Kia Soul vs Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
The Kia Soul is more fuel-efficient at 105 MPG combined, against 29 MPG for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,600 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Kia Soul | Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,169 | 73 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Air bags |
| Crashes and fires | 34 and 62 | 2 and 0 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 81,000 miles | 44,000 miles |
| Recalls | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 105 MPG | 29 MPG |
| City and highway | 120 and 92 | 25 and 34 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $700 | $2,300 |
| NHTSA overall safety |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,169 complaints for the Kia Soul and 73 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.
NHTSA's overall safety ratings: 5 stars for the Kia Soul, 5 stars for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen.
Safety recalls on file: 2 for the Kia Soul, 3 for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen.