Model Year | 2014 | 2015 | |
Model | Kia Soul | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 164 hp@6200 151 lb-ft@4000 |
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 106.3 in | -5.1 in |
Length | 163.0 in | 175.6 in | -12.6 in |
Width | 70.9 in | 70.7 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 63.0 in | 57.3 in | 5.7 in |
Curb Weight | 2879 lb. | 2999 lb. | -120 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.6 in | 38.6 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 57.2 in | -1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 55.5 in | -2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.9 in | 42.2 in | -1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 37.6 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.7 in | 54.4 in | 0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 49.3 in | 53.5 in | -4.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.1 in | 35.8 in | 3.3 in |
Total Legroom | 80 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 24.2 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 | 4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 61.3 ft3 | 47.1 ft3 | 14.2 ft3 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
2015 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Mazda Mazda3.