2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

$20,490 · Wagon

$23,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a quirky wagon like the 2025 Kia Soul and the newer 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer crossover presents a genuine dilemma: style and efficiency versus subtle size advantages. If budget is the first hurdle, the Soul starts significantly lower at an MSRP of $20,490 compared to the Trailblazer's $23,000. Power delivery also differs; the Kia delivers a punchier 147 hp, while the Chevy prioritizes torque with 162 lb-ft, despite having only 137 hp. Both achieve an identical 30 MPG combined. However, the Trailblazer inches ahead in practicality, measuring 174.1 inches long and offering 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly beating the Soul's 24.2 cu ft. The Soul is also more compact overall, standing at 63.0 inches high versus the Chevy's 64.2 inches, making garage parking easier for the smaller box.

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 starting MSRP of $20,490 and slightly better highway fuel economy at 33 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the better family choice because its slightly larger dimensions yield 25.3 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Soul

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Kia Soul because it boasts higher horsepower at 147 hp compared to the Chevy's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul offers superior entry value with a starting price that is $2,510 less than the Trailblazer.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

You want the lowest possible entry price, starting at just $20,490.
You prioritize outright horsepower, as the Soul delivers 147 hp.
You value maximizing highway cruising efficiency with 33 MPG highway.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

You need the most maximum cargo volume available, which is 25.3 cu ft.
You prefer the higher low-end grunt provided by 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, with the Trailblazer measuring 64.2 inches high.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Chevrolet Trailblazer
Length	165.2"	174.1"
Width	70.9"	71.2"
Height	63.0"	64.2"
Wheelbase	102.4"	104.0"

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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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	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	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/33 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.1/471.9 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	13.2 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	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.0 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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

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.	55.4 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.
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	50.4 in.

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	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Trailblazer.

Which vehicle is better for gas savings between the 2025 Soul and 2026 Trailblazer?

Both vehicles share an identical 30 MPG combined rating, so there is no significant long-term fuel economy advantage for either model based on these specs. However, the Kia Soul achieves 33 MPG highway versus the Chevy's 31 MPG highway.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer significantly bigger than the Kia Soul?

Yes, the Trailblazer is slightly larger overall, measuring 174.1 inches long compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches. This results in a marginally superior cargo capacity of 25.3 cu ft versus the Soul's 24.2 cu ft.

Does one of these vehicles run on E85 fuel?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is listed as flex-fuel capable, meaning it can utilize unleaded or E85. The 2025 Kia Soul only specifies regular unleaded fuel.