2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the pragmatic 2025 Kia Soul and the more upscale 2026 Mazda CX-30 often boils down to budget versus driving polish. The Kia Soul immediately grabs attention with its $5,485 lower starting MSRP of $20,490, appealing strongly to budget-conscious buyers who need efficiency—it boasts a superior combined MPG of 30. Conversely, the Mazda CX-30 offers a significant power advantage, delivering 186 hp compared to the Soul's 147 hp, and standard All-Wheel Drive. While the Soul maximizes utility with 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the CX-30 provides a slightly larger footprint at 173.0 inches long but less storage. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize the Kia's low running costs and maximum interior volume or the Mazda's spirited performance and standard AWD system.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its excellent 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower ownership entry price.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers more practical space with 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it easier for hauling family gear than the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the enthusiast's pick, providing a notable 39 hp advantage and 186 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Soul
With a $5,485 lower MSRP and better fuel economy, the Kia Soul offers superior upfront and running cost value.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your top priority is saving money, as the Soul starts at $20,490, substantially undercutting the Mazda.
- You want the best possible fuel efficiency, netting you 30 MPG combined versus the CX-30's 27 MPG.
- Maximum usable cargo volume is essential, given the Soul provides 24.2 cubic feet versus 20.2 cubic feet.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prefer a sportier driving experience thanks to the CX-30's 186 hp engine.
- You need the traction benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
- You appreciate the extra length (173.0 inches) and slightly more assured handling implied by the higher torque rating of 186 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 173.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.7" |
| Height | 63.0" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 104.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 186 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 12.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 55.6 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 | 4-way |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.6 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.2 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Mazda CX-30.
Is the 2025 Kia Soul significantly smaller than the 2026 Mazda CX-30?
Yes, the Soul is noticeably shorter in length, measuring 165.2 inches compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches, though the Soul is slightly taller at 63.0 inches.
How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-30?
The CX-30 holds a distinct advantage in performance, delivering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is 39 hp more than the Kia Soul's 147 hp.
Which vehicle is cheaper to run daily?
The Kia Soul will be cheaper to run daily because it achieves a combined 30 MPG and uses a Continuously Variable Transmission optimized for efficiency.
Does one car come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 includes All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature, whereas the 2025 Kia Soul is strictly Front Wheel Drive.
How large is the price difference between these two models?
There is a notable $5,485 difference in starting MSRP, with the Kia Soul kicking off at $20,490 while the Mazda CX-30 begins at $25,975.
Which vehicle offers better utility despite the body style difference?
Surprisingly, the boxier Kia Soul offers more maximum storage utility, boasting 24.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
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