Kia Soul vs Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 114 mpg for the Kia Soul, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $0 less per year to fuel.

Across 3 measured categories, the Chevrolet Bolt EV leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2025

Kia Soul

Small Station Wagons · 43 configurations

114mpg combined (best)
All Kia Soul specs

2017–2023

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Small Station Wagons · 7 configurations

120mpg combined (best)
All Chevrolet Bolt EV specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricKia SoulChevrolet Bolt EV
Best combined MPG114 mpg120 mpg
Best city MPG127 mpg131 mpg
Best highway MPG101 mpg110 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$650$650
Lowest CO2 output287 g/miNot available
Engines offered2.0, SIDINot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spdAutomatic (A1), Automatic (variable gear ratios)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, ElectricityElectricity
EPA classSmall Station WagonsSmall Station Wagons
Years covered2015–20252017–2023
Configurations on record437

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Soul vs Bolt EV: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Kia Soul or the Chevrolet Bolt EV?

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 114 mpg for the Kia Soul, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $0 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Chevrolet Bolt EV runs about $650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $650 for the Kia Soul — a difference of roughly $0 per year.

What engines do the Soul and Bolt EV offer?

Kia Soul: 2.0, SIDI. Chevrolet Bolt EV: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Soul and the Chevrolet Bolt EV as Small Station Wagons, so they compete directly.

More Soul comparisons

Comparison id: kia-soul-vs-chevrolet-bolt-ev