Hyundai Elantra Touring vs Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is more fuel-efficient at 28 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Hyundai Elantra Touring. At EPA assumptions that is about $200 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Hyundai Elantra Touring | Kia Soul | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 98 | 195 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 8 and 4 | 33 and 24 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 52,000 miles | 21,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 28 MPG |
| City and highway | 23 and 31 | 26 and 31 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $2,400 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 98 complaints for the Hyundai Elantra Touring and 195 for the Kia Soul. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Hyundai Elantra Touring, 3 for the Kia Soul.