The Mazda CX-30 and Kia Soul Go Head to Head

At Jeff Schmitt Mazda, we stack up the 2023 Mazda CX-30 vs. the 2023 Kia Soul to see which model stands out as the best. Explore the features of these compact SUVs and narrow down which model best fits your life's demands.

Comparing the 2023 Mazda CX-30 vs. the 2023 Kia Soul might seem like a fair fight on paper, but it really boils down to what you're looking for in a compact SUV and whether it's able to deliver on your automotive needs and wants. Today, we'll take a look at both models and explore where they shine and where there's room for improvement. Test drive these models for yourself when you work with the team at Jeff Schmitt Mazda

Two Great Looks, Find the Style that Works for You

Both the Mazda CX-30 and the Kia Soul offer two distinct looks seeming to cater to different audiences entirely. The CX-30 offers a sleeker body style with more curves and sharp contrasts. The Kia Soul however still maintains that iconic boxy look and offers a more geometric body style, although those sharp edges have softened a bit over the years.

The aesthetics purely boils down to personal preference. The boxy and commanding look of the Kia Soul is not for all drivers and the CX-30 offers a more modern and traditional look.

Drive and Handling Made You'll Actually Enjoy

The Kia Soul has a responsive drive and handling making it a great vehicle for commuters and those who live in big cities. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 is still able to hold true to its reputation of being a fun vehicle to drive.

Because of its sleeker body style and unique features like the i-Activ system, you'll get superior control over your traction on compromising roadways, enabling you to have a better experience overall. Plus, the Mazda's quick and zippy handling naturally makes it one of the most fun SUVs to drive. For many drivers, the Mazda CX-30 takes the cake as a vehicle that's actually enjoyable to venture out with especially on long road trips.

Power, Performance, and More

Both the Kia Soul and the Mazda CX-30 offer comparable numbers when it comes to engine size, power, and overall performance. The Kia Soul is outfitted with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission and is available in FWD.

On the other hand, you have the Mazda CX-30 which delivers 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque thanks to the 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can also enjoy AWD, perfect for when the weather gets rough or the roads get rocky.

Fuel efficiency is also quite comparable with the Soul offering an EPA estimate of 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Mazda CX-30 dips down a bit with an EPA estimate of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. You'll also have the flexibility of bumping up to a more powerful 2.5-L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the Mazda CX-30, with no additional engine options available with the Kia Soul.

See Which Model Stands Out with Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

While both models are relatively comparable in performance specs, Kia does an overall better job standing out thanks to its comprehensive warranty coverage. The Soul is offered with a basic warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles while the CX-30 is only covered at 3 years/36,000 miles. The Soul beats out Mazda yet again with its powertrain warranty as the Soul is covered at 10 years/100,000 miles while the CX-30 is covered at 5 years/60,000 miles.

Bottom Line

Pitting the 2023 Mazda CX-30 vs. the 2023 Kia Soul is an overall fair fight, but it really boils down to what you're looking for in a compact SUV. The Mazda CX-30 is undeniably more fun to drive, but if you want absolute peace of mind, the Kia Soul delivers thanks to its comprehensive warranty. As far as performance goes, both models do a great job of providing a driving experience you can count on.

Visit the team at Jeff Schmitt Mazda to drive these great models for yourself and explore trim offerings, performance, features and more!