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2025 Kia Soul vs. 2026 Subaru Forester Comparison

See how the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Subaru Forester performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Soul 2025

Small sedans/hatchbacks

2025 Kia Soul

$20,490 - $24,790

All Test Results

Forester 2026

$29,995 - $41,545

All Test Results
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About
About
The Soul blends personality and versatility with its familiar boxy shape. A continuously variable transmission contributes to good fuel economy, but the engine gets loud when pushed hard, such as when merging onto the highway or climbing a steep hill...
 
The Forester has excellent outward visibility, a roomy interior, and a comfortable ride. The most noticeable improvement is a quieter engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder has a rather abrupt initial launch but at times feels underpowered. It returned ...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Controls
Green Checkmark Icon Access
Green Checkmark Icon CVT feels like conventional transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
 
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances
Green Checkmark Icon Airy outward views
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy rear seat
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Ride
Red 'X' Icon Engine noise
 
Red 'X' Icon Feels underpowered
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

wagon

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

GT-Line, LX, S, EX

 

Touring, Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, Wilderness

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$20,490 - $24,790

 

$29,995 - $41,545

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

FWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 (147 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 (180 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

CVT

 

CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.