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Starting at
Starting at
| 162 lb-ft | Torque | 132 lb-ft |
| 11 in | Screen Size | 10.25 in |
| Yes | Teen Driver | No |
Although there is a lot to be said for the power and spaciousness of a large or full-size SUV, sometimes you just want something small for getting around town and enjoying your drive each day. Subcompact SUVs are great options that deliver the functionality you want from this type of vehicle in a modest package that more easily fits into a wide range of situations. You have a lot of options available to you for a subcompact model, which is why we find it is best to just look at one or two vehicles at a time and see how they stack up. If we check out the 2025 Chevy Trax vs 2025 Kia Soul, for example, then we can see that while these are both impressive vehicles, the Trax simply gives you more to enjoy.
In terms of performance, these two subcompact SUVs are quite comparable, with a single engine and similar power on offer. The Chevy Trax has a 1.2L turbocharged engine with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the Kia Soul has a 2.0L engine with 147 hp but just 132 lb-ft of torque, leaving it a bit lacking. We also prefer the six-speed automatic transmission in the 2025 Trax compared to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) that Kia offers for the Soul—a CVT can be fine, but we still like that feeling of an automatic. In terms of fuel efficiency, both models are also quite similar, with the Chevy Trax offering 30 MPG of combined fuel economy; most Kia Soul trims also get an estimated 30 MPG of combined fuel efficiency and only one model tops that with an estimated 31 MPG of combined gas mileage instead.
Inside, both of these SUVs are quite spacious, though the Chevy Trax gives you a bit more rear cargo space to take advantage of, along with plenty of room for your passengers to stretch out in. Both the Trax and Kia Soul have numerous trim levels available, but the Soul has just four options, while the Trax gives you five different models to pick from—you can also get some nicer features in the Trax, including a larger 11-inch infotainment display. We are pleased to say that these are both very safe vehicles and come with impressive standard safety tech like collision warnings and enhanced emergency braking systems. That said, the Trax gives you even more, such as the Teen Driver system that is perfect if you have a new driver that needs to develop safe habits, something you will not find on the Kia Soul.
With a subcompact SUV, you are probably not looking for something with massive power and a roaring engine, but you still want it to be fun to drive. Chevy understands this well, and you can see it quite easily with the 2025 Trax, which features a 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged I-3 engine that delivers 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the Kia Soul has a 2.0L I-4 engine with 147 hp and just 132 lb-ft of torque; while that is a bit more horsepower, it is much less torque, and you will probably feel that difference. We also like that Chevy gives the Trax a six-speed automatic transmission compared to the CVT in the Soul to create a superior overall driving experience every time you get behind the wheel.
Since these are both subcompact SUVs, you would expect them to have impressive fuel efficiency, and you would be correct in that regard. The 2025 Chevy Trax gets an estimated 28 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG of combined fuel economy, which is all excellent. Things get a little complicated with the Kia Soul: most models get an estimated 27 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG of combined fuel efficiency. The highest trim level does a bit better with an estimated 29 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and 31 MPG of combined efficiency, but only that one model. Either way, you can see these numbers are quite comparable, and you likely would not experience any real-world difference.
Since most of your time with your vehicle is spent with you driving it, you always want to make sure you choose something that is fun to drive, with great features that you will enjoy. That largely comes down to the different trim levels a manufacturer offers for any given model and Chevy is well known as a leader in the industry when it comes to the variety of options they offer. Looking at the 2025 Trax, Chevy offers five different trim levels including two high-end options at the same price point that let you choose between different styles. The Kia Soul, by comparison, has just four trim levels, which is fine, but we prefer the extra option and greater freedom that Chevy provides for the Trax.
Looking at the kinds of features you get with these different trim levels; Chevy comes out on top again with improved options and fantastic technology for you to enjoy. The standard Trax LS features 17-inch wheels, LED headlamps, and power-adjustable side mirrors. Inside, the LS has an eight-inch infotainment display, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, a four-way front passenger seat, and a 3.5-inch Driver Information Center display. Looking at a higher trim like the 2RS, you get impressive 19-inch machined aluminum wheels, Black exterior styling, and heated power outside mirrors. The Trax 2RS also has a gorgeous 11-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker sound system, heated front seats, and an eight-inch Driver Information Center screen for enhanced functionality that is easy to use while driving.
With just four trim levels available, Kia offers fewer options for the Soul, though there is still some decent stuff available. The starting LX model comes with 16-inch wheels (smaller than the Trax LS), standard headlights (not LED), and similar basic exterior features. Kia offers some upgrades on higher trims, including available 18-inch wheels (still smaller than the Trax), LED headlights, and more only as options. Inside, a six-way driver's seat and four-way front-passenger seat are standard, with an eight-inch Infotainment display and digital instrument cluster. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen is available, but it is still smaller than the largest screen offered by Chevy on the Trax.
When looking at a vehicle, few things are as important to us as the safety features that are standard and available since they help keep you and your loved ones safe each day. Fortunately, it seems that Chevy and Kia agree with us on this since the Trax and Soul both include an impressive array of standard safety features. For the 2025 Soul, Kia provides Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, a Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Following Assist all standard. A Driver Attention Warning is also standard, with more features like Lane Change Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist offered as available options for the Soul.
Looking at the Chevy Trax, you get a fantastic assortment of standard safety features thanks to the Chevy Safety Assist package on every model. This includes a Forward Collision Alert to warn you about a potential crash plus Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking to help you avoid a collision. You also get Lane Keep Assist with a Lane Departure Warning on every model, plus a Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam auto high beams to help you avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Enhanced safety features like a Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert are also available.
One of our favorite features is the Teen Driver system that is included with every Chevy Trax; this lets you designate a key fob for a driver, and certain safety systems will activate with that key—like muting the sound system until the driver fastens their seatbelt. There is even an in-vehicle report card you can use to see how your teen is doing and note areas for improvement.
As you can see, the competition between these two SUVs is neck-and-neck; it looks like Kia has been working hard to try to keep up with Chevy in this area. That said, there are still plenty of things we prefer about the Trax, which give it an edge, including much more torque, a larger available infotainment screen inside, and enhanced safety and driver assistance systems. To fully appreciate everything the 2025 Trax has to offer, however, you really need to see it and the rest of the modern Chevy lineup for yourself. Taking the Trax or any other model for a test drive is the ultimate way to feel its performance, appreciate the features inside it, and discover if it is the perfect SUV for you.
No matter what you are looking for in your next SUV, the Chevy lineup has something for you, with a huge selection of different models in all sizes. Here at DePaula Chevrolet, we are pleased to be able to offer you this remarkable inventory of vehicles, and we are ready to take you through everything available and find you the perfect one. Whether you already know the Trax has everything you are looking for, or you still want to look at a couple of other Chevy models to make sure you get the right one, we will work closely with you to make sure you drive away in a vehicle you love. Call or come visit us at DePaula Chevrolet today to learn more, and let us show you how enjoyable and rewarding it can be to shop for your next SUV.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.