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.
When we compare 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, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. 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 $18,346 to $27,248 while a used 2024 Kia Soul is priced between $19,595 to $26,888. For a new model, the Chevrolet Bolt EV's price is between $26,579 and $33,192, with the Kia Soul priced between $20,731 and $27,552.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Bolt EV loses 57.6 percent of its value and the Kia Soul loses 37.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Soul retains 20.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 8.0 out of 10 while the Kia Soul's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Bolt EV being ranked 3 out of 26 Best Electric Cars and the Kia Soul being ranked 2 out of 5 Best Wagons.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Bolt EV is 7.1 out of 10. For the Kia Soul the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Kia Soul a slight advantage in reliability compared to 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 4.13 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$26,579 - $33,192
Starting MSRP:
$26,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$27,270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$26,500 - $28,040
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$20,731 - $27,552
Starting MSRP:
$20,190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
$25,089
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$16,390 - $35,700
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,325
Price Range:
$18,346 - $27,248
Category Avg Price:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$21,411
Category Avg Price Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
$21,325 - $21,496
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
114
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
21,559
# Good or Great Deals:
22
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,832
Price Range:
$19,595 - $26,888
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
$29,562
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$18,098 - $38,830
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
549
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,122
# Good or Great Deals:
38
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,655
Depreciation %:
59.1%
Resale Value $:
$10,845
Residual Value %:
40.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
59.1% - 59.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$7,737
Depreciation %:
38.3%
Resale Value $:
$12,453
Residual Value %:
61.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
36%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
32.1% - 39.4%
Chevrolet Bolt EV Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Soul Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
8.3 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Bolt EV
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Electric Compact Cars)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Electric Compact Cars)
7.5 - 13.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Soul
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Electric Compact Cars)
4.7 - 4.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.8 - 3.3
Chevrolet Bolt EV Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Kia Soul Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels
1LT, 2LT
Kia Soul Trim Levels
EX, GT-Line, LX, S
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.13 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
200 hp
Torque:
266 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
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:
127 / 109 / 120
Range (city/hwy):
259 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
66 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
7 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 33 / 30
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 472 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
57 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
111.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Cargo Space:
24.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
121.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
63.4 inches
Length:
163.2 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2888 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
63 inches
Length:
165.2 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Bright Blue Metallic / Ice Blue Metallic
Gray
Gray Ghost Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
Silver
Silver Flare Metallic
White
Summit White
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Fusion Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Inferno Red
Silver
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Orange
Mars Orange
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray/Black
