2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Soul arrives packing distinctive, boxy style and impressive practicality for an entry price of just $20,490, leveraging its excellent 30 MPG combined efficiency. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid throws down a thrilling gauntlet with a robust 196 hp, a whopping 42 MPG combined rating, and standard All-Wheel Drive, albeit at a significantly higher $28,495 MSRP. The Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space while delivering 147 hp, focusing on accessible utility. The Corolla Cross Hybrid boasts 49 more horsepower and achieves a remarkable 12 MPG advantage, making it the performance-focused efficiency champ, despite having slightly less cargo room at 21.5 cubic feet. This comparison pits raw, budget-friendly quirkiness against sophisticated, efficient all-weather capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid offers superior fuel economy at 42 MPG combined and the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul provides a slightly larger cargo capacity of 24.2 cubic feet and a significantly lower entry price for budget-conscious hauling.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid dominates driving dynamics with 196 hp and AWD capability, making it far more engaging than the Soul's 147 hp.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul undercuts the Hybrid by $8,005, offering a compelling package for its $20,490 MSRP.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your budget is the absolute primary concern, as the Kia Soul starts at an accessible $20,490.
- You prioritize maximum internal utility, benefiting from the Soul's slightly larger 24.2 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You don't require the extra grip of AWD and are happy with 147 hp and 27/33 MPG city/highway.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid if...
- You demand higher performance, as the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers an impressive 196 hp.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, given the Hybrid’s exceptional 42 MPG combined rating.
- All-Wheel Drive is essential for navigating snow or slippery roads, a feature the Soul lacks.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 196 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 45/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 477.0/402.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 10.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
How significant is the performance gap between the two vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid generates 196 hp, which is 49 horsepower more than the 2025 Kia Soul’s 147 hp. This means the Corolla Cross Hybrid offers a far quicker and more responsive driving experience.
Is the price difference worth paying for the Corolla Cross Hybrid?
There is an $8,005 difference, with the Hybrid costing $28,495 versus the Soul's $20,490 MSRP. Buyers must weigh this cost against the gains in horsepower, MPG, and standard AWD.
Which vehicle is more economical for long daily highway commutes?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the clear winner for mileage, achieving 38 MPG on the highway compared to the Kia Soul's 33 MPG highway rating, contributing to a 12 MPG combined advantage.
Does the Kia Soul offer more overall storage room?
Yes, the Kia Soul provides slightly more overall cargo volume, offering 24.2 cubic feet versus the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 21.5 cubic feet, making the boxy Soul marginally better for bulky cargo.
Which vehicle handles inclement weather better?
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is better equipped for adverse conditions due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, whereas the Kia Soul is exclusively front-wheel drive.
Are both vehicles powered by regular unleaded fuel?
Both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium fuel to achieve their rated performance or efficiency.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool