Comparison: Turning circle Kia Soul vs. competitors 2025

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? The first-generation Kia Soul, the AM model from 2009 to 2011, had a turning circle of 10.50 meters. This same figure was retained during the first facelift from 2011 to 2014. When the second-generation PS model came onto the scene from 2014 to 2019, the turning circle increased slightly to 10.60 meters—no mind-blowing change but enough to be noticeable. This figure remained unchanged even through the first facelift from 2016 to 2019. Fast forward to the current model, the Soul SK3, and it holds steady at 10.60 meters. Clearly, Kia has found its sweet spot, but you might wonder how this figure holds up against the rest of Kia's lineup and its competitors.

Within the Kia family, the Soul's turning circle can best be described as middle-of-the-road. If you're keen on nimble city driving, the Kia Picanto blows the Soul out of the water with a tight 9.40-meter turning circle. The Kia Rio follows with its 10.20-meter turning circle, just slightly smaller than the Soul's. Then there's the Kia Stonic with a 10.40-meter turning circle, again marginally tighter than the Soul. The more prominent models like the Kia Sportage and Stinger have turning circles of 10.90 and 11.20 meters, respectively. And let's not even start on the behemoths like the Kia Sorento and EV9, which are more akin to steering container ships, requiring around 11.60 and 12.40 meters, respectively.

Now, strap in for a thrilling comparison to the Soul’s closest rivals. The Nissan Qashqai, Citroen C4 Aircross, and SsangYong Korando all offer the same 10.60-meter turning circle, putting them in direct competition with the Kia Soul. But turn your focus to vehicles like the Mazda MX-30, which demands a roomier 11.40 meters, or the MINI Paceman, which wants an even larger 11.60 meters. If you’re after something tighter, the Renault Captur, Hyundai Bayon, and VW ID.3 swoop in with 10.40, 10.40, and 10.30 meters, respectively. The real winner? How about the Honda e with a shocking, unheard-of 9.20 meters? Compared to these, the Soul is neither the best nor the worst, sitting comfortably in the middle. It's balanced, practical, and affordable, which is perhaps why it appeals to so many urban adventurers.