2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$20,490 · Wagon

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Soul bursts onto the scene as the accessible urban runabout, exciting buyers with its sharp $20,490 starting MSRP and commendable 30 combined MPG. Its compact 165.2-inch frame makes city maneuvering a delight, prioritizing efficiency over brute force with its 147 hp engine. Contrastingly, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 radiates rugged appeal, offering significantly more muscle at 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive. This capability comes at a premium, carrying an MSRP of $29,900—a steep $9,410 premium over the Kia. While the Mazda boasts a larger 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the Soul counters with a slight fuel advantage, netting 4 more miles per gallon combined. The choice boils down to prioritizing playful efficiency or robust, capable performance.

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 combined MPG rating and lower entry price, minimizing daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is the family choice, offering significantly more utility with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity and standard AWD capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-50's higher output of 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a more engaging 6-speed shiftable automatic.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul provides undeniable value by offering essential transportation for nearly $9,500 less than the CX-50.

Choose the Kia Soul if...

Your primary concern is keeping initial purchase costs low, starting at just $20,490.
You value fuel economy above all, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
You frequently navigate tight city streets where the shorter 165.2-inch length provides an advantage.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need the enhanced stability and traction of All-Wheel Drive standard.
You require maximum hauling capability, evidenced by 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
Driving dynamics are crucial, as the CX-50 delivers a potent 187 hp output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Soul	Mazda CX-50
Length	165.2"	185.8"
Width	70.9"	75.6"
Height	63.0"	63.5"
Wheelbase	102.4"	110.8"

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	—	✓
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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	185 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	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.1/471.9 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.9 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	—	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	52.1 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	—
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	P225/65R17
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-50.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 than the 2025 Kia Soul?

The Mazda CX-50 holds a significant performance edge, boasting 187 horsepower compared to the Kia Soul's 147 horsepower, a 40 hp difference. This extra power supports the CX-50's slightly lower 26 combined MPG rating.

Is the higher price of the CX-50 justified by the cargo space?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 costs $9,410 more than the Kia Soul, but it provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet. If hauling is a priority, the extra cubic footage might offset some of the premium.

Which vehicle is better suited for long highway commutes regarding fuel costs?

The 2025 Kia Soul is more economical for highway driving, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Mazda CX-50's 30 MPG. This efficiency difference helps mitigate the lower 147 hp output of the Kia.

What is the primary reason the CX-50 is more expensive?

The substantial $9,410 price gap is largely due to the Mazda CX-50 including standard All-Wheel Drive and a more powerful engine (187 hp). The Kia Soul, conversely, is FWD-only and has a lower starting MSRP of $20,490.

Do these vehicles require different fuel types?

No, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 specify that they run on regular unleaded fuel, which is beneficial for keeping routine fueling costs predictable.

How does the transmission affect the driving feel between these two?

The Soul utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) for smooth efficiency, while the CX-50 offers a 6-speed shiftable automatic, giving driving enthusiasts more direct control over its 185 lb-ft of torque.