Kia Soul vs MG MG3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia Soul
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
In-line 4 cyl DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16-valve petrol
113kW
8.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
238L
MG MG3
From $20,990
Hatch
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
6 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
293L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Soul holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG3 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Kia Soul.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that the Kia Soul does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Soul uses a In-line 4 cyl DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16-valve petrol producing 113kW and 191Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (sports-matic) to a FWD layout.
The MG MG3 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
The Kia Soul has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Soul measures 4,140mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 27mm longer than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 238L in the Kia Soul and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the MG MG3 a 55L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Soul leads with a 1,100kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,394/year for the Kia Soul and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the MG MG3.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Kia Soul) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The MG MG3 saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Soul) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Soul if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Soul and MG MG3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The MG MG3 will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG MG3 has a clear edge. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Soul and MG MG3?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Soul has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG3 has the largest boot at 293L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Soul has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Soul makes the most power at 113kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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