Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Soul

The current Chevrolet Trailblazer (as opposed to the midsize SUV from 2001 – 2008 by the same name) first entered the Dieffenbach GM Superstore in 2020 as a 2021 model. It is Chevrolet’s smallest crossover. The Kia Soul dates back to 2010 as one of a series of box-on-wheels models that appeared along with the Nissan Cube, the Scion xB, and, on a larger scale, the Honda Element. The Kia Soul has since traded some boxiness for style and is now the sole survivor of the boxcars. Despite some significant differences, the two models compete in the same subcompact crossover segment and have much in common. Dieffenbach GM invites you to a head-to-head of these two models.

Similarities

Though the Trailblazer has a longer wheelbase and is longer overall, the cabin dimensions are very similar. The front and rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room, and front headroom are all fractions of an inch apart. The Soul has over an inch more rear headroom. Cargo space when all seats are up is also close, but the Trailblazer has the edge at 25.3 cubic feet compared to 24.2 for the Soul.

Drivetrain Differences

Things diverge quickly under the hood, with the Soul powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of peak torque @ 4,500 rpm. The engine is combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which sends the power strictly to the front wheels. The Soul has never had AWD.

By contrast, the Trailblazer has two engine choices, starting with a smaller but turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-3 engine that produces 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm. Notice that the Trailblazer has significantly more peak torque and is accessible at 2,000 lower rpm than the Kia. The higher torque at a lower rpm gives the Trailblazer a punchiness in city driving that the Kia lacks. This engine also connects to a CVT and sends power strictly to the front wheels. 

All Trailblazer trim levels offer all-wheel drive, and with it comes a larger 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine producing 155 hp @ 5600 rpm and notable 174 lb-ft torque at 1600 rpm. The larger engine is also paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. In addition to being the powertrain for all AWD models, it is also standard on front-wheel drive ACTIV and RS grades. 

Efficiency Surprises

Vehicles this size bring an implied promise of good fuel mileage. Both the Soul and smaller-engined Trailblazers have the same EPA-estimated combined mpg of 30. In getting there, the Trailblazer does better in the city with 29 mpg compared to 27 for the Soul. On the highway, it is reversed with the Soul being rated at 33 compared to 31 for the Trailblazer. Counterintuitively, FWD Trailblazers with the larger engine still have a city rating of 29 and a higher highway rating of 33. This gives them greater efficiency than the Soul across the board. AWD Trailblazers are rated at 26 / 29 / 27.

Interior Features

The base Soul is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the rest of the model line upgrades to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation. All models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but it involves a wired connection. Upgrading from the basic model adds remote start, a wireless phone charger, and remote access functions through the Kia app. 

All Trailblazers benefit from an 11-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8-inch configurable digital driver’s information center is also standard. While it certainly is a matter of taste, we find the Trailblazer dash to have a more upscale appearance than the oval-themed Soul dashboard.

Safety and Driver Assist

The base Soul has most of the Kia Drive Wise suite of safety and driver-assist features. Included are:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert

The S grade model, one step above the base model, includes rear sensors, which means the addition of:

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Change Assist

The base Trailblazer LS has the same standard Safety and driver-assist features as the rest of the model line, which includes:

•  Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Following Distance Indicator
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

Available options across the model line include:

• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Park Assist

The Trailblazer earned an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating, compared to a 4-star overall rating for the Soul. 

The higher level of features puts the Trailblazer starting MSRP at $24,395 compared to $20,190 for the Soul. Both model lines include four grades, with the Soul topping out at $24,490 as the base MSRP for top EX models. Both the rugged-themed ACTIV and the sport-themed RS Trailblazer models are at the top of the range and have the same starting MSRP of $28,395. 

With the advantage of punchy powertrains, generous cabin technology, and available AWD and potential fuel economy, the TrailBlazer ticks all the boxes for someone looking for a small, versatile crossover model. Now that you have some idea of how these models compare, make your own comparison, starting with testing the Trailblazer at the Dieffenbach GM Superstore.