2022 Mazda 3 vs. 2022 Kia Soul

The 2022 Mazda 3 is a sophisticated sedan with excellent handling, a well fitted interior and all-wheel drive. How does it compare to the 2022 Kia Soul, a car which offers an efficient powertrain, excellent infotainment and a flexible interior?

Design & Style

The Kia Soul is a hatchback which can hold five people. It has a boxy exterior and only comes with front wheeled drive. Its manual transmission was phased out and the vehicle now comes with 4 trim levels, which are GT-Line, EX, S and LX. Sixty two cubic feet has been reserved for cargo space. It has thin LEDs with a buzz cut style roof and passengers within the cabin will be presented with a ten inch touch display.

All wheeled drive is optional for the Mazda 3. It can be purchased as a hatchback or sedan, both of which are compact and attractive. The newest feature for this year is the S Carbon Edition which includes perks such as reddish leather upholstery, eighteen inch wheels, Bose sound system with twelve speakers and satellite radio. The car's elegant exterior curves combined with its grille that is forward canted make it a real head turner.

Technology & Safety

The Mazda 3 has captured the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ along with a five star review from the NHTSA, which makes it one of the safest cars in its class. Just a few of its countermeasures include parking sensors for the back and front, adapted headlights, activated lane control, emergency automated brakes and blind area monitoring. Interior luxuries include a camera with surround view, keyless start, and rotary controller, the choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and climate control.

The Kia Soul has received conflicting safety reviews. On the one hand, it too earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, but the NHTSA was less impressed and only gave it four stars rather than five, and its headlights have been rated poorly. Still, it is outfitted with a lot of the same gear found in the Mazda, namely emergency automated brakes, activated lane control and blind area monitoring. Interior luxuries include the option of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, leather upholstery, climate control, keyless start and wireless charging for smartphones.

Performance

Those that purchase the Kia Soul will get an inline 4, 2 liter engine that can generate 147 horsepower with the ability to accelerate from zero to sixty in eight seconds. The Mazda 3 is equipped with a turbo 4, 2.5 liter engine that can generate 227 horsepower with the ability to accelerate from zero to sixty in less than six seconds.

The Bottom Line

While both vehicles seat the same number of people, the Mazda 3 has a substantial performance advantage. But safety is where the Kia Soul's weakness really shows, as its poor headlights could potentially threaten drivers and nearby pedestrians at night, which makes the Mazda 3 the winner.

Ready to Schedule a 2022 Mazda 3 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2022 Mazda 3 test drive now!