Kia
Soul
Owner report available
Subaru
Crosstrek
Owner report available
Kia Soul vs Subaru Crosstrek
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Soul comes out ahead of the Subaru Crosstrek on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
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.
Crosstrek
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a strong reputation for practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. The vehicle is widely praised for its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent ground clearance, and suitability for outdoor lifestyles, including hiking, camping, and driving in harsh winter conditions. Owners frequently cite its reliability, high resale value, and the sense of safety it provides, with specific anecdotes of surviving serious accidents.
Best version to buy
For newer generations (approximately 2018+), models with the upgraded 2.5L engine (e.g., Sport, Outdoor, or Wilderness trims) are consistently recommended over the base 2.0L engine for adequate power. For older generations, the Premium trim is mentioned as a value sweet spot for used buyers, offering a good balance of comfort and price.
Known issues
- Underpowered base 2.0L engine: described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. Owners recommend the 2.5L. Frequency: very frequent.
- CVT transmission concerns: reliability worries beyond 100,000 miles, recommendations for strict fluid change intervals (every 60k miles), laggy throttle response. Frequency: very frequent.
- Infotainment system lag: touchscreen response delays, slow menu navigation, system freezes requiring restart. Climate controls integrated into touchscreen criticized. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Kia Soul is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Subaru Crosstrek, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Subaru Crosstrek is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Kia Soul and the Subaru Crosstrek. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Kia Soul is classed as a Crossover, the Subaru Crosstrek as a SUV, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Crosstrek?
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Soul at 30–31 mpg combined and the 2027 Subaru Crosstrek at 26–29 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Soul or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Kia Soul than the Subaru Crosstrek. See the known issues comparison above.