2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Mazda CX-5
Comparison Overview
The most striking numerical disparity between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the $8,280 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Soul starting at $20,490 against the CX-5's $28,770. Performance metrics also diverge significantly; the CX-5 delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. This power difference contributes to the fuel economy gap: the Soul achieves a combined 30 MPG, exceeding the CX-5's 25 MPG combined rating by 5 miles per gallon. Furthermore, the CX-5 offers greater utility with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Soul's 24.2 cu ft. The CX-5 is also physically larger, measuring 180.1 inches in length versus the Soul's 165.2 inches, while both use regular unleaded fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy rating compared to the CX-5's 25 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is better suited for families as it offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Soul's 24.2 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by providing 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul presents a superior value proposition by saving $8,280 upfront while maintaining an acceptable 27/33 City/Highway MPG.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your budget is strictly under $21,000, as the MSRP is $20,490.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is the top priority, evidenced by its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle with a shorter length of 165.2 inches.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You require the greater power output of 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive capability and a 6-speed automatic transmission are necessary for your driving conditions.
- Maximum cargo volume is essential, with the CX-5 offering 30.8 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 180.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 63.0" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 106.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 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 | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 351.9/443.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 15.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | ✓ | — |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume 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. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 57.1 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 | — | 55.2 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.3 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear 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-5.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain and its effect on performance?
The Kia Soul (car1) is exclusively Front Wheel Drive with a Continuously Variable Transmission, producing 147 hp. Conversely, the Mazda CX-5 (car2) comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a 6-speed shiftable automatic, yielding a higher 187 hp output.
How significant is the fuel economy advantage of the Kia Soul over the Mazda CX-5?
The Kia Soul offers a substantial 5 MPG advantage in combined driving, achieving 30 MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG combined rating. This difference translates to fewer stops at the pump over the vehicle's lifespan.
For buyers prioritizing utility, how much more cargo space does the CX-5 provide?
The Mazda CX-5 provides 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 6.6 cubic feet more than the Kia Soul's 24.2 cubic feet. This extra space is beneficial for larger hauls or family gear.
Is the higher price of the Mazda CX-5 justified by its increased performance metrics?
The Mazda CX-5 costs $8,280 more than the Kia Soul, an investment that returns 40 additional horsepower (187 hp vs. 147 hp) and significantly more torque (186 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft).
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 specify that they operate on regular unleaded fuel, minimizing running costs beyond just the MPG ratings.
Which vehicle is physically larger in dimensions?
The Mazda CX-5 is the larger vehicle across the board; it is 14.9 inches longer (180.1 in vs. 165.2 in) and 3.1 inches taller (66.1 in vs. 63.0 in) than the Kia Soul.
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