Model Year | 2015 | 2006 | |
Model | Kia Soul | Kia Optima | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 164 hp@6200 151 lb-ft@4000 |
2.7L V6 DOHC-4v 170 hp@6000 181 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 4-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 106.3 in | -5.1 in |
Length | 163.0 in | 185.8 in | -22.8 in |
Width | 70.9 in | 71.5 in | -0.6 in |
Height | 63.0 in | 55.5 in | 7.5 in |
Curb Weight | 2879 lb. | 3279 lb. | -400 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | -3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.6 in | 39.0 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 56.9 in | -1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 55.8 in | -2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.9 in | 43.3 in | -2.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 37.6 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.7 in | 55.7 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 49.3 in | 54.4 in | -5.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.1 in | 36.2 in | 2.9 in |
Total Legroom | 80 in (over 2 rows) | 79.5 in (over 2 rows) | 0.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 24.2 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | 10.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 61.3 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | 47.7 ft3 |
2015 Kia Soul Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2015 | Volkswagen managed to package the e-Golf's 24-kWh battery pack so well that neither passenger nor cargo room is reduced. Kia didn't do as well with its 27-kWh pack, and the Soul EV has three fewer inches of rear legroom than the regular Soul as a result. Still, this leaves it with about as much rear legroom as the e-Golf, and more than you'll find in other compact EVs. If you want a compact EV with an adult-friendly back seat, these are the ones to get. Rear seat passengers don't get rear air vents in the Soul EV, but they can get seat heaters. The e-Golf has the vents but doesn't offer back row bun warmers. see full Kia Soul review |
2015 Kia Soul Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 0 | Excellent room both up front and in the backseat for tall people. Same as previous model see full Kia Soul review |
2015 Kia Soul Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 0 | The front seat is every bit as uncomfortable as the previous model. No improvement here. A tall person will be more comfortable sitting in the rear seat. see full Kia Soul review |
2006 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |