Kia Soul vs Volkswagen Golf
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
Volkswagen Golf
From $38,690
Hatch
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
374L
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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
Both the Kia Soul and Volkswagen Golf hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Golf packs more ADAS features with 4 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 Volkswagen Golf counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging 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 Volkswagen Golf responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Kia Soul has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 110kW. 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, 142mm shorter than the Volkswagen Golf at 4,282mm (2,631mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Golf generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 238L in the Kia Soul and 374L in the Volkswagen Golf, giving the Volkswagen Golf a 136L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Golf leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,796/year for the Volkswagen Golf. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Golf.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Kia Soul) vs $1,796 (Volkswagen Golf). The Volkswagen Golf saves you roughly $598 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 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Golf). The Kia Soul has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Soul if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Golf if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Golf takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Volkswagen Golf will save you roughly $598 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Golf has a clear edge. The Kia Soul adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Volkswagen Golf?
The Volkswagen Golf is the cheapest at $38,690 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Golf uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Soul and Volkswagen Golf all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Golf has the largest boot at 374L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Soul has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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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