The 2016 Kia Soul EV competes most directly with the Nissan Leaf, the world's best-selling electric car by far.
The Soul EV wins for a design that's hip rather than weird, and slightly more real-world battery range, not to mention better interior space.
The electric Ford Focus hasn't changed notably in four years, and matches up to the Nissan Leaf but with a more conventional look, a nicer interior, but less cargo volume.
The BMW i3 and Tesla Model S are more expensive (and the Tesla is a lot more expensive), and we suspect the Soul EV would be more likely to join a Model S in the driveway than replace it.
Finally, the Ford C-Max Energi is a plug-in hybrid with roughly 20 miles of electric range; it too is a tall wagon, but it does have that dreaded gasoline engine.
All of these alternatives, however, are sold in far more regions than the Soul EV's very limited distribution.
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2016 Kia Soul EV compares well to other small battery-electric cars, and its interior volume and slightly higher range give it an edge—but you can only buy one in limited areas. |
The 2016 BMW i3 is a futuristic and different kind of car, not just a new take on what a BMW represents. |
The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi offer a sportier alternative to the Toyota Prius range that feels premium inside and more capable on the road. |
The 2016 Ford Focus Electric is fun to drive, though its range is lower than the Nissan Leaf and others; its "regular car" looks may appeal to some, but it's sold only in small numbers in a handful of markets. |
The 2016 Nissan Leaf remains a somewhat appliance-like drive, but its new range rating of 107 miles raises it to the top of its class—and it's still smooth, quiet, and calming to drive. |
There's still no direct competition for the 2016 Tesla Model S, which offers elegant design, 240 miles or more of all-electric range, and jaw-dropping acceleration in the higher-end models. It's one of a kind. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $31,950 | $42,400 | $24,170 | $29,170 | $29,010 | $68,000 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | |||||
| Engine | |||||
| Electric | Electric | Gas/Electric I-4 | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Station Wagon | Subcompact Cars | Large Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Large Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 5-Door Wagon EVe | 4-Door HB | 5-Door HB SE | 5-Door HB | 4-Door HB S *Ltd Avail* | 2016.5 4-Door Sedan RWD 60 |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback 2016.5 |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic | CVT w/OD | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2016 Kia Soul EV vs. 2016 BMW i3 | 2016 Kia Soul EV vs. 2016 Ford C-Max | 2016 Kia Soul EV vs. 2016 Ford Focus Electric | 2016 Kia Soul EV vs. 2016 Nissan Leaf | 2016 Kia Soul EV vs. 2016 Tesla Model S | |
![2015 Nissan Leaf, Denver, Colorado, Mar 2016 [photo: owner Andrew Ganz]](https://images.hgmsites.net/med/2015-nissan-leaf-s_100548740_m.jpg "Nissan upgrades base Leaf S to 30 kwh battery, boosts price")
