# Kia Soul vs Subaru Outback or Crossover **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** soul, kia\ **Created:** [June 2, 2016, 2:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442 "2016-06-02T02:52:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AnnF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a3d4f5/32.png) [@AnnF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AnnF)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 2:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/1 "2016-06-02T02:52:42Z")
I am looking for an economical car (buy and drive) with a little room in the back and enough room w 3 adults (occas) in back. Not looking for rugged driving vehicle. The Soul has better MPG, longer warranty. Smaller for parking. Is there another car in this range that Might be a better fit? ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/2 "2016-06-02T03:24:30Z")
These are very different cars. The Outback is larger and more luxurious. It also costs $10,000 more than the Kia. I consider the Soul basic transportation and the Outback a step or two above that. If you can spend over $30,000 fo a new car, the Outback will be more enjoyable over the long haul. If you are looking at used cars, an Outback will be several years older and have a lot more miles. That might change things. How much are you willing to spend? ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 3:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/3 "2016-06-02T03:58:22Z")
Why is the OP comparing vehicles in different size and price categories? If she is considering a vehicle in the size and price category of the Kia Soul, the Subaru model that would be most directly comparable would be the **Forester** , not, the Outback. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 4:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/4 "2016-06-02T04:12:24Z")
Another case of comparing apples to oranges. As far as I am concerned if economical to buy and operate is mentioned anything with all wheel drive would not be on the list. I disagree with calling the Soul basic transportation. They are reasonably priced, can be optioned quite nicely and have good warranties. ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 4:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/5 "2016-06-02T04:33:50Z")
I’d settle for a basic minivan. Kia and Hyundai both make them. Stay away from All Wheel Drive and large engines. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 7:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/6 "2016-06-02T07:17:08Z")
The Forester or Mazda CX-5 are at the top of my list. ---
**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 9:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/7 "2016-06-02T09:12:06Z")
The Forester would work well but a compact hatchback such as the Mazda 3 or Scion im would be worth looking at as well. But most small cars and suv’s are a tight fit for 3 adults in the back even for occasional use. Haven’t tried it with my forester but dad’s 2007 CRV is a bit of a squeeze for three in the back.but doable. The Outback would have more room but wouldn’t be as easy to park compared to the others. The soul is a great vehicle, one of my co workers just upgraded to a new one from her 10+yr old spectra hatchback. A few others have them as well. all are very happy with them. It fits the size part of the equation but it’ sadly doesn’t get any better mileage than a Forester or CX-5 ---
**Author:** ![galant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/77aa72/32.png) [@galant](https://community.cartalk.com/u/galant)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2016, 9:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kia-soul-vs-subaru-outback-or-crossover/93442/8 "2016-06-02T09:16:45Z")
I have two co-workers that have the Soul and are pretty happy with it, one has another car, a Lexus but uses the Soul for commuting (so it is not like he doesn’t know what a good car is). I think if the Soul gets the work done for OP, then it is the best option because it is much cheaper than anything else listed.