The appeal of the Kia Soul and the Mazda CX-30 is diverse. Kia has practical advantages like low prices and long warranties, but the CX-30 has standard all-wheel drive and a more upscale interior.
Take a closer look at the Mazda CX-30 and Kia Soul to find the perfect subcompact SUV for you.
2023 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a stylish compact that can be considered an SUV or hatchback. All in all, it’s a great value for a new car thanks to its affordable price and excellent warranty. Prices start at $19,890.
Kia Soul Highlights:
Great pricing — The Kia Soul starts at over $3,000 less than the Mazda CX-30. Even the mid-range S trim, with desirable features like a 10.25-inch infotainment system, navigation, blind-spot monitoring and wireless phone charging, is more affordable than the base CX-30.
excellent warranty — The Kia Soul comes with an excellent 5-year / 60,000-mile base warranty and a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That’s much longer warranty coverage than the CX-30, the 3-year/36,000-mile base warranty, and the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Better fuel economy — The Kia Soul has slightly better gas mileage than the Mazda CX-30. Kia’s combined fuel economy is up to 31 mpg, while Mazda’s most fuel-efficient variant gets up to 29 mpg. The result, according to the EPA, is $100 in fuel savings for the Soul compared to the CX-30.
Check out this week’s fair buy price or browse Kia Soul models for sale near you.
2023 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is an attractive subcompact SUV with standard all-wheel drive, a premium cabin and an exciting turbocharged engine option. Prices start at $22,950.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights:
all wheel drive — All-wheel drive is not available on the Kia Soul, but comes standard on all Mazda CX-30s. The i-Activ AWD system improves traction on slippery roads and optimizes grip on dry roads for a better driving experience in all road conditions.
fun drive — In typical Mazda fashion, the CX-30 has a dedicated driving character. The base engine makes this SUV feel fast, and a well-tuned chassis gives his CX-30 excellent handling. Upgrade to an optional turbocharged engine for an exciting performance unmatched in this class.
premium interior — Mazda has a reputation for making luxury cars and SUVs without a premium price tag, and the CX-30 is no exception. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, especially with upper trim that rivals some luxury SUVs.
Check out this week’s fair buy price or browse the Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.
Similarity
Standard 4-cylinder engine, similar safety, infotainment tech, similar size.
Conclusion
The Kia Soul is more value oriented thanks to its more affordable price, longer warranty and better fuel economy. However, the CX-30’s extra cost is justified because it’s more fun to drive, has a nicer interior, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Which one is right for you depends on your priorities.
| 2023 Kia Soul | 2023 Mazda CX-30 | |
| starting price | $19,890 | $22,950 |
| popular powertrain | ||
| engine | 2.0 liter 4 cylinder | 2.5 liter 4 cylinder |
| horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| contagion; infection | CVT automatic | 6 speed automatic |
| drive train | front wheel drive | AWD |
| fuel consumption | 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Also available | none | 2.5 liter turbo 4 cylinder |
| specification | ||
| Basic warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Comprehensive Safety Assessment | 4 stars | 5 stars |
| Maximum number of seats | Five | Five |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 inches | 104.4 inches |
| overall length | 165.2 inches | 173.0 inches |
| width | 70.9 inches | 70.7 inches |
| height | 63.0 inches | 61.7 inches |
| diameter of rotation | 34.8 feet | 37.3 feet |
| headroom, front | 39.9 inches | 38.1 inches |
| headroom, rear | 39.5 inches | 38.3 inches |
| legroom, front | 41.1 inches | 41.7 inches |
| legroom, rear | 38.8 inches | 36.3 inches |
| shoulder room, front | 55.5 inches | 55.6 inches |
| shoulder room, rear | 54.7 inches | 53.6 inches |
| cargo volume | 24.2/62.1 cubic feet | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet |