2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Nissan Rogue lies in their initial pricing, with the Rogue commanding an $8,600 premium, starting at $29,090 compared to the Soul's $20,490 MSRP. This price gap is justified by performance metrics, as the Rogue delivers 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power deficit, the smaller Soul achieves a competitive 30 MPG combined rating versus the Rogue's 32 MPG combined. However, the Rogue offers greater utility, boasting a substantially larger cargo capacity of 31.6 cubic feet compared to the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet. Both vehicles employ a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and standard Front Wheel Drive, yet the Rogue's larger dimensions (183.0 inches long vs. 165.2 inches) contribute to its increased interior volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its lower entry price of $20,490 and better maneuverability afforded by its smaller 165.2-inch length.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue offers superior practicality for families with 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul provides superior base value by offering competitive fuel economy (30 MPG combined) while costing $8,600 less than the Rogue.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your budget requires an MSRP under $21,000, as the Kia Soul starts at $20,490.
- Your primary concern is minimizing running costs, benefiting from the lower horsepower category associated with 147 hp.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for urban navigation, indicated by its 165.2-inch length.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- You require maximum cargo accommodation, as the Rogue offers 31.6 cubic feet versus the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet.
- You prioritize engine output, needing the 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque available in the Rogue.
- You seek marginally better fuel efficiency, achieving 32 MPG combined compared to the Soul's 30 MPG combined.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 183.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 63.0" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 57.1 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 | — | 54.1 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.5 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nissan Rogue.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Nissan Rogue?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue produces significantly more power, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Soul is rated at 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, reflecting a 54 hp difference.
Which vehicle offers more utility for hauling gear or luggage?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is superior for utility, offering 31.6 cubic feet of dedicated cargo capacity. The 2025 Kia Soul provides 24.2 cubic feet, making the Rogue better suited for larger storage needs.
How do the fuel economy figures compare for daily driving?
The vehicles are closely matched in efficiency, with the 2026 Rogue achieving a combined 32 MPG (29 city/36 highway). The 2025 Soul is close behind at 30 MPG combined (27 city/33 highway).
Is the price difference of $8,600 reflected in drivetrain components?
Both vehicles utilize a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The price discrepancy primarily accounts for the Rogue's increased size, weight, and substantially higher power output.
Which vehicle is physically smaller and easier to park?
The 2025 Kia Soul is considerably more compact, measuring 165.2 inches in length and 63.0 inches in height. The 2026 Rogue is longer at 183.0 inches and taller at 66.5 inches.
Are both cars able to use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Nissan Rogue specify regular unleaded fuel. This ensures lower fueling costs regardless of which model you select.
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