Chevrolet
Captiva
Owner report available
Kia
Soul
Owner report available
Chevrolet Captiva vs Kia Soul
The short answer
The Chevrolet Captiva offers power, while the Kia Soul excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Chevrolet Captiva if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Kia Soul if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Captiva
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and market. For the first-generation models (approximately 2007-2016, including the Saturn Vue-based Captiva Sport), the consensus is overwhelmingly negative. These vehicles are widely criticized for poor long-term reliability, with very frequent reports of major powertrain failures (engines, transmissions), chronic oil consumption, and pervasive electrical issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a "best" version. For the new generation, one owner specifically recommended the top "Premier" trim for maximizing features.
Known issues
- **First Generation (~2007-2016):** * Major engine failure (complete replacement required): very frequent. * Transmission failure (6-speed automatic 6T40/6T45): very frequent.
- **New Generation (2024+):** * Transmission concerns (CVT behavior: initial jerkiness, reported failures, doubts about long-term durability with turbo engine): recurrent.
Soul
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality, including exceptional interior roominess, good fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and overall value as a basic, economical transportation appliance. Long-term owners of specific years (e.g., 2011, 2020) report high satisfaction with minimal repairs and reliable service.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Positive long-term reliability is anecdotally reported for the 2011 model year and for the 2020+ models with the 2.0L engine (non-turbo), provided they avoid the major engine failure issues.
Known issues
- Catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption: very frequent across 2010-2020 models. Linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.
- Excessive oil consumption/burning: recurrent, noted as a common precursor to major engine issues.
- Transmission problems: includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Kia Soul is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chevrolet Captiva, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chevrolet Captiva is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Captiva or the Kia Soul?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Captiva and the Kia Soul. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Captiva or the Kia Soul?
The Chevrolet Captiva seats more passengers than the Kia Soul on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Chevrolet Captiva is classed as a SUV, the Kia Soul as a Crossover.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Captiva or the Kia Soul?
The EPA rates the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva at 23 mpg combined and the 2025 Kia Soul at 30–31 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Captiva or the Kia Soul?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Kia Soul than the Chevrolet Captiva. See the known issues comparison above.