2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2025 Kia Soul

$23,100 · Crossover

$20,490 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

Finding the right compact vehicle often boils down to balancing initial cost against space and driving dynamics. The 2025 Kia Soul pulls ahead immediately with a lower starting MSRP of $20,490 compared to the Trailblazer's $23,100. However, the Trailblazer brings slightly more capability with 137 horsepower versus the Soul's 147 hp, despite having a slightly better torque figure at 162 lb-ft to the Soul's 132 lb-ft. In terms of footprint, the Trailblazer is noticeably larger, measuring 174.1 inches long, while the shorter Soul is 165.2 inches. Both achieve a similar 30 MPG combined. Where it gets interesting is fuel flexibility; the Trailblazer can run on E85, while the Soul requires regular unleaded. For utility, the Trailblazer offers marginally more space at 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Soul's 24.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its lower $20,490 MSRP and slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 33 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is the better family choice as it offers a longer body (174.1 inches) and 1.1 cubic feet more maximum cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Soul

The Soul appeals more to enthusiasts because its 147 horsepower engine produces more peak power than the Trailblazer's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul presents superior overall value given its $2,610 lower starting price point compared to the Trailblazer.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

You need the flexibility to use E85 fuel instead of traditional gasoline.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, evidenced by its 64.2-inch height versus the Soul's 63.0 inches.
You need the maximum possible storage, as it offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

Sticking to a budget is critical, as the MSRP is only $20,490.
You prioritize highway efficiency, with a 33 MPG highway rating.
You prefer a punchier engine setup, thanks to its 147 hp rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trailblazer	Kia Soul
Length	174.1"	165.2"
Width	71.2"	70.9"
Height	64.2"	63.0"
Wheelbase	104.0"	102.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
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	Chevrolet	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	Chevrolet	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	386.1/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Audio/Video Remote Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	52.3 in.	—
Seat Material: 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
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.8 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Size	225/60R17	P205/60R H
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	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 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2025 Kia Soul.

Which vehicle is more affordable to purchase initially?

The 2025 Kia Soul is the more budget-friendly option, starting at an MSRP of $20,490. The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts higher, priced at $23,100, which is $2,610 more.

Does the Trailblazer offer better fuel economy for daily driving?

Both vehicles share the same 30 MPG combined rating, but the Kia Soul excels on the open road with 33 MPG highway versus the Trailblazer's 31 MPG highway.

Which car is better if I carry a lot of gear?

The Trailblazer provides slightly more room for gear, offering 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. The Kia Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet.

Is one of these vehicles significantly quicker off the line?

The Kia Soul technically produces more horsepower with 147 hp compared to the Trailblazer's 137 hp, but the Trailblazer counters with higher torque output at 162 lb-ft.

What is the size difference between the two models?

The Trailblazer is larger overall; it measures 174.1 inches long and 64.2 inches tall. The Soul is more compact, measuring 165.2 inches in length and 63.0 inches in height.

Can I run the Chevrolet Trailblazer on E85 fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is rated as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can safely use E85 gasoline. The Kia Soul requires regular unleaded fuel only.