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Kia Soul vs Mazda CX-5 - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (147 HP vs 227 HP), trunk space and price (20,500 $ vs 28,800 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Kia Soul or Mazda CX-5?

Kia Soul vs Mazda CX-5: Key differences

Kia Soul

  • significantly cheaper
  • slightly more efficient
  • markedly lighter

Mazda CX-5

  • clearly more power

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Soul

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Kia Soul is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,500 $ , while the Mazda CX-5 costs 28,800 $ . That’s a price difference of around 8,280 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Kia Soul performs slightly better – achieving 29 mpg, compared to 26 mpg for the Mazda CX-5. That’s a difference of about 3 mpg.

CX-5

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda CX-5 offers clearly more power – delivering 227 HP compared to 147 HP. That’s roughly 80 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda CX-5 delivers substantially more torque with 310 lb-ft compared to 132 lb-ft. That’s about 178 lb-ft more.

Soul

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Soul is markedly lighter – 2,888 lbs compared to 3,679 lbs. The difference is around 791 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda CX-5 comes out modestly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $28,800
CX-5

Mazda CX-5

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel
  • Power HP : 187 - 227 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul pairs quirky-cool styling with a surprisingly airy cabin, making city commutes easy and weekend hauls more practical than you’d expect. It isn’t pretending to be an off-road bruiser, but with clever interior space, user-friendly tech, and a cheerful demeanor, it’s a smart pick for drivers who value personality and everyday convenience.

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Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the crossover for drivers who still like to drive, with a cabin that feels a class above and steering that actually talks back. It’s not the biggest or flashiest in the segment, but it nails the everyday sweet spot with smart tech, tidy looks, and just enough zoom-zoom to make the school run feel like a sneaky detour.

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Kia Soul
Mazda CX-5

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,500 - 24,800 $
Price
28,800 - 40,800 $
FuelEconomy City
27 - 29 mpg
FuelEconomy City
22 - 26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
33 - 35 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
27 - 30 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
14.3 gal
Fuel tank capacity
15.3 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
i-ACTIV AWD Sport Utility
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,888 - 2,998 lbs
Curb weight
3,679 - 3,871 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
165.2 in.
Length
180.1 in.
Width
70.9 in.
Width
72.6 in.
Height
63 in.
Height
66 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
147 HP
Power HP
187 - 227 HP
Torque
132 lb-ft
Torque
185 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2 L
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Kia
Brand
Mazda
What is the price of the Kia Soul?

Base pricing begins at 20,500 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.