Used MG ZS EV vs Used Kia Soul EV: Budget Used SUV Showdown

The MG ZS EV and Kia Soul EV are two of the most affordable compact electric SUVs in the UK used market. Both offer a compact SUV body, practical interior space for a small family, and real-world range that covers typical UK commuting comfortably. But they achieve this very differently, and the gap in refinement, reliability track record and long-term confidence is wider than the price difference suggests.

This comparison focuses on the most relevant variants: the MG ZS EV Long Range (72kWh, 2021 to 2023) and the Kia Soul EV 64kWh (2019 to 2022).

Head to head: specs and pricing

Spec	MG ZS EV Long Range (2021-2023)	Kia Soul EV 64kWh (2019-2022)
Battery (usable)	70kWh	64kWh
WLTP range	273 miles	280 miles
Real-world range (mixed)	195 to 230 miles	230 to 265 miles
Max DC charging	76 kW	77 kW
Max AC charging	11 kW	7.2 kW
Boot space	470 litres	315 litres
Body length	4.31 m	4.20 m
Battery cooling	Liquid	Liquid
Typical used price (2026)	£13,000 to £18,000	£14,000 to £19,000
Warranty (original)	7yr vehicle, 7yr battery	7yr vehicle, 7yr battery

Range: Kia Soul EV ahead despite smaller battery

This is counterintuitive but consistent with real-world data. Despite having a smaller 64kWh battery, the Soul EV typically covers more miles per charge than the MG ZS EV Long Range in UK driving conditions. The reason is efficiency: the Soul EV’s smaller, lower body extracts more range per kWh.

WLTP ratings suggest they are essentially equal (280 versus 273 miles), but in practice, real-world variation puts the Soul EV around 230 to 265 miles versus the MG’s 195 to 230 miles in mixed driving. At motorway speeds particularly, the MG’s larger body and higher aerodynamic drag are more apparent.

DC charging speed is nearly identical at 76 to 77 kW peak. Neither car is particularly fast to charge by modern standards, but both are adequate for a driver who primarily home-charges.

Refinement and ride quality: Soul EV wins clearly

This is where the comparison becomes unambiguous. The Kia Soul EV is significantly more refined than the MG ZS EV in the areas that matter most for daily driving comfort.

Ride quality: the Soul EV absorbs road imperfections more smoothly. On UK roads with their variable surface quality, the difference is noticeable, particularly on A-roads and B-roads. The MG ZS EV’s suspension tuning is firmer and less well-damped at low speeds.

Wind and road noise: the Soul EV is quieter on A-roads and motorways. The MG ZS EV generates noticeably more wind noise at speeds above 60 mph.

Interior quality: both cars have adequate interiors for their price points, but the Soul EV uses higher-quality materials with more consistency. The dashboard and door panels feel more considered. The MG ZS EV’s interior materials, while functional, feel more cost-engineered.

Driving feel: the Soul EV’s steering is more accurate and communicative. The MG’s power steering is light but somewhat vague in feel. Neither car is sporty, but the Soul EV rewards a driver who wants to be confident in their inputs.

Boot space: MG ZS EV wins significantly

The one area where the MG ZS EV comprehensively outperforms the Soul EV is boot space. At 470 litres with the rear seats up (versus 315 litres in the Soul EV), the MG can carry meaningfully more. This is a 49% difference in boot volume, and it is significant for families who carry pushchairs, sports equipment or regular supermarket loads.

The Soul EV’s compact rear boot is one of its genuine weaknesses relative to its body size. The external dimensions are similar between the two cars (4.31 m versus 4.20 m), but the Soul EV’s body design sacrifices boot space for its distinctive squared-off styling.

Reliability and warranty

Both cars carry Kia’s seven-year, 150,000 km warranty on the vehicle and battery. Wait: the MG ZS EV also carries a seven-year warranty? Yes, MG matched Kia’s warranty to compete directly. On paper, both cars offer equivalent warranty protection.

In practice, the Soul EV has a longer established reliability record in the UK. Kia’s service network is broader and better established across Britain, with more specialists trained on the platform. MG’s UK dealer network has grown rapidly and competently, but independent data on long-term MG ZS EV reliability is less comprehensive than for the Korean alternative.

Battery longevity data is limited for MG ZS EV Long Range models given their relative newness to the used market. The Soul EV’s 64kWh liquid-cooled battery has shown strong SoH retention in real-world UK use: most 2019 to 2021 examples show 88% to 94% SoH in 2026.

Running costs

Both cars cost broadly similarly to run. Energy consumption per mile is slightly lower in the Soul EV due to better efficiency. Insurance may be marginally lower on the Soul EV given its Kia brand positioning versus MG.

Servicing: both require similar intervals and costs given comparable drivetrain architecture. MG’s parts supply has historically been less immediately available than Kia’s in the UK, which can extend turnaround times for non-urgent work.

The verdict

Category	Winner
Real-world range	Soul EV
Ride comfort	Soul EV (clearly)
Interior refinement	Soul EV
Noise levels	Soul EV
Boot space	MG ZS EV (significantly)
Purchase price	MG ZS EV (slightly cheaper)
Established reliability data	Soul EV
Dealer network depth	Soul EV
Efficiency	Soul EV

Buy the used Kia Soul EV if: Ride quality, refinement and confidence in long-term reliability are your priorities. The Soul EV is the better car to live with daily, more capable on longer journeys, and backed by a deeper UK support network.

Buy the used MG ZS EV Long Range if: Boot space is genuinely important to you (470 litres is a meaningful practical advantage) and the lower entry price makes the difference between owning an EV and not. For a buyer who needs to carry a lot but cannot stretch to the Soul EV price, the MG is a viable choice.

Overall winner: Kia Soul EV 64kWh. Better range in real-world conditions, superior ride and refinement, stronger UK dealer support and a more established reliability track record. The MG ZS EV is not a bad car, but the Soul EV is the more complete package for most UK buyers at this price point.

Where to next?

Return to the used EVs guide for the full used EV buying framework, or visit our best used electric cars for our full shortlist across every budget and body type.