2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial difference is the $3,645 MSRP gap, with the 2025 Kia Soul starting at $20,490 versus the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross at $24,135. Performance metrics favor the Corolla Cross, offering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, clearly outpacing the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Fuel economy is marginally better in the Corolla Cross at 32 combined MPG compared to the Soul's 30 combined MPG, although both achieve identical 33 MPG on the highway. Dimensionally, the Corolla Cross is longer at 176.1 inches versus the Soul's 165.2 inches, contributing to its crossover designation. Cargo capacity is nearly identical, with the Soul offering a slightly larger 24.2 cubic feet versus the Corolla Cross's 24.0 cubic feet, making practical utility very comparable despite their different classifications.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $20,490 and comparable 27 MPG city efficiency.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is marginally better equipped for families with its taller 64.9-inch height and slightly larger overall dimensions.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is the enthusiast choice as it produces 22 more horsepower (169 hp) and 19 more lb-ft of torque (151 lb-ft) than the Kia Soul.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul delivers superior value by undercutting the Corolla Cross's price by $3,645 while maintaining similar combined fuel economy.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your budget is strictly capped near $20,490, capitalizing on the $3,645 price advantage.
- You prioritize maximum interior volume in a compact footprint, as the Soul offers 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the slightly more efficient city fuel economy rating of 27 MPG versus the Corolla Cross's 31 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Maximum acceleration and passing power are required, benefiting from 169 hp versus the Soul's 147 hp.
- You require a slightly taller ride height, with the Corolla Cross standing at 64.9 inches compared to 63.0 inches.
- Achieving 31 MPG in city driving conditions is a primary objective.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 176.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 63.0" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 52.7 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 | — | 52.6 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 43.8 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross.
What is the primary difference in powertrain specifications between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross has a distinct advantage in power, delivering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Kia Soul produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for highway cruising?
Both vehicles deliver identical highway fuel economy at 33 MPG. However, the Corolla Cross edges out the Soul slightly in city ratings (31 MPG vs. 27 MPG).
How does the base MSRP compare between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Corolla Cross?
The Kia Soul presents a significant cost saving at $20,490 MSRP. The Toyota Corolla Cross starts higher, priced at $24,135, representing a $3,645 price differential.
Are the physical dimensions dramatically different, despite one being a wagon and the other a crossover?
The Corolla Cross is physically larger, measuring 176.1 inches in length compared to the Soul’s 165.2 inches, and it is marginally taller at 64.9 inches.
Do the cargo capacities offer any measurable difference for hauling groceries or luggage?
The cargo capacities are nearly equivalent; the Kia Soul measures 24.2 cubic feet, while the Toyota Corolla Cross offers 24.0 cubic feet, meaning practicality is very similar.
Are there any differences in drivetrain or fuel requirement?
Both models utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and are designed for regular unleaded fuel, with both vehicles featuring front-wheel drive in these base configurations.
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