Global EV Comparison: Tesla Model S 85 vs Kia Soul EV Gen 1

Side-by-side comparison of all specifications in metric units (km, kg). To see imperial units (mi, lb), switch website version to USA.
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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 Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) for as low as €15950, while the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) begins at €8799.

The Tesla Model S 85 (2012-2016) is a Liftback, whereas the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is a SUV.

Property Tesla Model S 85 Kia Soul EV Gen 1
Years of Production 2012-2016 2014-2017
Current Status Discontinued Discontinued
Country of Manufacture Netherlands, USA South Korea
Body Style Liftback SUV
Market Availability EU, USA EU, USA
Price Europe (Used) €15950 €8799
GCC Score 6.3 4.5

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 Tesla Model S 85 Kia Soul EV Gen 1
Range (EPA) 426 km 150 km
Range (GCC) 391 km 151 km
Battery Capacity (Nominal) 85 kWh 30.5 kWh
Battery Capacity (Usable) 80.8 kWh 27 kWh
Efficiency per 100 km 20.7 kWh/100 km 17.9 kWh/100 km
Efficiency per kWh 4.84 km/kWh 5.59 km/kWh
Range and Efficiency Score 5.8 4.6

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 11 kW, whereas the Kia Soul EV (2014-2017) is limited to 3.6 kW.

Property Tesla Model S 85 Kia Soul EV Gen 1
Max Charging Power (AC) 11 kW 3.6 kW
Max Charging Power (DC) 120 kW 50 kW
Architecture 400 V 400 V
Charge Port Tesla Type 2 (Mennekes) CHAdeMOType 1 (J1772)
Charging Score 6.1 3.2

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 100 km/h.

Property Tesla Model S 85 Kia Soul EV Gen 1
Drive Type RWD FWD
Motor Type IM PMSM
Motor Power (kW) 278 kW 81 kW
Motor Power (hp) 373 hp 109 hp
Motor Torque 440 Nm 285 Nm
0-100 km/h 5.6 s 11.2 s
Top Speed 225 km/h 145 km/h
Performance Score 5.4 2.4

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 Tesla Model S 85 Kia Soul EV Gen 1
Length 4970 mm 4140 mm
Width (with Mirrors) 2189 mm - Width (with Mirrors)
Width (w/o Mirrors) 1964 mm 1800 mm
Height 1445 mm 1593 mm
Wheelbase 2960 mm 2570 mm

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 in the EU.

Property Tesla Model S 85 Kia Soul EV Gen 1
Number of Seats 5, 7 5
Curb Weight 2100 kg 1492 kg
Cargo Volume (Trunk) 745 l 281 l
Cargo Volume (Max) 1645 l 891 l
Cargo Volume (Frunk) 60 l - Cargo Volume (Frunk)
Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity
Cargo and Towing Score 5.5 5.4
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