Volkswagen Golf vs. Kia Soul

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf and the Kia Soul.

When comparing the Volkswagen Golf's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Kia Soul has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Volkswagen Golf and Kia Soul have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf's and the Kia Soul's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Kia Soul.

Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $15,188 to $22,985 while a used 2021 Kia Soul is priced between $13,990 to $20,995.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Kia Soul loses 37.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 2.5 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 Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10 while the Kia Soul's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Soul being ranked 2 out of 5 Best Wagons.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Soul the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf and the Kia Soul makes 147 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. The Soul is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 443 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf 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 shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Golf, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf 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.