2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Mazda CX-30

$20,490 · Wagon

$25,195 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the $4,705 difference in starting MSRP, with the Soul priced at $20,490 versus the CX-30's $25,195. This price gap reflects substantial performance differences; the CX-30 delivers 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque by 44 horsepower. While the Soul offers a marginally superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG compared to the CX-30's 29 MPG, the CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Furthermore, the Soul provides slightly more utilitarian space, boasting 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity against the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. The transmission setups also vary significantly: the Soul uses a CVT, while the CX-30 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic, impacting the driving dynamics for different user profiles.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Soul

The 2025 Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its lower $20,490 MSRP and slightly better 30 combined MPG efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul offers superior practicality for families with 24.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering substantially more power with 191 hp and standard AWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul offers significantly lower ownership entry cost at $20,490 while retaining respectable fuel economy metrics.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

You prioritize minimizing the initial purchase price, as the MSRP is $4,705 lower than the competitor.
You require maximum utility, evidenced by 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the CX-30 by 4.0 cubic feet.
Your driving consists mostly of highway miles where the 33 MPG highway rating provides minor long-term savings.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Performance is critical, as the 191 hp engine significantly outperforms the Soul’s 147 hp output.
Year-round driving confidence is necessary due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer the dynamic engagement of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Mazda CX-30
Length	165.2"	173.0"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	63.0"	61.7"
Wheelbase	102.4"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.1/471.9 mi.	330.2/419.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 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	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.6 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
Front Hip Room	—	54.6 in.

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.2 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2025 Mazda CX-30.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain capability between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing enhanced traction. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Soul is exclusively Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

How much more power does the Mazda CX-30 produce compared to the Kia Soul?

The CX-30 generates 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 44 horsepower and 54 lb-ft of torque over the Kia Soul's specifications.

Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency?

The Kia Soul achieves a better combined MPG rating of 30, edging out the CX-30's 29 MPG. Both vehicles have the same 33 MPG highway rating, but the Soul's city MPG is slightly better at 27 MPG versus 26 MPG.

What is the cost disparity between the two models?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 carries a significantly higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,195 compared to the Kia Soul's $20,490, resulting in a $4,705 difference.

Does the body style significantly affect interior storage?

Yes, despite the CX-30 being classified as a crossover and the Soul as a wagon, the Soul offers more stated cargo volume at 24.2 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

Are there differences in the type of automatic transmission used?

The vehicles utilize different automatic transmissions; the Kia Soul employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the Mazda CX-30 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic.