Kia Soul Powertrains Compared: Gas vs EV

Kia Soul Powertrains Compared: Gas vs EV

Posted on December 23, 2020

The Kia Soul offers something a little different from the standard subcompact crossover SUV. With its distinctive angular looks and low-lying body, it's in many ways closer to a hatchback than the typical SUV format, and its size makes it a car that's ideal for everyday city driving.

And to further set it apart from the competition, the Soul is now available in an EV format, offering the latest in electric vehicle technology packed within its tiny frame. How does the new EV version compare to the existing gasoline models?

 Introducing the Kia Soul EV Powertrain

The standard gasoline Kia Soul has a respectable amount of power under the hood, with either a 2.0L engine producing 147 horsepower or an upgraded 1.6L turbo mill outputting 201hp.

There are two options available with the EV model, balancing costs against output and range. The standard configuration produces 134 horsepower and gives a standard range of up to 250km, while the higher trims benefit from an output of 201 horsepower and a range of 383km.

In terms of raw output power, the gasoline and EV powertrains are evenly matched, both offering good compromises between power and economy.

Higher EV Torque

 However, the EV powertrains have a significant advantage over the gas ones when it comes to torque. As with all electric vehicles, the Soul EV offers instant torque with a flat response across all engine outputs, making for impressive acceleration capability both from a standing start and when passing.

The gasoline-powered Soul is no slouch, but when it comes to sheer responsiveness and driving satisfaction the EV version is a clear winner.

Reduced Range Anxiety

Of course, the well-known drawback of all-electric vehicles is the relatively limited range and the variable availability of convenient charging options. Whereas the gasoline Soul can manage up to 675km of driving on a full tank, the EV version has a maximum range of 383km, even with the high-end powertrain option.

However, Kia has a trick up their sleeve to reduce the range anxiety associated with EVs. Exclusive fast charge technology means an extra 100km of range can be added in roughly the time it takes for a rest break, greatly reducing the risks of being stranded without power.

Kia Soul Gasoline vs EV Pricing

EV technology is still in its relative infancy, and although costs are rapidly falling, there's no denying that gasoline powertrains are still the more affordable option. At first glance, the EV Soul is much more expensive than the gas version, with the entry-level option coming in at $40,000. However, the standard retail price doesn't tell the full story.

EV vehicles benefit from a federal grant of up to $5,000 across the whole of Canada, while there's an additional $5,000 available in Alberta. These two benefits cut the price difference in half, and when they're combined with the lower running expenses of electric, the overall cost turns out to be much the same.

Experience the Kia Soul in Calgary

 Visit the premier Kia dealer in Calgary to get a taste of the latest EV technology available in the Soul range, with every model available for test drive six days a week.