For a U.S. buyer shopping new in 2026, the Hyundai Kona is the practical default because it is a current model with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and two engine choices. The Kia Soul is now primarily a used-car or remaining-2025-stock proposition: Kia America says production is set to end after the 2025 model year. Choose the Soul when its shorter body, upright cabin and configurable cargo floor fit your routine; choose the Kona when current-model availability, AWD, newer safety coverage or a turbocharged option matter more.
The figures below use 2025 U.S.-market specifications unless noted. Trim, drivetrain, cargo-floor position, vehicle build date and local inventory can materially change the answer, so verify the exact vehicle before buying.
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First, understand the 2026 buying context
This is not a comparison of two equally current new vehicles. Kia America announced that the Soul is “set to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 model year,” after more than 1.5 million Souls had been sold in the United States since 2009. Read the announcement at Kia America’s October 6, 2025 release. A new Soul in 2026 would therefore be leftover 2025 inventory, if any remains in your area; most shoppers will be comparing a used Soul with a new or lightly used Kona.
Hyundai’s 2026 Kona overview identifies the Kona as a current model and provides an inventory-search path. The page and dealer listings are the right places to confirm current trims, equipment and regional availability. Freight, dealer charges, incentives and transaction prices vary by location, so an advertised or configured price is not a guaranteed purchase price.
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At a glance: the differences that affect your decision
| Consideration | 2025 Kia Soul | 2025 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| New-car status in the U.S. during 2026 | Final model year was 2025; look for remaining stock or used examples. | Current model for 2026, with Hyundai inventory search. |
| Overall length | 165.2 inches | 171.3 or 172.6 inches, depending on trim |
| Overall width | 70.9 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Cargo behind rear seats | 24.2 cubic feet in Kia’s mat/no-board measurement; the cargo-board position changes the result. | 25.5 cubic feet |
| Maximum cargo with rear seats folded | 62.1 cubic feet | 63.7 cubic feet |
| 2025 EPA-estimated combined economy | 30–31 mpg with the continuously variable transmission (IVT), depending on trim | 28–31 mpg for front-wheel drive (FWD); 26–28 mpg for AWD, depending on trim |
| Powertrains | One gasoline engine and IVT in the listed 2025 specifications | 2.0-liter engine or 1.6-liter turbo, with FWD or available AWD depending on configuration |
| IIHS summary | Good small-overlap result for the test applying to 2020–25 models | 2025 Top Safety Pick+; listed ratings apply in part to 2024–26 models |
Dimensions and cargo capacities come from Kia’s 2025 Soul specifications and Hyundai’s 2025 Kona specifications. Fuel-economy and engine details are summarized from Hyundai’s 2025 Kona overview. These are manufacturer figures and EPA estimates, not independent tests.
Size, parking and day-to-day maneuvering
When the Soul’s shorter body helps
At 165.2 inches long, the Soul is 6.1 to 7.4 inches shorter than a 2025 Kona, depending on Kona trim. Its 70.9-inch width is also one inch narrower. That difference can make a tight garage, curbside parallel-parking space or narrow urban lane less stressful. The upright roof and squared rear also make the Soul’s exterior corners comparatively easy to judge from the driver’s seat, although visibility and camera equipment vary by trim and year.
What the Kona’s extra length means
The Kona’s 171.3- or 172.6-inch length and 71.9-inch width occupy more space, so check your garage depth and parking clearances. The extra footprint accompanies slightly greater published cargo volume and the option of AWD and a turbo engine. If you regularly carry bulky gear or travel on snow-covered roads, those added capabilities may matter more than the Soul’s easier fit in a compact space.
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How the Soul’s cargo floor changes the number
Kia lists 62.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded and 24.2 cubic feet with the seats up when measured with the mat and no cargo board. The Soul provides multiple cargo-floor positions; moving the board changes the height and usable shape of the load area, so the seat-up figure is not one universal volume in every configuration. A raised floor can reduce the vertical step when loading and create a flatter transition to the folded seats, while a lower position can preserve more height for tall objects. Confirm which board position a specification or vehicle walk-around is using.
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How the Kona compares
Hyundai lists 25.5 cubic feet behind the Kona’s rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. On the published maximum figures, the Kona has 1.6 cubic feet more folded-seat capacity and 1.3 cubic feet more seats-up capacity than the Soul’s cited measurements. Those differences are small enough that the shape of your cargo matters more than the headline number: measure a stroller, kennel, instrument case or bicycles against the opening and floor, not just the advertised volume.
