2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

$20,490 · Wagon

$26,560 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek often comes down to prioritizing initial cost versus all-weather capability. If saving money upfront is key, the Soul starts at a highly competitive $20,490, significantly undercutting the Crosstrek's $26,560 starting MSRP—a difference of $6,070. While both vehicles offer nearly identical fuel economy, with the Soul achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined, the power outputs are close, with the Crosstrek offering a slight edge at 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Soul offers slightly more usable space, boasting 24.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which beats the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet, making the Soul a surprisingly practical, budget-friendly box.

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 marginally better 30 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Soul

The Soul offers superior utility for families, providing 24.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek appeals more to enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive system and slightly higher 152 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul delivers better value by offering essential utility for $6,070 less than the comparable Crosstrek.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

Your primary concern is keeping the purchase price low, as the Soul starts at only $20,490.
You need maximum accessible storage space, given the Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You drive exclusively in dry climates and prioritize saving $6,070 upfront over standard AWD.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You frequently encounter snow or rough roads, as the standard All-Wheel Drive is a major advantage.
You prefer marginally better performance metrics, as the Crosstrek provides 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
You desire a slightly larger footprint for improved road presence, as the Crosstrek is 11.2 inches longer than the Soul.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	165.2"	176.4"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	63.0"	62.8"
Wheelbase	102.4"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	145 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.1/471.9 mi.	448.2/564.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 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	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.8 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	—	55.1 in.

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.2 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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 Subaru Crosstrek.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek than the Kia Soul?

The Crosstrek commands a substantial premium, starting at $26,560 compared to the Soul's $20,490 MSRP. This means the Subaru costs $6,070 more right out of the gate.

Which vehicle offers better practical cargo hauling ability?

The 2025 Kia Soul is the winner for pure cargo volume, offering 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek only provides 19.9 cubic feet in that same area.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between these two?

No, the difference is minimal; the Kia Soul achieves 30 MPG combined (27/33 MPG) while the Subaru Crosstrek is rated at 29 MPG combined (27/34 MPG). Both use regular unleaded fuel.

If I live in a snowy region, which car should I choose?

For poor weather or unpaved roads, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the clear choice because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Kia Soul only offers Front Wheel Drive.

How do the engine power specifications compare for 2025?

The Crosstrek holds a slight advantage with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Soul offers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, meaning both are focused more on efficiency than raw speed.

Does the size difference between the two cars affect their footprint?

Yes, the Subaru Crosstrek is noticeably longer at 176.4 inches compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches, although both share the exact same width of 70.9 inches.