2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Buick Envista

$20,490 · Wagon

$24,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the funky, budget-friendly 2025 Kia Soul and the sleek, slightly pricier 2026 Buick Envista boils down to priorities. If saving money upfront is key, the Soul starts at just $20,490, significantly undercutting the Envista’s $24,600 MSRP—a $4,110 saving. While both boast an identical 30 MPG combined rating, the Soul edges out slightly in power with 147 hp compared to the Envista's 137 hp, though the Buick counters with superior torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Kia's 132 lb-ft. Practically speaking, the Soul is much more compact at 165.2 inches long, which helps in tight parking, but the Kia offers more vertical cargo space at 24.2 cubic feet versus the Envista’s 20.7 cu ft. Your choice hinges on whether maximizing initial savings and maneuverability (Soul) outweighs gaining size and slightly better low-end grunt (Envista).

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 MSRP of $20,490 and slightly better city fuel economy at 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul provides superior utility for families with a larger maximum cargo capacity of 24.2 cubic feet compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Envista

The 2026 Buick Envista appeals more to driving enthusiasts because it produces significantly more torque (162 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft).

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul offers better immediate value by being $4,110 cheaper upfront while maintaining the same 30 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

You need the lowest possible purchase price, starting at $20,490.
Maximum cargo volume is critical, as the Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet versus 20.7 cu ft.
You prioritize easier parking due to the Soul's shorter length of 165.2 inches.

Choose the Buick Envista if...

You prefer the smooth acceleration provided by the Envista’s higher 162 lb-ft of torque.
You want a larger overall vehicle footprint (182.6 inches in length).
You value the flexibility of using E85 fuel, as the Envista is flex-fuel capable.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Buick Envista
Length	165.2"	182.6"
Width	70.9"	71.5"
Height	63.0"	61.2"
Wheelbase	102.4"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	2
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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	28/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.1/471.9 mi.	369.6/422.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Buick
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.0 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)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.0 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	—	52.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	54.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	45.8 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Buick
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Buick
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Buick Envista.

How does the fuel efficiency compare between the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Buick Envista?

Both vehicles achieve an identical 30 MPG combined rating, meaning neither has a significant long-term fuel cost advantage based on standard driving. The Kia Soul narrowly leads in highway driving at 33 MPG versus the Envista’s 32 MPG.

Is the Buick Envista much bigger than the Kia Soul?

Yes, the Buick Envista is noticeably longer and wider than the Soul. The Envista measures 182.6 inches long and 71.5 inches wide, while the Soul is quite compact at 165.2 inches long and 70.9 inches wide.

Which vehicle offers better performance specs, despite both being FWD?

The Kia Soul produces more peak horsepower at 147 hp, but the Buick Envista offers significantly better pulling power with 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Soul's 132 lb-ft.

What is the primary cost difference between these two cars?

The 2026 Buick Envista has a higher starting MSRP of $24,600, meaning you pay $4,110 more compared to the 2025 Kia Soul, which starts at $20,490.

How do their cargo areas differ for hauling items?

The boxier shape of the Kia Soul provides better utility, boasting 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Buick Envista, despite being longer overall, offers less storage at 20.7 cubic feet.

Do these vehicles use the same type of gasoline?

The Kia Soul requires regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Buick Envista supports flex-fuel, meaning it can run on E85 as well as standard unleaded.