2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Kia Soul
Comparison Overview
The comparison between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Kia Soul reveals a substantial $8,260 difference in starting MSRP, with the Soul priced at $20,490 versus the Santa Cruz's $28,750. This price disparity is accompanied by significant performance gaps: the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Fuel economy diverges by 5 MPG combined, as the Soul achieves 30 MPG combined, while the base Santa Cruz manages 25 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Santa Cruz is considerably larger, measuring 195.7 inches in length compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches. While the Soul prioritizes urban efficiency, the Santa Cruz offers a ruggedized crossover platform with superior power output for a higher initial investment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and significantly lower MSRP of $20,490.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Santa Cruz offers a larger footprint at 195.7 inches long and provides more inherent utility in its crossover/truck configuration, despite lacking explicit cargo volume data.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, significantly more power than the Soul's 147 hp.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers substantially lower ownership entry cost at $20,490 and achieves 5 MPG better combined efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- Your driving requires more power, as the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp versus the Soul's 147 hp.
- You prefer a vehicle with a longer wheelbase, as the Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches.
- You prioritize a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT found in Car 2.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Minimizing initial outlay is critical, given the $8,260 price advantage of the Soul's $20,490 MSRP.
- Maximizing miles per gallon is a priority, with the Soul achieving 30 MPG combined versus 25 MPG for Car 1.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle, as the Soul is narrower at 70.9 inches (Car 1 is 75.0 inches wide).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Kia Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 165.2" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 63.0" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 102.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 181 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 386.1/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P205/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Kia Soul.
What is the primary cost difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2025 Kia Soul?
The most significant difference is the starting MSRP; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz begins at $28,750, while the 2025 Kia Soul has a considerably lower entry price of $20,490, resulting in an $8,260 separation.
How does the performance specification compare between these two front-wheel-drive vehicles?
The Santa Cruz possesses substantially more power, generating 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque from its standard setup. Conversely, the Kia Soul produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a notable difference in fuel efficiency for daily driving?
Yes, the Kia Soul maintains a 5 MPG advantage in combined driving, achieving 30 MPG combined (27 city/33 highway) compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).
Which vehicle is physically larger and how do the dimensions stack up?
The Santa Cruz is the larger vehicle, measuring 195.7 inches in length and 75.0 inches in width. The Kia Soul is the more compact option at 165.2 inches long and 70.9 inches wide.
Do the transmission types differ between the base models?
Yes, the base 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2025 Kia Soul employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission.
Does the Kia Soul provide competitive cargo space given its lower price?
While the Santa Cruz offers more overall size, the provided specification lists the Kia Soul's cargo capacity at 24.2 cubic feet, which is a useful metric for a smaller wagon/crossover competitor.
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