Upgrade Your Drive: 2025 Kia Soul vs. 2026 Kia Seltos Comparison
The iconic and beloved Kia Soul is officially being discontinued after the 2025 model year. For over a decade, it has been a favorite for its unique style and practicality. For our loyal Orlando drivers wondering what comes next, the perfect graduation is the highly capable 2026 Kia Seltos. This page explores why the Seltos isn’t just a replacement, but a significant upgrade to your daily drive.
More Space, Enhanced Comfort
While the Soul is famous for its roomy interior, the Seltos takes passenger and cargo comfort even further. The 2026 Seltos rests on a longer wheelbase and measures 172.6 inches in overall length compared to the Soul’s 165.2 inches, providing a smoother and more stable highway ride. Inside, the Seltos offers up to 62.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded down, along with a clever dual-level cargo floor for hidden storage.
Turbocharged Performance & AWD
The 2025 Kia Soul exclusively features front-wheel drive and a standard 147-horsepower engine. The 2026 Kia Seltos elevates your driving experience by offering an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that delivers a thrilling 190 horsepower. Crucially for Florida drivers, the Seltos features an available Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with Lock Mode. This system actively routes power to the wheels with the most grip, giving you vital traction and stability during heavy summer rainstorms and on slippery roads.
By the Numbers: Soul vs. Seltos
See exactly how the entry-level 2026 Kia Seltos LX stacks up against the 2025 Kia Soul LX in dimensions, space, and capability.
| Specification | 2025 Kia Soul LX | 2026 Kia Seltos LX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 165.2 in. | 172.6 in. |
| Standard Cargo Volume | 24.2 cu. ft. | 26.6 cu. ft. |
| Front Legroom / Headroom | 41.1 in. / 39.9 in. | 41.4 in. / 40.0 in. |
| Rear Legroom / Headroom | 38.8 in. / 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. / 38.4 in. |
| Base Powertrain | 2.0L 4-Cylinder (147 hp) | 2.0L 4-Cylinder (147 hp) |
| Available Engine Upgrade | None | 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder (190 hp) |
| Drivetrain Options | Front-Wheel Drive Only | Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive |
Next-Generation Technology
Stepping into the 2026 Seltos means stepping into a more refined, premium cabin. Higher trims feature a stunning panoramic dual-display setup integrating two 10.25-inch screens for your digital gauges and navigation. You also benefit from advanced driver assistance upgrades like available Highway Driving Assist and Safe Exit Warning, ensuring your commutes on I-4 are safer and more relaxing than ever.
Lower Insurance & Maximized Equity
You might be surprised to learn that despite being a larger, more premium SUV, actuarial data shows the Kia Seltos is actually cheaper to insure on average than the Kia Soul. Because the Soul is entering its final production cycle, right now is the optimal time to maximize the equity of your current vehicle. Discover what your current vehicle is worth by utilizing our Orlando National Trade-In Hub.
Ready to Make the Upgrade?
Don’t just read about the differences—experience them for yourself.
