Kia Soul vs Subaru Impreza

The Kia Soul is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 114 mpg combined versus 32 mpg for the Subaru Impreza, a 82 mpg advantage and costs about $1,250 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Soul leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2025

Kia Soul

Small Station Wagons · 43 configurations

114mpg combined (best)
All Kia Soul specs

2018–2026

Subaru Impreza

Small Station Wagons · 51 configurations

32mpg combined (best)
All Subaru Impreza specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricKia SoulSubaru Impreza
Best combined MPG114 mpg32 mpg
Best city MPG127 mpg28 mpg
Best highway MPG101 mpg38 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$650$1,900
Lowest CO2 output287 g/mi280 g/mi
Engines offered2.0, SIDISIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spdAutomatic (AV-S8), Manual 5-spd, Automatic (AV-S7)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, ElectricityRegular
EPA classSmall Station WagonsSmall Station Wagons
Years covered2015–20252018–2026
Configurations on record4351

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

Soul vs Impreza: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Impreza?

The Kia Soul is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 114 mpg combined versus 32 mpg for the Subaru Impreza, a 82 mpg advantage and costs about $1,250 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Soul runs about $650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,900 for the Subaru Impreza — a difference of roughly $1,250 per year.

What engines do the Soul and Impreza offer?

Kia Soul: 2.0, SIDI. Subaru Impreza: SIDI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Soul and the Subaru Impreza as Small Station Wagons, so they compete directly.

More Soul comparisons

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