A practical cargo test before purchase
- Bring the largest item you routinely carry, or record its length, width and height.
- Measure the hatch opening and the distance from the hatch lip to the seatbacks; published cubic feet do not describe every opening dimension.
- On a Soul, inspect every cargo-board position and fold the rear seats to check whether the resulting floor suits your equipment.
- On either vehicle, check whether a spare tire, subwoofer or other equipment occupies under-floor space on the exact trim.
- If you use a cargo liner, match it to the model year, trim and Soul cargo-board position; a liner shaped for one floor height may not fit another.
Engines, fuel economy and drivetrain choices
2025 Soul: simple, front-wheel-drive specification
Kia’s 2025 specifications list the Soul with an IVT and EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 30 to 31 mpg, varying by trim. The figures are estimates for the listed configuration; wheel, tire and equipment differences can change the rating. The cited Soul lineup does not provide an AWD choice, so every buyer should treat it as a front-wheel-drive vehicle for this comparison.
2025 Kona: match the engine and driven wheels
The Kona offers a 2.0-liter engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. FWD versions are rated at 28 to 31 mpg combined, while AWD versions are rated at 26 to 28 mpg combined, with the exact value depending on trim and powertrain. AWD can improve traction on slippery roads, but it generally carries a fuel-economy penalty relative to a comparable FWD model. Do not quote a single “Kona mpg” number without naming the engine, trim and drivetrain.
| Configuration | Published 2025 combined estimate | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul, IVT | 30–31 mpg | Exact trim and window-sticker rating |
| Hyundai Kona, FWD | 28–31 mpg | 2.0-liter versus 1.6-liter turbo and trim |
| Hyundai Kona, AWD | 26–28 mpg | AWD trim, engine and tire specification |
These values are EPA estimates supplied by the manufacturers. Weather, speed, temperature, payload, tires and traffic can produce different real-world consumption.
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Which drivetrain fits your roads?
Choose FWD when efficiency and simplicity lead
FWD is adequate for ordinary paved-road commuting and is available on both models. It keeps the Kona in its higher published economy range and avoids paying for AWD hardware you may never use. Good winter tires and sensible speeds remain important regardless of drivetrain.
Choose Kona AWD for recurring low-traction conditions
The Kona is the choice between these two if you specifically want factory AWD. It can be useful for regular snow, steep unpaved access roads or wet conditions, but it does not turn the vehicle into an off-road SUV. Check ground clearance, tire type and the manufacturer’s operating guidance for your intended roads; the AWD availability alone does not establish a towing or off-road advantage.
Choose the 1.6-liter turbo for its output, not a guaranteed economy gain
The turbocharged Kona broadens the powertrain choice, while the 2.0-liter engine is the other 2025 option. The EPA ranges show that engine and drivetrain selection affect consumption, so compare window stickers for the exact vehicles you are considering rather than assuming the turbo will be either more or less economical in every situation.
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What IIHS reports for the Soul
The IIHS 2025 Soul page classifies the vehicle as a small car/four-door wagon. It lists a Good rating for the small-overlap test and states that the tested 2020 Soul results apply to 2020–25 models. That model-year applicability is important when you inspect a used Soul: a different year may have different equipment or test coverage even though the body style looks similar.
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What IIHS reports for the Kona
The IIHS 2025 Kona page names the Kona a Top Safety Pick+. It lists Good results for small overlap, updated moderate overlap and updated side tests, along with Acceptable headlights. Some listed ratings apply to 2024–26 models. The award and individual test results describe IIHS’s stated test scope; they are not a guarantee of injury outcomes in every crash or a direct ranking against the Soul.
Check the specific turbo Kona for the reported fire-related recall
IIHS reports that an engine-bay fire occurred during its moderate-overlap test of a Kona N Line equipped with the 1.6-liter turbo. The page says Hyundai modified N-Line Konas with that engine built after December 2023 and implemented a recall for earlier vehicles. This does not mean every Kona is affected, and it does not prove that a particular repair has been completed.
- Record the vehicle identification number (VIN) and build date from the driver-door label or vehicle records.
- Ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm open campaigns and recall completion for that VIN.
