If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly compact SUV with personality, the 2025 Kia Soul and Seltos both deserve a look. One is funkier and more city-friendly, while the other leans a little more rugged; however, both come packed with features, strong fuel economy, and surprisingly roomy cabins for the price. Let’s break down what you need to know before picking a favorite.
Key Takeaways
- As of June 2025, pricing for the Kia Soul ranges from $21,885 to $26,965. The Seltos starts higher, with trims running from $26,085 to $32,585.
- Both the Soul and Seltos deliver excellent fuel economy, especially for their size.
- The 2025 Soul gains a new top-tier Soulmate Edition with premium upgrades.
Soul vs Seltos: Engines and Driving Feel
All Soul trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It mates with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It’s not the sportiest compact SUV out there, but it has a fun personality and offers a smooth, comfy ride.
The 2025 Seltos gives you options. The base engine is nearly identical to the Soul’s, putting out 146 horsepower and paired with a CVT. But if you want a little more zip, there’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter option that cranks out 195 horsepower. That version swaps the CVT for an eight-speed automatic and delivers a more responsive driving experience. Most Seltos trims come standard with all-wheel drive, with the exception of the S and EX, which stick with front-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy Comparison Between the 2025 Kia Soul and Seltos
Both of these compact SUVs are impressively efficient in their gas mileage:
- Soul: Up to 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- Seltos (FWD base engine): 34 mpg combined
- Seltos (AWD with turbo): 32 mpg combined
If fuel savings are a top priority and you’re not worried about all-wheel drive, the Soul is slightly more efficient, but the Seltos still holds its own.
What’s New in 2025: Soul vs. Seltos Updates and Pricing
For 2025, the Soul sees a notable change with the addition of the Soulmate Edition. As the new top-tier trim, it adds luxury-style touches like umber-colored upholstery, a Harman Kardon sound system, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and two-tone exterior paint.
Here’s how pricing breaks down for the 2025 Soul lineup:
- LX: $21,885
- S: $24,385
- GT-Line: $25,485
- EX: $26,185
- Soulmate Edition: $26,965
The Seltos saw a refresh just last year, so changes for 2025 are minor and trim-specific. The S trim gets a new instrument panel display, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and a one-touch up/down driver’s window. Higher trims add a few more convenience features:
- Rear parking sensors and reverse parking distance warning are now standard on EX and SX
- EX AWD and SX trims get a power liftgate
- The EX also gets an available sunroof option
- LX: $25,965
- S: $26,465
- EX: $27,465
- X-Line: $30,665
- SX: $32,465
Different Styles, Same Kia DNA
The Soul is unmistakable thanks to its upright, boxy design, which pays off with fantastic visibility and interior space. There’s room to stretch out, and it’s one of the easiest vehicles in the segment to personalize. Available features include ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and steering wheel, push-button start, and even a head-up display.
The Seltos leans more traditional crossover in shape but still offers ample interior quality. The cabin feels more upscale than you might expect at this price point. The top-tier SX trim adds mood lighting that syncs with your music (just like in the Soul) and gives you a vibe that feels right at home alongside Kia’s more premium models.
So, Which Kia Fits Your Lifestyle?
That will depend on your individual needs. The Soul keeps things quirky, efficient, and budget-friendly with a design that stands out. The Seltos leans more practical with available all-wheel drive, a more powerful engine option, and a more traditional SUV shape. Still unsure of which Kia is the better option? Come in and test drive both today!