HR-V vs Soul
Few matchups in the subcompact suv class come up as often as the HR-V against the Soul. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance HR-V wins
- Space & Practicality Soul wins
- Off-road & Towing HR-V wins
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Space & Practicality5.9
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Space & Practicality6.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The HR-V has 11 hp more power
Close, but not identical: the HR-V lists 158 hp and the Soul lists 147 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Soul has 13% more maximum cargo space
The gap on cargo (seats folded) is slim (62.1 cu ft against 55.1 cu ft), yet it tips toward the Soul. The Soul can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The HR-V has available all-wheel drive
Missing features are easy to overlook when you buy and hard to live without later. The Soul skips this one. The HR-V offers all-wheel drive; the Soul doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 165.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 102.4 in |
Engine & Performance
HR-V leads
This area is close, with the HR-V just ahead of the Soul. The HR-V comes with 11 hp more power. The HR-V’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. That makes the HR-V the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
HR-V: 158 hp Soul: 147 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Soul leads
If you’re keeping score, the space & practicality point goes narrowly to the Soul. In its favor, the Soul has 13% more maximum cargo space. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number. On space & practicality alone, the Soul gets the nod.
Cargo (seats folded)
HR-V: 55.1 cu ft Soul: 62.1 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
HR-V leads
Slight edge to the HR-V on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. The HR-V stands out with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the HR-V is the safer choice.
AWD / 4WD available
HR-V: yes Soul: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 158 hp (winner) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | 24.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | 62.1 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 165.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 102.4 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the HR-V if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (158 hp vs 147 hp)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you’re comfortable with how Honda does things
Choose the Soul if…
- you want more room with the seats folded (62.1 cu ft vs 55.1 cu ft)
- you’re loyal to Kia and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the HR-V or the Soul?
It depends on your priorities: the HR-V is stronger on engine & performance, while the Soul leads on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
Whenever Honda and Kia go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the HR-V and the Soul are no exception. Honestly, 11 hp more power on the HR-V does a lot of the persuading for me. I also like that the HR-V brings available all-wheel drive. To be fair, the Soul has 13% more maximum cargo space, and that’s not nothing.
Who should get which? The HR-V for engine & performance, the Soul for space & practicality.
My pick: it depends. Go for the HR-V if engine & performance comes first for you, or the Soul if space & practicality does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.