2023 Kia Soul vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30 Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

The Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30 are appealing in different ways. The Kia has some practical benefits, like lower pricing and a longer warranty, but the CX-30 has standard all-wheel drive and a more upscale interior.

Let’s take a closer look at the Mazda CX-30 and Kia Soul and find the right subcompact SUV for you.

2023 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a stylish compact that could be considered an SUV or a hatchback. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a great value in new cars thanks to its affordable pricing and outstanding warranty. Pricing starts at $19,890.

Kia Soul Highlights:

Value pricing — The Kia Soul has a lower starting price than the Mazda CX-30 by more than $3,000. Even the mid-range S trim, which has desirable features like a 10.25-inch infotainment system, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and wireless phone charging, is still more affordable than the base CX-30.

Excellent warranty — The Kia Soul comes with an outstanding 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is much longer coverage than what you get with the CX-30, a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Better fuel economy — The Kia Soul is a bit more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-30. The Kia has a combined fuel economy rating of up to 31 mpg, while the most fuel-efficient variant of the Mazda gets up to 29 mpg. According to the EPA, the result is $100/year in fuel savings for the Soul compared to the CX-30.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia Soul models for sale near you.

2023 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is an appealing subcompact SUV with standard all-wheel drive, an upscale cabin, and an exciting optional turbocharged engine. Pricing starts at $22,950.

Mazda CX-30 Highlights:

All-wheel drive — All-wheel drive isn’t available on the Kia Soul, but it comes standard with every Mazda CX-30. The i-Activ AWD system improves traction on slippery roads and optimizes grip on dry pavement for a better driving experience in all road conditions.

Fun to drive — In typical Mazda fashion, the CX-30 has an eager driving character. The base engine makes this SUV feel quick, and the well-tuned chassis gives the CX-30 good handling. Upgrade to the optional turbocharged engine, and you’ll get exciting performance that’s hard to match in this class.

Premium interior — Mazda has a reputation for building premium cars and SUVs without a premium price tag, and the CX-30 is no exception. This interior is comfortable and well-appointed, especially in the upper trims, which rival some luxury SUVs.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.

Similarities

Standard 4-cylinder engine, similar safety, and infotainment tech, similar size.

Conclusion

The Kia Soul is more value-oriented thanks to its more affordable pricing, longer warranty, and better fuel economy. However, the extra cost of the CX-30 is justifiable since it’s more fun to drive, has a nicer interior, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Which is right for you depends on your priorities.