Kia Soul vs Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Overview
| Spec | Kia SoulLX | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen1.4T S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | 1.4T S |
| Body style | Wagon | Wagon |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2019 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia SoulLX | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen1.4T S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,490 (best) | $21,895 |
| Lowest listing price | $9,082 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $11,694 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $14,305 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 2 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia SoulLX | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen1.4T S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 27 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG | 37 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.3 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia SoulLX | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen1.4T S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia SoulLX | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen1.4T S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 62.1 cu ft | 66.5 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 1,135 lbs (best) | 926 lbs |
| Curb weight | 2,888 lbs (best) | 2,978 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in (best) | 5.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 103.5 in (best) |
| Length | 165.2 in | 179.8 in (best) |
| Width | 70.9 in (best) | 70.8 in |
| Height | 63 in (best) | 58.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia SoulLX | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen1.4T S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 3 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 5 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Soul | Volkswagen Golf SportWagen |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $20,490 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 1.4T S $21,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $22,990 MSRP | 1.4T S $22,995 MSRP |
| 3 | GT-Line $24,090 MSRP | 1.8T S 4MOTION $24,395 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $24,790 MSRP | 1.8T S 4MOTION $25,495 MSRP |
| 5 | — | 1.4T SE $29,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Kia Soul vs Volkswagen Golf SportWagen FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Kia Soul or 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Kia Soul vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Kia Soul or 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Kia Soul starts lower at $20,490. Live Kia Soul listings start at $9,082.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Kia Soul or 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
- The 2025 Kia Soul leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,490).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Kia Soul or 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Kia Soul or 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen leads on horsepower in this comparison (168).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Kia Soul vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Soul (4/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (5/5 NHTSA overall).