USA EV Comparison: Kia Soul EV Gen 1 vs Tesla Model Y Performance
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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 Y Performance (2020-2025) begins at $18999.
The two vehicles share the same body style: SUV.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2014-2017 | 2020-2025 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea | China, Germany, USA |
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (New) | - Price USA (New) | $54490 |
| Price USA (Used) | $4991 | $18999 |
| GCC Score | 4.5 | 7.7 |
Range and Efficiency
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) boasts a greater real-world range, a larger battery, and superior energy efficiency compared to the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017).
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 93 mi | 303 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 319 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 94 mi | 280 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 30.5 kWh | 78.1 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 27 kWh | 75 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 28.7 kWh/100 mi | 26.8 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.48 mi/kWh | 3.73 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 4.6 | 7.8 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 250 kW, while the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) maxes out at 50 kW.
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW, whereas the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is limited to 6.6 kW.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 6.6 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 3.2 | 7.2 |
Performance
The Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is front-wheel drive, while the Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) offers an all-wheel drive system.
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | IM (front), PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 81 kW | 393 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 109 hp | 527 hp |
| Motor Torque | 210 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 10.8 s | 3.5 s |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 155 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.4 | 6.6 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) is longer and wider, but about the same height as the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017).
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 163 in | 187 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | - Width (with Mirrors) | 83.8 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.9 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 62.7 in | 63.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 113.8 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) 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 Y Performance (2020-2025), but the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) doesn’t have one.
The Tesla Model Y Performance (2020-2025) has a towing capacity of up to 3500 lb, whereas the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is not officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3289 lb | 4398 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.9 ft3 | 30.2 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 31.5 ft3 | 72.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 4.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | 3500 lb |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.4 | 7.7 |
