Buyers looking for affordable EVs from Kia might find themselves a bit confused between these similarly specced and priced electric cars and this post shall help them arrive at a suitable decision.
Kia is among the most prominent legacy carmakers that has successfully transitioned from making ICE-powered vehicles to electric cars and its Niro EV and Soul EV cater to the potential car buyers toward the affordable spectrum of the market. Having been around in the ICE versions for a long time, Kia has introduced the electric versions of the popular Niro and Soul. We shall compare the two in terms of specs, features, dimensions and price in this blog.
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Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Specs Comparison
For this post, we are taking into account the comparable versions of the two. Niro EV has a 64.8 kWh li-ion polymer battery supplying power to an electric motor powering the front wheels. It produces a decent 201 hp and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of peak power and torque with a WLTP driving range of 285 miles (459 km) with 17-inch alloys. The acceleration from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) just takes 7.8 secs and the battery can be juiced up to 80% in 45 mins via a 100 kW DC rapid charger.
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On the other hand, the Kia Soul EV, in its Explore trim, has a 64 kWh li-ion polymer battery pack with an electric motor powering front wheels for a total output of 201 hp and 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) of peak power and torque. The WLTP driving range is a higher 280 miles (451 km) with 17-inch alloys and the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint is achieved in just 7.9 secs. Using the 80 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be juiced up to 80% in 54 mins.
| Specs Comparison | Soul EV | Niro EV |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Battery | 64 kWh | 64.8 kWh |
| Range | 280 mi (451 km) | 285 mi (459 km) |
| Power | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 291 lb-ft (395 Nm) | 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) |
| DC Fast Charging | 54 mins (80%) | 45 mins (80%) |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph / 90 km/h) | 7.9 secs | 7.8 secs |
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Kia Niro EV vs Soul EV – Dimensions & Storage Comparison
When it comes to the dimensions and storage, Kia Niro EV is a clear favourite with significantly more space on the inside and outside. It measures 4,420 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, 1,585 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. The boot space is a healthy 475 – 1,392 litres.
On the other hand, the Soul EV measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, 1,605 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. The luggage compartment could only hold 315 – 1,339 litres of goods.
| Dimensions | Soul EV | Niro EV |
| Length | 4,220 mm | 4,420 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,605 mm | 1,570 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 315 – 1,339 litres | 475 – 1,392 litres |
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Features Comparison
Kia Soul EV has a 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display, Built-in Sat-Nav, 10-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System, Physical Buttons for HVAC, Heated Front Seats with Powered Driver’s Seat with Lumbar Support, Heated Steering Wheel, Voice Commands, Kia Connect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Reverse Camera, 7 Airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Tethers, TPMS, ADAS functions including Adaptive Smart Cruise Control Function, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and more.
On the other hand, Kia Niro EV comes with Vegan Leather Upholstery, Heated & Ventilated Front Seats with Lumbar Support, 10.25-inch Touchscreen with a built-in Sat-Nav, Kia Connect, Head-up Display, Air Filter, Wireless Charging, Front Parking Sensors, TPMS, ADAS Functions likes the Soul EV, 7 Airbags, and more.
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Price Comparison
The Kia Niro EV retails from £37,295 to £43,195 (OTR) in the UK, while the Soul EV ranges from £32,845 to £39,045 (OTR). The top trim of the Soul EV and the mid-trim of the Niro EV are similarly priced which makes it slightly confusing for a whole lot of buyers.
| Price Comparison | Soul EV | Niro EV |
| Base Trim | £32,845 | £37,295 |
| Top Trim | £39,045 | £43,195 |
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Verdict
If you prefer practicality, road presence and cabin space over features, then going for the mid-spec Niro EV makes the most sense as you get a bigger car with significantly more space and a similar powertrain as the top-spec Soul EV. However, if you like to be pampered by the luxury features and are on a strict budget, going for the Soul EV is not a bad option either, especially considering that the powertrains are similar.