BMW i3 vs. 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.
BMW i3 vs. Kia Soul EV Pricing
A used 2019 BMW i3 ranges from $20,019 to $29,976 while a used 2019 Kia Soul EV is priced between $14,995 to $25,447.
BMW i3 vs. Kia Soul EV Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i3 loses 62.8 percent of its value and the Kia Soul EV loses 59.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Soul EV retains 3.5 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
20019 - 29976
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.628168
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
14995 - 25447
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.593315
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:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW i3 Rankings
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29 out of / 29Kia Soul EV Rankings
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25 out of / 27Summary 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
168 hp
Torque:
184 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
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