Subaru forester vs kia soul: the 2023 showdown – which car is the clear winner?
What To Know
- The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Soul gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- The Forester is a better choice for drivers who want a powerful and agile vehicle with a spacious interior and a variety of features.
- The Soul gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Forester and Kia Soul are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a variety of features. However, there are some key differences between the two vehicles that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Performance
The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Forester’s engine is more powerful, but the Soul’s engine is more fuel-efficient. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Soul gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Handling
The Subaru Forester is known for its excellent handling. The vehicle is agile and responsive, and it corners well. The Kia Soul is also a capable handler, but it is not as agile as the Forester. The Soul is more comfortable on the highway, while the Forester is more fun to drive on winding roads.
Interior
The Subaru Forester has a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The vehicle’s seats are comfortable, and the cabin is well-appointed. The Kia Soul also has a spacious interior, but it is not as roomy as the Forester’s. The Soul’s seats are not as comfortable as the Forester’s, and the cabin is not as well-appointed.
Features
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a variety of features, including a rearview camera, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of safety features. The Kia Soul also comes standard with a variety of features, but it does not have as many standard features as the Forester. The Soul’s infotainment system is not as user-friendly as the Forester’s, and its safety features are not as comprehensive.
Price
The Subaru Forester is priced starting at $24,495. The Kia Soul is priced starting at $18,990. The Forester is more expensive than the Soul, but it also offers more features and a better driving experience.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester and Kia Soul are both excellent compact SUVs. The Forester is a better choice for drivers who want a powerful and agile vehicle with a spacious interior and a variety of features. The Soul is a better choice for drivers who want a fuel-efficient and affordable vehicle with a comfortable ride.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Subaru Forester | Kia Soul |
| — | — | — |
| Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 2.0-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy (city/highway) | 26/33 mpg | 25/31 mpg |
| Handling | Excellent | Good |
| Interior | Spacious and comfortable | Spacious but not as comfortable |
| Features | Rearview camera, touchscreen infotainment system, suite of safety features | Rearview camera, touchscreen infotainment system |
| Price | Starting at $24,495 | Starting at $18,990 |
What You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Kia Soul is more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Forester. The Soul gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more powerful engine than the Kia Soul. The Forester’s engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the Soul’s engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more spacious interior than the Kia Soul. The Forester has 39.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Soul has 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.