Kia Soul vs Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
The Kia Soul is more fuel-efficient at 105 MPG combined, against 35 MPG for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. At EPA assumptions that is about $2,050 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Kia Soul | Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,231 | 85 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 59 and 115 | 1 and 2 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 87,000 miles | 52,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 105 MPG | 35 MPG |
| City and highway | 120 and 92 | 31 and 40 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $700 | $2,750 |
| NHTSA overall safety | Not rated |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,231 complaints for the Kia Soul and 85 for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. 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 Kia Soul, 3 for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen.