2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Subaru Impreza

$20,490 · Wagon

$24,360 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Subaru Impreza is the MSRP, with the Soul starting at $20,490 compared to the Impreza's $24,360, representing a $3,870 savings. Performance specs show the Impreza has a slight edge, offering 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque versus the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is virtually tied, with both achieving 30 MPG combined; however, the Impreza gains a marginal advantage with 34 MPG highway compared to the Soul's 33 MPG highway. In terms of utility, the Kia Soul offers more vertical space at 63.0 inches in height and provides superior cargo volume at 24.2 cubic feet, significantly exceeding the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Conversely, the Impreza is physically longer at 176.2 inches and features standard All-Wheel Drive, distinguishing its driving dynamics from the FWD Kia.

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 efficient FWD layout.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul offers better practical space with 24.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza provides better metrics for enthusiasts with 152 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul presents superior value by costing $3,870 less while delivering identical 30 MPG combined fuel economy.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

Your primary concern is initial acquisition cost, evidenced by the $20,490 MSRP.
You prioritize maximum usable interior volume, utilizing the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
You do not require the traction benefits of an AWD system, as the Soul is FWD.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You need the consistent traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You seek marginally superior power output with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle structure, measuring 176.2 inches versus the Soul's 165.2 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Length	165.2"	176.2"
Width	70.9"	70.1"
Height	63.0"	58.3"
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Rear 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

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	30 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	2
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	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	✓	Full
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	205/55R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

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 Impreza.

Which vehicle is more powerful based on standard specifications?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza possesses slightly more power, generating 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This compares to the 2025 Kia Soul's output of 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

How does the cargo capacity differ between the two wagons?

The Kia Soul offers notably more cargo room, boasting 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. In contrast, the Subaru Impreza is rated for 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy ratings?

The EPA estimates are nearly identical, with both vehicles achieving 30 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel. The Impreza edges out the Soul by 1 MPG on the highway rating (34 vs. 33 MPG).

What is the primary mechanical difference affecting traction in different weather conditions?

The Subaru Impreza comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, providing enhanced grip. The Kia Soul is configured exclusively with a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) transmission setup.

How much more expensive is the Subaru Impreza compared to the Kia Soul?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that is $3,870 higher than the Kia Soul's starting MSRP of $20,490. This places the Impreza at $24,360.