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Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul: Which to Buy


PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018

Big things come in small packages.

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul | CarMax

Both the Honda Fit and Kia Soul are two of the more popular vehicles falling into this category—and if you're considering a compact car for your next vehicle purchase, you might be wondering which used vehicle is right for you.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the 2014-2017 Honda Fit and Kia Soul to help you on your search for your next small vehicle.

The 2014-2017 Honda Fit

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul - 2015 Honda Fit LX | CarMax

The 2014-2017 Honda Fit has a lot going for it.

Features and Trim Options

One of the main areas where the Fit shines is in its ample cargo space, with nearly 53 cubic feet available across the 2014-2017 model years. Honda was able to create this much potential cargo space by utilizing their innovative "Magic Seat," which is unique in its ability to flip up or fold completely flat for additional storage.

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul - 2015 Honda Fit LX Folding Seats | CarMax

Drivers and passengers alike will also enjoy surprising head and foot room in the Honda Fit, with even taller riders of about six feet able to sit comfortably.

Some additional standard features you might love about the 2014-2017 Honda Fit include full power accessories throughout, 15-inch wheels, a stylish five-inch infotainment display, and even a rear view camera.

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul - 2015 Honda Fit LX Interior | CarMax

The Honda Fit is available in four trim levels across its 2014-2017 model years: the base LX, EX, EX-L, and EX-L with Navi (which comes with a navigation and voice recognition system).

Honda Fit Safety Ratings

The 2014-2017 Honda Fit achieved an overall five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.

Some key standard safety features of the Fit include:

  • anti-lock brakes

  • stability and traction control

  • front and side curtain airbags

  • rear view camera

Fuel Economy: What to Expect

Vehicle owners will love the fuel economy this small yet peppy car has to offer. Specifically, the 2017 Honda Fit base trim with 1.5-liter automatic engine achieves an estimated 36 combined mpg (33 city and 40 highway).1

Used Honda Fit Pricing at CarMax

At CarMax, the average price for a 2014-2016 Fit (as of April 2018) is under $15,500. The 2017 Fit has an average price at CarMax (as of April 2018) of $17,000.2

The 2014-2017 Kia Soul

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul - 2017 Kia Soul | CarMax

The 2014-2017 Soul has been one of Kia's best-selling models, and for good reason. This vehicle boasts an eye-catching, funky design that appeals to drivers across generations.

Features and Trim Options

Perhaps best known for its signature "cube" shape, the Kia Soul's boxy design was carefully calculated to maximize storage and passenger space in its cabin. Thanks to this design, both front and rear passengers enjoy no shortage of head room and legroom. And when cargo storage matters, the Soul really shines. In fact, when compared to the Honda Fit, the Kia Soul offers about eight more cubic feet, topping out at 61 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul - 2015 Kia Soul Folding Seats | CarMax

A few additional standard features you might enjoy across the 2014-2017 model years include hill-start assist, 16-inch wheels, and power accessories throughout. Some drivers and passengers may also enjoy the optional illumination package, which features fun lighting around the cabin speakers that flickers and flashes along with the beat of your music.

Which to Buy: Honda Fit vs. Kia Soul - 2015 Kia Soul Interior | CarMax

The 2014-2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels: the base, + (Plus), and ! (Exclaim).

Kia Soul Safety Ratings

The 2014-2017 Kia Soul achieved an overall five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.

Some key standard safety features of the Soul include:

  • anti-lock brakes

  • stability and traction control

  • hill-start assist

  • front and side curtain airbags

Fuel Economy: What to Expect

The 2017 Kia Soul base trim with 1.6-liter automatic engine offers an estimated 28 combined mpg (26 city and 31 highway).1 This is noticeably less than the Honda Fit, so buyers may need to decide whether the added fuel economy or extra cargo space is more important to them.

Used Kia Soul Pricing at CarMax

At CarMax, the average price for a 2014-2016 Soul (as of April 2018) is $14,000. The 2017 Soul has an average price at CarMax (as of April 2018) of under $16,500. 2

The bottom line

Overall, both the Honda Fit and Kia Soul have a lot to offer buyers in the market for a compact car. Generally, if you dig high-tech features, you could really love the Kia Soul. On the other hand, if you’re looking for practicality and to spend less time at the pump, the Honda Fit could be a great choice.

1Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.  See fueleconomy.gov.
2Based on prices on carmax.com in April 2018. Actual prices may vary based on your selected model year, features and trim packages. Prices do not include taxes, tags, titles, and any applicable fees.
* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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