- Obtain documentation showing the repair was performed, if a campaign applied.
- Do not substitute a generic model-year search for a VIN-specific result.
Buying a used Soul or a remaining 2025 Soul
When a used Soul is the logical choice
- You need the shortest body for a tight parking space.
- You value the Soul’s upright shape and adjustable cargo-board arrangement.
- You find a well-documented example at a price that reflects its age, mileage and condition.
- You do not need AWD or a choice between two Kona engines.
Because production is ending, compare individual cars rather than assuming every 2025 Soul has the same equipment. Confirm trim, drivetrain, tire condition, service records, accident history and any remaining factory coverage based on the vehicle’s in-service date. The available evidence does not establish long-term reliability, insurance premiums, maintenance costs or a universal used-market price.
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- Verify VIN, model year, trim and title history.
- Inspect the cargo board, hinges and seat-fold mechanisms in every position.
- Check for uneven tire wear, brake vibration, warning lights and water intrusion around the hatch.
- Review service invoices and confirm that routine maintenance matches the owner’s manual schedule.
- Have an independent technician inspect the vehicle before purchase, especially if records are incomplete.
- Obtain a written out-the-door price that separates vehicle price, taxes, registration, documentation fees and optional products.
What remaining new 2025 stock changes
A leftover Soul may have a new-vehicle warranty start date tied to its delivery, but the exact terms and eligibility must be confirmed with the selling dealer. Compare its total price and equipment with a used Soul and a current Kona; a “new” label does not automatically make an older model year the better value.
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Buying a new or lightly used Kona
Start with the use case, then narrow the trim
- Decide whether you need AWD. If not, compare FWD versions first for their higher published economy range.
- Choose between the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbo based on the performance and equipment you actually need.
- Check the exact EPA label, tire size and standard safety equipment on each trim.
- For a used 1.6-liter turbo N Line, complete the VIN-specific build-date and recall check described above.
- Compare dealer quotes that include freight, taxes, registration and fees; Hyundai notes that local dealer pricing varies.
Questions to ask a dealer
- Is the vehicle physically in stock, and what is its VIN and build date?
- Which engine, drivetrain and tire package does the quoted EPA rating correspond to?
- Are any manufacturer campaigns open, and can you provide completion records?
- What is the complete out-the-door amount, including freight, dealer-installed accessories and documentation fees?
- For a used Kona, can you provide maintenance, accident and ownership records?
Decision guide: match the vehicle to your priorities
| Your priority | Better starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Buying new in 2026 | Hyundai Kona | It is the current U.S. model; the Soul is discontinued after 2025. |
| Smallest exterior footprint | Kia Soul | It is shorter and narrower than the 2025 Kona. |
| Maximum listed cargo volume | Hyundai Kona | 63.7 cubic feet folded versus the Soul’s 62.1, subject to measurement setup. |
| Adjustable cargo-floor positions | Kia Soul | Kia lists multiple board positions that change load-floor height and seat-up volume. |
| AWD availability | Hyundai Kona | AWD is offered on selected Kona configurations; the listed Soul specification is FWD. |
| Broadest engine choice | Hyundai Kona | The 2025 lineup includes a 2.0-liter engine and a 1.6-liter turbo. |
| Published IIHS award | Hyundai Kona | IIHS names the 2025 Kona a Top Safety Pick+, while the Soul page reports specific Good test results with different scope. |
| Potentially lower published combined fuel use | Depends on configuration | The Soul is rated 30–31 mpg; Kona FWD spans 28–31 mpg and AWD 26–28 mpg. |
Bottom line for three common shoppers
If you are replacing a car now
Begin with the Kona because it is available as a current 2026 model. Select FWD or AWD and the engine that matches your roads, then confirm the exact vehicle’s price, equipment and safety campaign status.
If you want the easiest fit in a small garage
Shop the Soul’s shorter body and test its cargo board with your actual equipment. A clean, well-maintained used example can make sense, but condition and records matter more than the model name.
If you are choosing between a discounted 2025 Soul and a Kona
Calculate the complete out-the-door cost, compare warranty coverage and inspect cargo usability in person. Take the Soul only if its size and floor flexibility solve a real need and the individual vehicle checks out; pay for the Kona’s newer availability and drivetrain choices when those benefits will be used regularly.
Quick Recap
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