BMW i3 vs. Kia Soul EV
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i3 and Kia Soul EV contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW i3 and the Kia Soul EV.
When comparing the BMW i3's and the Kia Soul EV's specifications and ratings, the BMW i3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia Soul EV has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW i3's and the Kia Soul EV's specifications and ratings, the Kia Soul EV is a better car than the BMW i3.
Pricing: A used 2019 BMW i3 ranges from $17,724 to $25,749 while a used 2019 Kia Soul EV is priced between $12,938 to $23,393.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 57.8 percent of its value and the Kia Soul EV loses 49.9 percent of its value. This means the Kia Soul EV retains 8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW i3’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Kia Soul EV base engine makes 109 horsepower. The i3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 197 miles. The Soul EV is rated to deliver an average of 124 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 111 miles.This gives the Kia Soul EV the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW i3 the advantage in maximum range. The i3 uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the Soul EV uses electricity.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Soul EV, a electric subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW i3, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$48,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$51,350
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$48,300 - $54,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$33,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
$29,790
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
$23,900 - $33,950
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,724
Price Range:
$17,724 - $25,749
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$25,985
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$21,724 - $30,245
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
17
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40,922
# Good or Great Deals:
8
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,498
Price Range:
$12,938 - $23,393
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
$15,629
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
$13,551 - $18,498
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,231
# Good or Great Deals:
0
BMW i3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.5 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Kia Soul EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Soul EV
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
6.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
6.1 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
5.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
4.3 - 6.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
1.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Subcompact Cars)
0.6 - 4.7
BMW i3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 20Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
28 out of / 28Kia Soul EV Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
24 out of / 26Summary Review
The BMW i3 is a compact electric car and was the first European EV to market in the US. BMW broke the mold when it created this fresh approach to motoring.
Summary Review
The Kia Soul EV is a five-door hatchback/crossover that brings a green drivetrain to one of Kia’s most popular small vehicles. If you like the Soul but want a green powertrain and don’t mind a much lower range, you’ll love the Soul EV.
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-green construction with low carbon footprint
- Unique styling
- Vegan interior options
- Polarizing styling
- Limited space for its price point
- Poor reliability score
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Rear-wheel drive only
Pros and Cons
- All of the standard Soul’s flexibility and functionality
- Fun to drive
- Limited range
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
BMW i3 Trim Levels
Base, s
Kia Soul EV Trim Levels
+, Base
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
109 hp
Torque:
210 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.033 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
0.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
2
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 31 / 31
MPGe:
107 / 93 / 100
Range (city/hwy):
195 / 197 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
124 / 93 / 108
Range (city/hwy):
111 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
30 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
33 hours (120V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.2 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
36.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
98.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Cargo Space:
18.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
49.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
115.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3269 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
158.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3289 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
63 inches
Length:
163 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 5.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
155/70R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Beige
Jucaro Beige Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Black
Fluid Black w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Blue
Imperial Blue Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Gray
Mineral Grey w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
White
Capparis White w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Caribbean Blue/Clear White
Gray
Titanium Gray
Red
Not available
White
Clear White / Cloud White
Silver
Bright Silver
Interior Colors
Brown
Tera Dark Truffle
Gray
Deka Dark / Giga Brown w/ Carum Spice Grey Wool Cloth / Mega Carum Spice Grey w/ Brown Cloth Highlight
Interior Colors
Brown
Not available
Gray
Gray
