Nissan Altima vs. Kia Soul
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul.
When we compare the Nissan Altima's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. 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, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Altima's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Altima ranges from $20,696 to $31,498 while a used 2025 Kia Soul is priced between $18,529 to $25,990. For a new model, the Nissan Altima's price is between $25,808 and $35,879, 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 Nissan Altima loses 47.8 percent of its value and the Kia Soul loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Kia Soul retains 6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Altima.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Altima is 7.9 out of 10 while the Kia Soul's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Altima being ranked 6 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Soul being ranked 2 out of 3 Best Wagons.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Altima is 7.7 out of 10. For the Kia Soul the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Altima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Soul.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Altima’s base engine makes 188 horsepower, and the Kia Soul base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 632 miles. The Soul is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles. This gives the Nissan Altima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Soul. 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 leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Altima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Nissan Altima 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:
25808 - 35879
Starting MSRP:
27000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
26816
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
24700 - 28295
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:
25110
Price Range:
20696 - 31498
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
27493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
25110 - 29237
# 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 $:
13046
Depreciation %:
0.48316873
Resale Value $:
13954
Residual Value %:
0.51683127
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
0.43738499
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.35336067 - 0.49749174
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
Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 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 Nissan Altima
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.194
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:
1.6151994693340448
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.6 - 7.3
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
Nissan Altima Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
9 out of / 11Kia 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 / 3Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Altima Trim Levels
2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV
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:
3 years / 36000 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 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:
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
188 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
180 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.058 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:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 39 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
437 / 632 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roadside assistance:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
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
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
100.6 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:
3253 lbs
Width:
72.9 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
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:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Fusion Black
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Silver
Not available
White
Snow White Pearl
Orange
Mars Orange
Red
Inferno Red
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray/Black
