USA EV Comparison: Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh vs Kia Soul EV Standard Range
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General Info
While the Kia Soul EV Standard Range (2020-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in the United States. The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $10900 on the used car market.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is a Hatchback, whereas the Kia Soul EV Standard Range (2020-…) is a SUV.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Kia Soul EV Standard Range |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2017-2020 | 2020-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | South Korea |
| Body Style | Hatchback | SUV |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU |
| Price USA (Used) | $10900 | - Price USA (Used) |
| GCC Score | 4.6 | 5.1 |
Range and Efficiency
With identical energy efficiency, Kia Soul EV Standard Range (2020-…) outpaces Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) in real-world range thanks to its bigger battery.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Kia Soul EV Standard Range |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 125 mi | - Range (EPA) |
| Range (WLTP) | 144 mi | 171 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 119 mi | 146 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 35.8 kWh | 42 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 32 kWh | 39.2 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi | 26.8 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 5.2 | 5.4 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Kia Soul EV Standard Range (2020-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 44 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) maxes out at 40 kW.
Both vehicles are equipped with the same on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.2 kW.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Kia Soul EV Standard Range |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.2 kW | 7.2 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 40 kW | 44 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 2 |
| Charging Score | 3.9 | 4 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
Both cars offer the same motor power, but the Kia Soul EV Standard Range (2020-…) achieves a faster 0-60 mph time.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Kia Soul EV Standard Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 100 kW | 100 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 134 hp | 134 hp |
| Motor Torque | 214 lb-ft | 291 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 9.6 s | 9.5 s |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 97 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.8 | 3.1 |
Dimensions
The Kia Soul EV Standard Range (2020-…) is taller, but has a similar length and width to the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020).
Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Kia Soul EV Standard Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.1 in | 165.2 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.8 in | - Width (with Mirrors) |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.8 in | 70.9 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 63.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 102.4 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh | Kia Soul EV Standard Range |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3459 lb | 3549 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 22.8 ft3 | 11.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 52.7 ft3 | 47.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4 | 5.5 |
