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Kia Soul vs Mazda MX-5 Miata RF - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (147 HP vs 181 HP), trunk space and price (20,500 $ vs 37,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Kia Soul or Mazda MX-5 Miata RF?

Kia Soul vs Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Key differences

Kia Soul

  • significantly cheaper
  • a bit more efficient

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

  • moderately more power
  • somewhat lighter

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

Soul

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Soul is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,500 $ , while the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF costs 37,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 16,520 $.

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

MX-5 Miata RF

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF offers moderately more power – delivering 181 HP compared to 147 HP. That’s roughly 34 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF delivers moderately more torque with 151 lb-ft compared to 132 lb-ft. That’s about 19 lb-ft more.

Soul

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Kia Soul offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is somewhat lighter – 2,452 lbs compared to 2,888 lbs. The difference is around 436 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Soul is decisively 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 $20,500
Soul

Kia Soul

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel
  • Power HP : 147 HP
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General
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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 MX-5 Miata RF

The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF stands out with its sleek retractable fastback design, offering an exhilarating open-air driving experience at the touch of a button. Its sophisticated styling and agile performance make every journey a thrill, perfectly blending everyday usability with the excitement of a classic roadster. Inside, the Miata RF maintains a driver-focused cockpit that enhances the connection between car and driver, providing an experience that's both intuitive and engaging.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
20,500 - 24,800 $
Price
37,000 - 40,200 $
FuelEconomy City
27 - 29 mpg
FuelEconomy City
26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
33 - 35 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
34 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
14.3 gal
Fuel tank capacity
11.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Convertible
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,888 - 2,998 lbs
Curb weight
2,452 - 2,496 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
4.5 cu. ft.
Length
165.2 in.
Length
154.1 in.
Width
70.9 in.
Width
68.3 in.
Height
63 in.
Height
49 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel
Drive Type
Rear Wheel
Power HP
147 HP
Power HP
181 HP
Torque
132 lb-ft
Torque
151 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2 L
Engine Displacement
2 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
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.