2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The classic showdown: do you stick with the proven, affordable practicality of the 2025 Kia Soul, or step up to the newer, larger 2026 Chevrolet Equinox? For budget-conscious buyers, the $8,110 difference in MSRP is significant, as the Soul starts at just $20,490 compared to the Equinox's $28,600. This price gap is the biggest factor. However, the Equinox offers more heft, measuring 183.2 inches long versus the Soul's 165.2 inches, which translates to better utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Soul's 24.2 cu ft. Performance metrics are also different; the Equinox packs 175 hp, a solid 28 hp advantage over the Soul's 147 hp, though the Soul nets slightly better fuel economy at 30 combined MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG, making daily commuting cheaper in the smaller vehicle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Equinox is better for families because its larger 183.2-inch frame provides 29.8 cu ft of cargo space, notably more than the Soul's 24.2 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Equinox as it offers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Kia Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers better immediate value, saving buyers $8,110 in MSRP while still delivering respectable 33 MPG highway.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your primary goal is minimizing initial purchase cost, as the Kia Soul saves you $8,110.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency on daily routes, highlighted by its 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for easier city parking, given its shorter 165.2-inch length.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You require maximum utility, benefiting from the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want better acceleration and passing power from the 175 hp engine.
- You prefer a physically larger vehicle structure, as the Equinox is 183.2 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 183.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 74.9" |
| Height | 63.0" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.3 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 57.7 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 | — | 54.2 in. |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 51.7 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Chevrolet Equinox.
How much more cargo space does the Equinox really have over the Kia Soul?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is 5.6 cubic feet more than the 2025 Kia Soul, which lists 24.2 cu ft, making the Equinox the clear choice for hauling larger items.
Is the significant price difference between the two vehicles justified by the performance gains?
The Equinox is $8,110 more expensive but provides 28 more horsepower (175 hp vs. 147 hp). Whether this is justified depends on your driving needs; if you rarely push the vehicle, the Soul's lower cost is more valuable.
Which car is genuinely better for maximizing fuel economy on the highway?
The 2025 Kia Soul is the winner for highway fuel savings, delivering 33 MPG on the highway compared to the 2026 Equinox’s 28 MPG highway rating.
Are both vehicles running on the same fuel type?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, meaning refueling costs won't differ based on fuel grade.
How do the driving dynamics compare regarding size?
The Kia Soul is significantly smaller at 165.2 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, suggesting easier maneuverability in tight urban spaces. The Equinox is a larger crossover at 183.2 inches long and 74.9 inches wide, feeling more substantial on the road.
What transmission type do these two competitors share?
Interestingly, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for their front-wheel-drive setups.
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