Global 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 €8799, while the Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh (2017-2020) begins at €11800.
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 Europe (Used) | €8799 | €11800 |
| 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) | 150 km | 201 km |
| Range (WLTP) | - Range (WLTP) | 232 km |
| Range (GCC) | 151 km | 192 km |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 30.5 kWh | 35.8 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 27 kWh | 32 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 km | 17.9 kWh/100 km | 16.7 kWh/100 km |
| Efficiency per kWh | 5.59 km/kWh | 6 km/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 3.6 kW.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 3.6 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 2 |
| 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 100 km/h.
| 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 | 285 Nm | 290 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 11.2 s | 9.6 s |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h | 150 km/h |
| 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 | 4140 mm | 4270 mm |
| Width (with Mirrors) | - Width (with Mirrors) | 2027 mm |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 1800 mm | 1799 mm |
| Height | 1593 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm | 2629 mm |
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 in the EU.
| Property | Kia Soul EV Gen 1 | Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 1492 kg | 1569 kg |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 281 l | 341 l |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 891 l | 1231 l |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) | - Cargo Volume (Frunk) |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.4 | 4 |
