Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Kia Soul

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Kia Soul 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 Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Kia Soul.

In comparing the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Kia Soul has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the Kia Soul is a better car than the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Pricing: A used 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranges from $14,444 to $24,988 while a used 2023 Kia Soul is priced between $15,154 to $22,664. For a new model, the Chevrolet Bolt EV's price is between $27,430 and $34,567, with the Kia Soul priced between $20,865 and $27,688.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 65.4 percent of its value and the Kia Soul loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Kia Soul retains 23.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s base engine makes 200 horsepower, and the Kia Soul base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Bolt EV is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 259 miles. The Soul is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles.This gives the Chevrolet Bolt EV the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Soul the advantage in maximum range. The Bolt EV uses electricity, and the Soul uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Soul, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has higher safety ratings than the Kia Soul, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.