Kia Soul vs. Mazda CX-30
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30 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 Kia Soul and the Mazda CX-30.
In comparing the Kia Soul's and the Mazda CX-30's specifications and ratings, 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 fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Mazda CX-30 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Soul's and the Mazda CX-30's specifications and ratings, the Kia Soul is a better car than the Mazda CX-30.
Pricing: A used 2025 Kia Soul ranges from $18,529 to $25,990 while a used 2025 Mazda CX-30 is priced between $23,486 to $32,918. For a new model, the Kia Soul's price is between $20,878 and $27,067, with the Mazda CX-30 priced between $26,662 and $36,503.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Soul loses 41.8 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-30 loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-30 retains 2.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Soul.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Soul’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-30 base engine makes 191 horsepower. The Soul is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles. The CX-30 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 419 miles. This gives the Kia Soul the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda CX-30. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Soul, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-30, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-30 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.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
26662 - 36503
Starting MSRP:
25195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
25220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
20200 - 38900
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:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26883
Price Range:
23486 - 32918
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
27617
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
21503 - 38615
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
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
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10055
Depreciation %:
0.39907888
Resale Value $:
15140
Residual Value %:
0.60092112
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.43597883
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.38735154 - 0.4830012
Kia Soul Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Mazda CX-30 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-30
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.1 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.633698819353061
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.5 - 13.3
Kia Soul Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Mazda CX-30 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 54Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 21Ranking
21 out of / 21Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
42 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Ranking
60 out of / 66Ranking
63 out of / 66Ranking
64 out of / 66Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Soul Trim Levels
EX, GT-Line, LX, S
Mazda CX-30 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 419 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
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 yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
120.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
20.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
45.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
114.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3419 lbs
Width:
70.7 inches
Height:
61.7 inches
Length:
173 inches
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Fusion Black
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Orange
Mars Orange
Red
Inferno Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray/Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
