USA EV Comparison: Kia Soul EV Gen 1 vs Tesla Model S 85
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General Info
Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) for as low as $4991, while the Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) begins at $9500.
The Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is a SUV, whereas the Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is a Liftback.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2014-2017 | 2012-2016 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea | Netherlands, USA |
| Body Style | SUV | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $4991 | $9500 |
| GCC Score | 4.5 | 6.3 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017).
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 93 mi | 265 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 94 mi | 243 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 30.5 kWh | 85 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 27 kWh | 80.8 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 28.7 kWh/100 mi | 33.3 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.48 mi/kWh | 3.01 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 4.6 | 5.8 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 120 kW, while the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) maxes out at 50 kW.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 10 kW, whereas the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is limited to 6.6 kW.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 6.6 kW | 10 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 120 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 3.2 | 6.1 |
Performance
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is rear-wheel drive, while the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) offers a front-wheel drive system.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | IM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 81 kW | 278 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 109 hp | 373 hp |
| Motor Torque | 210 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 10.8 s | 5.4 s |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 140 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.4 | 5.4 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is longer and wider, but the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is taller.
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 163 in | 195.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | - Width (with Mirrors) | 86.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.9 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 62.7 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 116.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
A frunk (front trunk) is available in the Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016), but the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) doesn’t have one.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5, 7 |
| Curb Weight | 3289 lb | 4630 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.9 ft3 | 26.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 31.5 ft3 | 58.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 2.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.4 | 5.5 |
