2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz often comes down to prioritizing upfront cost versus utility. If saving cash is paramount, the Soul starts at a compelling $20,490, beating the Santa Cruz's $29,500 MSRP by a significant $9,010. This initial saving aligns with the Soul's superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG. However, those needing more muscle will notice the Santa Cruz boasts 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. The size difference is also notable: the Santa Cruz is over 30 inches longer and significantly wider. For urban driving where parking is tight and efficiency matters most, the smaller dimensions and 33 MPG highway rating of the Soul make a strong case.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG and lower entry price.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz wins for families because its larger overall dimensions and crossover build offer more robust space, despite being less fuel-efficient.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque figures.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers superior overall value, starting $9,010 cheaper while delivering significantly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your primary concern is budget, as the Kia Soul undercuts the Santa Cruz by $9,010.
- You spend most of your time in stop-and-go traffic and prioritize 30 combined MPG efficiency.
- You frequently park in tight city spaces, thanks to the Soul’s compact 165.2-inch length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need the extra power provided by the Santa Cruz's 191 horsepower engine.
- You value a slightly larger footprint for better road presence and passenger comfort (66.7 inches tall).
- You prefer the traditional feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 70.9" | 75.0" |
| Height | 63.0" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 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) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.4 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 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.5 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.5 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
How much more power does the Santa Cruz offer over the Kia Soul?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a significant power advantage, boasting 191 horsepower compared to the 2025 Kia Soul's 147 horsepower. This 44 hp difference translates to quicker acceleration, especially when you need to merge onto highways.
Is the difference in fuel economy noticeable between these two vehicles?
Yes, the difference is quite clear; the Kia Soul achieves 30 combined MPG while the Santa Cruz manages only 25 combined MPG. Over the course of a year, especially for daily commuters, this 5 MPG gap means more trips to the pump for the Santa Cruz owner.
Which vehicle is better for fitting into small parking spots?
The Kia Soul is the clear winner for maneuverability and tight parking, measuring only 165.2 inches long. The Santa Cruz is substantially larger at 195.7 inches long, making it over 30 inches longer than the compact Soul.
What is the exact price difference between the two models?
There is a substantial $9,010 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The Kia Soul starts at $20,490, whereas the Hyundai Santa Cruz begins at $29,500.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for its base engine options.
Does the cargo space differ significantly between the Soul and the Santa Cruz?
While the Santa Cruz is a crossover/truck hybrid, the Kia Soul actually lists a respectable 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity. Specific cargo metrics for the Santa Cruz's bed aren't listed, but the Soul offers a deep, usable space for a wagon body type.
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