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Kia Soul vs. Kia Optima MPG

Chart is based on 224 fuel economy reports for the Kia Soul and 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima.

Kia Soul MPG

Kia Soul Kia Soul 2023 35.7 MPG Highway Percentage 74 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2022 33.2 MPG Highway Percentage 100 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2015 23.7 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2014 30.9 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2014 29.7 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2013 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2013 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2013 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 29 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2012 29.2 MPG Highway Percentage 66 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2012 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 42 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2012 27.4 MPG Highway Percentage 73 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2012 34.2 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2011 31.1 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2011 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 37 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2011 31.8 MPG Highway Percentage 24 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2010 28.1 MPG Highway Percentage 32 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2010 28.6 MPG Highway Percentage 72 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2010 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2010 33.4 MPG Highway Percentage 74 percent Kia Soul Kia Soul 2009.5 42.5 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2023 4dr Hatch 147-horsepower 2.0L I4
8-speed shiftable CVT FWD		 flat light light 0 0 26 74 71 35.7  
2022 4dr Hatch 147-horsepower 2.0L I4
8-speed shiftable CVT FWD		 flat light none 0 0 0 100 50 33.2  
2015 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.6L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 10 40 25 25 70 23.7  
2014 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 0 2 40 58 69 30.9  
2014 4dr Hatch 130-horsepower 1.6L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 15 50 10 25 60 29.7  
2013 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light none 0 5 5 90 70 27.0  
2013 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat med light 10 20 45 25 70 28.9  
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2013 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.6L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 17 33 21 29 40 30.0  
2012 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 6 14 15 66 70 29.2  
2012 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat light light 0 51 6 42 64 28.9  
2012 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.6L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 10 7 10 73 71 27.4  
2012 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.6L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat light none 2 10 12 76 69 34.2  
2011 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light light 0 13 29 58 64 31.1  
2011 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 9 30 25 37 68 26.3  
2011 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.6L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light none 9 20 47 24 64 31.8  
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 126hp 1.6L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light light 37 18 13 32 60 28.1  
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light light 6 13 10 72 64 28.6  
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 9 24 27 40 72 26.9  
2010 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.6L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light light 9 15 1 74 72 33.4  
2009.5 4dr Hatch turbocharged 126hp 1.6L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD		 hills v.lt light 10 20 20 50 60 42.5  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Soul fuel economy data.

Kia Soul Electric Fuel Economy

Kia Soul Kia Soul 2016 21.4 MPG Highway Percentage 5 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2016 4dr Hatch 109-horsepower Electric
1-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 0 95 5 50 21.4  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Soul fuel economy data.

Kia Optima MPG

Kia Optima Kia Optima 2019 26.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2017 52.6 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2016 39.0 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 32.5 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 32.3 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.7 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 36.2 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2009 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 29.5 MPG Highway Percentage 78 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 23.2 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2005 12.1 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2004 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 95 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2019 4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 0 10 50 40 70 26.7  
2017 4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 30 30 20 20 70 52.6  
2016 4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4
7-speed automated manual FWD		 hills light light 6 0 14 80 67 39.0  
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 24 21 56 69 25.5  
2013 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 32 14 54 83 27.1  
2013 4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 2 13 15 71 102 32.5  
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light light 4 18 39 39 72 25.6  
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2012 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 0 4 20 76 69 32.3  
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 0 5 28 68 70 28.0  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light none 4 7 21 67 66 28.7  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat med light 0 5 20 75 75 30.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 0 10 70 20 75 20.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 0 20 80 63 36.2  
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 5 12 16 67 65 29.1  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 20 60 10 10 60 26.3  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat lead light 30 15 30 25 75 26.2  
2007 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 7 13 3 78 108 29.5  
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med none 1 36 48 15 63 23.2  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 6 4 33 58 66 24.6  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 18 16 9 56 63 28.9  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 10 90 60 30.0  
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills lead light 5 95 0 0 0 12.1  
2004 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 5 95 70 30.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima fuel economy data.

Kia Soul vs. Kia Optima MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Kia Soul and Kia Optima's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Soul

Kia Soul Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2015 The top reason to buy any EV is fuel economy. Both the Soul EV and the e-Golf used about 20 kWh of electricity per 100 miles of suburban driving, with the Kia perhaps ten percent less efficient than the Volkswagen. Their EPA MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) ratings are 120/92 and 126/105, respectively. With the average cost of a kWh about 12 cents, this works out to 2.4 cents per mile. Some people will pay one-third this amount by recharging at night in an area with low rates. Assuming 30 MPG and $2.50 per gallon (low by recent historical standards), a fairly efficient gasoline-powered car burns 8.3 cents of fuel per mile. Drive a little over 10,000 miles a year, and the annual savings works out to $600 even assuming 12 cents per kWh. But what about range? This will vary based on driving mix and style. Go easy on the pedals--especially the brakes--in the suburbs without heat or A/C and it's easy to beat the EPA range estimates of 93 miles for the Soul and 83 for the Golf. The former was the best during 2015 for any compact EV, while the latter was about the class average. (For 2016 the Nissan LEAF will have an EPA range esimate of 105 miles.) Of course, that's quite a few qualifications. In cold or hot weather running the heat or A/C will significantly reduce range. To help avoid this, the seats in the top trim Soul EV can be heated or cooled. Those in the e-Golf can only be heated. Highway miles drain the battery packs even more quickly than the EPA figures suggest, because the EPA assumes a relatively low cruising speed. On a 70-MPH Interstate the e-Golf's range fell by about a third. The Soul EV, with a taller, chunkier body, should suffer at least as much. Still, most people rarely need to drive farther than these cars can go between charges unless they're traveling (in which case a non-Tesla EV isn't practical). Recharging via a standard wall outlet can take over 15 hours in either car. Anyone who will often drive more than 50 miles per day should seriously consider having a 240-volt wall charger installed in their home. Chargers cost about $600, but this is without installation, which can easily add another $600 (depending on the specifics of your house). see full Kia Soul review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Soul

Kia Soul Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 We averaged 29 mpg US gallon driving in 100 degree weather in Phoenix for 3 weeks with the AC on continuously. Driving at a spirited pace, not just cruising along. see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.6L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 30+ MPG see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 I get about 26 to 28mpg, I got 315 miles on 12 gallons of fuel. I could probably get better mileage, but I have a heavy foot. see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 I travel highway to work everyday (130 kms to work and back) so I was looking for a bigger car with power and great fuel economy. see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 equal to my current nissan sedan, good for trips when we need to take gear but doesnt require a full size SUV that gets 20 MPG see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 Good fuel economy, which I was looking for. I used the CARS Program so I needed a +10 mpg improvement. see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 When new I was getting 30 MPG out of the gate. Now on longer trips at 65 MPH I get 31+ At 55 (roughly 2500 RPM I get 34 MPG. see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 good enough see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 The EPA estimates seem to be pretty accurate give or take for driving styles. see full Kia Soul review
Kia Soul Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Hatch 164-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Poor at 30MPG! Its stated highway mileage was 34MPG. Never have we got that.... see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 For a car its size, with a 1.6 liter engine and :-( an automatic transmission, mileage is no better than a much larger, smoother-riding Buick Lacrosse. Disappointing. However, Kia -- fast learners -- fixed this for the 2012 models. see full Kia Soul review
2010 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 I am somewhat dissappointed in the gas mileage I have been getting with my Soul. I average about 28MPG, city or highway. Not much difference between long and short trips. see full Kia Soul review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 AS above see full Kia Optima review
Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima review