2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Kia Soul

$28,145 · Crossover

$20,490 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Maverick blasts into view, exciting drivers with its assertive crossover presence and a spirited 191 hp, making it the clear choice for those needing usable power. It stands at a commanding 199.8 inches long, promising a more rugged demeanor, though its combined 38 MPG is still highly respectable. Contrast this with the nimble 2025 Kia Soul, a compact wagon champion known for its unique style and efficiency, boasting 30 combined MPG. While the Soul's 147 hp feels adequate, the Maverick's power advantage is substantial. The steep $7,655 MSRP gap means the budget-conscious shopper faces a real decision: the $20,490 Soul versus the Maverick's $28,145 entry point. Ultimately, the Maverick delivers significantly more muscle, while the Soul prioritizes pure cost savings and a tighter footprint, perfect for urban maneuvering.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick's superior 42 MPG city rating and higher power output offer a less stressful, quicker daily drive despite its larger size.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick's significantly larger overall dimensions (199.8 inches long vs. 165.2 inches) likely translate to better passenger and storage comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Maverick

With 44 more horsepower (191 hp vs. 147 hp), the Maverick provides a palpably more engaging and energetic driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul saves the buyer $7,655 upfront and still achieves 30 combined MPG, making it the clear budget champion.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You need the extra performance from the 191 hp engine for highway merging and quick acceleration.
Maximum efficiency is paramount, as evidenced by the Maverick's best-in-class 42 MPG in city driving.
You prefer the taller, wider stance of a crossover body style (72.6 inches wide vs. 70.9 inches wide).

Choose the Kia Soul if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is essential, given the $7,655 MSRP savings over Car 1.
You frequently carry gear, valuing the provided 24.2 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity.
You prioritize maximum efficiency on long highway hauls, as the Soul's 33 MPG highway beats Car 1's 35 MPG highway while being cheaper overall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Kia Soul
Length	199.8"	165.2"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	68.8"	63.0"
Wheelbase	121.1"	102.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Kia
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Kia
Transmission Type	electrically variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	386.1/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Kia
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Audio/Video Remote Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 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

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	P205/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2025 Kia Soul.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Maverick compared to the 2025 Soul?

The 2025 Ford Maverick packs significantly more punch, offering 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial advantage over the Kia Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better for long-term fuel economy?

The Ford Maverick is generally the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 38 MPG compared to the Kia Soul's 30 combined MPG. This 8 MPG difference can lead to significant savings over a year of driving, despite the Maverick's higher power output.

Is the Kia Soul smaller than the Ford Maverick?

Yes, the Kia Soul is considerably more compact, measuring 165.2 inches long against the Maverick's 199.8 inches length. The Soul is also lower and slightly narrower, making it ideal for tighter parking spots.

Why does the Ford Maverick cost nearly $8,000 more than the Kia Soul?

The $7,655 price difference reflects the Maverick's positioning as a pickup-adjacent crossover, often including more standard utility or powertrain robustness. The base Maverick starts at $28,145 while the Soul starts at a much lower $20,490.

Do either of these vehicles use premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Kia Soul are designed to run on readily available regular unleaded fuel. This is a key benefit for owners prioritizing low running costs.

Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity?

Based on the provided specifications, the Kia Soul explicitly lists 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Maverick's specification sheet does not list an equivalent figure; however, the Maverick's longer body (199.8 inches) might suggest greater overall volume.