Hyundai ELANTRA vs. Kia Soul
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA 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 Hyundai ELANTRA and the Kia Soul.
In comparing the Hyundai ELANTRA's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Kia Soul has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Hyundai ELANTRA and Kia Soul have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $19,455 to $26,949 while a used 2025 Kia Soul is priced between $18,529 to $25,990. For a new model, the Hyundai ELANTRA's price is between $22,559 and $28,651, with the Kia Soul priced between $20,878 and $27,067.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai ELANTRA loses 40.6 percent of its value and the Kia Soul loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai ELANTRA retains 1.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Soul.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.2 out of 10 while the Kia Soul's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 12 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Kia Soul being ranked 2 out of 3 Best Wagons.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.5 out of 10. For the Kia Soul the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Soul.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Hyundai ELANTRA and the Kia Soul makes 147 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Soul, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai ELANTRA has higher safety ratings than the Kia Soul, with an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
22559 - 28651
Starting MSRP:
22025
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
20878 - 27067
Starting MSRP:
20490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
24145
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
17190 - 33950
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
22661
Price Range:
19455 - 26949
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
21997
Price Range:
18529 - 25990
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
29074
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
19544 - 41274
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9115
Depreciation %:
0.41384261
Resale Value $:
12910
Residual Value %:
0.58615739
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
8649
Depreciation %:
0.42209893
Resale Value $:
11841
Residual Value %:
0.57790107
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.40897695
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.38131184 - 0.42209893
Hyundai ELANTRA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.8 / 10
Kia Soul Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai ELANTRA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.09
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Soul
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
8.1 - 15.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.046
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4832701543182303
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.957570009633938
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.6 - 3.8
Hyundai ELANTRA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
26 out of / 37Kia Soul Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Hyundai ELANTRA Trim Levels
Limited, N Line, SE, SEL Convenience, SEL Sport
Kia Soul Trim Levels
EX, GT-Line, LX, S
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 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):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 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:
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 472 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
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
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
14.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
113.6 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:
120.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2725 lbs
Width:
71.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
185.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 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:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Abyss Black Pearl
Blue
Intense Blue Pearl
Gray
Amazon Gray Pearl / Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Fluid Metal Metallic
Red
Ultimate Red Pearl
White
Serenity White Pearl
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Fusion Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Inferno Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Orange
Mars Orange
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray/Black
