2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is the MSRP, with the Kia starting at $20,490 versus the Subaru's $26,595, a difference of $6,105. Despite the lower entry price, the Soul offers marginally better fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the Impreza's 29 combined MPG, although both achieve 27 MPG in the city. Power output favors the Impreza, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Dimensional differences include the Soul being 11 inches longer overall (165.2 in vs. 176.2 in for the Impreza), but the Kia compensates with superior cargo space at 24.2 cubic feet versus the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. The crucial functional divergence is the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability against the Soul's Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is the winner for daily commuting due to its lower MSRP of $20,490, reducing initial financial outlay.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul provides superior utility for families by offering 24.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is favored by enthusiasts for its standard All-Wheel Drive system and higher torque output of 145 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul presents better value, costing $6,105 less while delivering comparable city fuel economy and higher base cargo volume.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Budget constraints dictate a lower initial purchase price, as the Soul starts at $20,490.
- Maximum cargo flexibility is required, evidenced by the 24.2 cu ft capacity.
- Consistent city driving requires only the efficiency of a Front-Wheel Drive layout.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- All-weather capability is prioritized due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- Slightly better performance metrics are desired, featuring 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- A longer wheelbase is preferred, as the Impreza measures 176.2 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 63.0" | 58.3" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 145 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 448.2/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 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) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.8 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 | — | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.2 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| 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 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Subaru Impreza.
How does the mandatory AWD on the 2026 Impreza affect its fuel efficiency compared to the FWD Kia Soul?
The Subaru Impreza achieves 29 combined MPG due to its AWD system, while the FWD Kia Soul is slightly more efficient at 30 combined MPG. Both vehicles share the same 27/33 MPG city/highway ratings, indicating AWD penalty is minimal on the highway cycle for the Impreza.
Is the 2025 Kia Soul smaller than the 2026 Subaru Impreza in all dimensions?
No, the Kia Soul is shorter in height (63.0 in vs. 58.3 in) and width (70.9 in vs. 70.1 in, though this is close), but it is significantly shorter in overall length at 165.2 inches compared to the Impreza's 176.2 inches. Wait, rechecking dimensions: the Soul is shorter overall but 0.8 inches wider and 4.7 inches taller.
Which vehicle offers more power from its base engine?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza offers greater power, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This slightly outpaces the 2025 Kia Soul, which is rated at 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
What is the price justification for the Subaru Impreza being over $6,000 more expensive?
The $6,105 price difference is primarily justified by the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive hardware and its marginally superior engine output (152 hp vs. 147 hp). However, the Impreza offers less cargo volume (20.4 cu ft) for the premium.
Which car has more passenger/cargo room available for the price?
The Kia Soul offers substantially more cargo space at 24.2 cubic feet compared to the Impreza’s 20.4 cubic feet, and it achieves this while being $6,105 cheaper. This makes the Soul the quantitatively better choice for hauling volume on a budget.
Are both vehicles restricted to the same fuel type?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline, avoiding the need for premium fuel for their base powertrains.
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