2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson

$20,490 · Wagon

$29,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the $8,710 MSRP gap, with the Tucson starting at $29,200 compared to the Soul's $20,490. This price differential directly correlates with performance and size upgrades; the Tucson offers a substantial 187 hp, outpacing the Soul's 147 hp by 40 horsepower, translating to 178 lb-ft of torque versus the Soul's 132 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is closely matched, with the Soul achieving a superior combined 30 MPG against the Tucson's 28 MPG. However, the Tucson commands significant utility benefits, providing 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity—over 14 cubic feet more than the Soul's 24.2 cu ft. While the Soul utilizes a CVT, the Tucson employs an 8-speed automatic transmission, fitting its larger 182.7-inch frame against the Soul's 165.2-inch footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined efficiency and significantly lower $20,490 entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the better family option, offering substantially more utility with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Soul's 24.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 187 hp output and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul offers superior monetary value, costing $8,710 less while still delivering respectable 27/33 MPG city/highway figures.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

Your budget is strictly under $21,000, as the MSRP is only $20,490.
You prioritize marginal fuel economy gains, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Tucson's 28 MPG.
You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint, with the Soul measuring only 165.2 inches in length.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

Maximum storage is critical, as the Tucson provides 38.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You require higher performance metrics, benefiting from 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
An 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over a continuously variable transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Hyundai Tucson
Length	165.2"	182.7"
Width	70.9"	73.4"
Height	63.0"	-
Wheelbase	102.4"	108.5"

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	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	178 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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.1/471.9 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	14.3 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	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin 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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	57.6 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	6-way
Front Hip Room	—	54.5 in.
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	56.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.9 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 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

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

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 Tucson.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Soul and the 2026 Tucson?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson generates 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is a 40 hp and 46 lb-ft advantage over the 2025 Kia Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Kia Soul holds a slight edge in efficiency, reporting 30 MPG combined (27 city/33 highway), compared to the Tucson's 28 MPG combined (25 city/33 highway).

How does the cargo capacity compare between the two models?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson provides significantly more utility with 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the 2025 Kia Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet.

Is the higher price of the Tucson justified by its size?

Yes, the Tucson has a $29,200 MSRP, $8,710 more than the Soul, and it is physically larger, measuring 182.7 inches long compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches.

Are there differences in the transmission types offered?

The base Kia Soul uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Hyundai Tucson utilizes a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.