USA EV Comparison: Kia Soul EV Gen 1 vs Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh
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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 Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) begins at $10900.
The Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is a SUV, whereas the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) is a Hatchback.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2014-2017 | 2017-2020 |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea | Germany |
| Body Style | SUV | Hatchback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (Used) | $4991 | $10900 |
| GCC Score | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Range and Efficiency
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) 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 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 93 mi | 125 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 144 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 94 mi | 119 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 30.5 kWh | 35.8 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 27 kWh | 32 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 28.7 kWh/100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.48 mi/kWh | 3.72 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 4.6 | 5.2 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
The Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 50 kW, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) maxes out at 40 kW.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.2 kW, whereas the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is limited to 6.6 kW.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 6.6 kW | 7.2 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 50 kW | 40 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CHAdeMO Type 1 (J1772) | CCS Type 1 |
| Charging Score | 3.2 | 3.9 |
Performance
Both vehicles are front-wheel drive.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 81 kW | 100 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 109 hp | 134 hp |
| Motor Torque | 210 lb-ft | 214 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 10.8 s | 9.6 s |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 85 mph |
| Performance Score | 2.4 | 2.8 |
Dimensions
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) has a longer body, while the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) stands taller, offering a more elevated ride. Their widths are almost identical, so both offer a similar amount of shoulder room.
The Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 163 in | 168.1 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | - Width (with Mirrors) | 79.8 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 70.9 in | 70.8 in |
| Height | 62.7 in | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 103.5 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 | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3289 lb | 3459 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 9.9 ft3 | 22.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 31.5 ft3 | 52.7 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.4 | 4 |
