soul's 132 lb-ft.
- You prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You desire the greater overall length (182.6 inches) which may translate to a different driving feel than the shorter Kia Soul.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Achieving the lowest entry price is crucial, as the Soul starts at $20,490, saving $3,310.
- You need maximum cubic footage from the cargo area, with 24.2 cu ft available.
- Regular unleaded fuel is preferred over the Envista's flex-fuel compatibility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Envista | Kia Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6" | 165.2" |
| Width | 71.5" | 70.9" |
| Height | 61.2" | 63.0" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 102.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 386.1/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | P205/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Envista and 2025 Kia Soul.
Which vehicle has better overall power output?
The 2025 Kia Soul technically has higher peak horsepower at 147 hp compared to the 2025 Buick Envista’s 137 hp. However, the Envista compensates with significantly more torque, producing 162 lb-ft versus the Soul's 132 lb-ft.
How do the cargo capacities compare between the two crossover/wagons?
The Kia Soul, despite being 17.4 inches shorter in length (165.2 in vs 182.6 in), offers slightly more usable storage space with 24.2 cubic feet compared to the Envista's 20.7 cubic feet.
Is there a noticeable fuel economy difference between the two models?
Both vehicles share an identical 30 MPG combined rating. However, the Kia Soul edges out the Buick Envista in highway driving, achieving 33 MPG versus the Envista's 32 MPG.
What is the primary transmission difference?
The Buick Envista utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Kia Soul employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
How does the difference in MSRP impact the overall value proposition?
The Kia Soul’s $3,310 lower starting MSRP of $20,490 makes it the stronger value proposition based purely on acquisition cost, especially considering it offers more horsepower.
Are there differences in required fuel types?
Yes, the Buick Envista is specified as flex-fuel capable, supporting both unleaded and E85. The Kia Soul operates solely on regular unleaded fuel.
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