7 Great Kia Soul Competitors: Which Alternatives Stack Up

in Car Comparisons
Kia Soul parked on a desert road

Source: Pixabay

The Kia Soul is a distinct subcompact SUV selection. It isn’t super-fast, but drivers love it for its adorable design and effective powertrain. However, the appearance and drive of the Kia Soul might not be for everyone. Maybe you want something like the Soul, but not the same. You might wonder - what are some prominent Kia Soul competitors?

If you’re interested in learning more about the Kia Soul’s competitors, you’re in the right place. The more you know about your competing options, the better a fit you will find in your next car. Read on to learn more about seven of the best alternatives to the Kia Soul, each with differing competing features.

Ford EcoSport

First on our list of Kia Soul competitors is the Ford EcoSport. Although it was discontinued in 2022, there are still many prominent used options on the market. The EcoSport boasts standard all-wheel-drive, excellent drive height, and a towing ability of up to 2,000 pounds.

According to caranddriver.com, here are some features you will find in the Ford EcoSport:

  • 166-horsepower engine
  • Subcompact SUV design, the only available from Ford
  • Six-speed automatic transmission

There are many valuable features in the Ford EcoSport system.

If you want the Ford EcoSport, you will find it new for a starting price of $23,335. Used versions are even cheaper. There are struggles with the driver-assistance features, but it’s valuable if you want a more affordable ride and something with standard all-wheel drive.


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Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a modern SUV, made as a smaller car with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The HR-V has 19 cubic feet of storage room in the back of the car, which is as much as some larger vehicles. It can also be upgraded with safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

According to automobiles.honda.com, here are some features you will find in the Honda HR-V:

  • Extensive room for passengers and cargo
  • 6040 split second row
  • Standard Honda Sensing suite

There’s much to love in this car.

If you’re looking into the Honda HR-V, you will find it for a starting price of $24,100. There are issues with noise on the road and a lack of driver tech, but overall, it’s a roomier version of the Kia Soul.

Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV made for cutting through winding streets without issues. It’s a cozy car with an incredible fuel economy of 3136 in the city and on the highway.

According to nissanusa.com, here are some features you will find in the Nissan Kicks:

  • 122 horsepower
  • Three different models
  • Available premium sound system

It’s easy to feel comfortable in the Nissan Kicks.

If you want the Nissan Kicks, you will find it for a starting price of $20,790. If you want to go smaller than the Soul but remain comfortable and fuel-efficient, the Kicks is a practical selection.

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is one of the most affordable alternatives to the Kia Soul, coming in under $20,000. It’s also one of the smallest SUVs, excellent for those who live in the city. The Venue has unique features like an 8-inch touchscreen, driver-assistance features, and more.

According to hyundaiusa.com, here are some features you will find in the Hyundai Venue:

  • 31 MPG combined
  • Lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and more
  • Athletic and stylish design

The Hyundai Venue is an excellent vehicle option.

If you’re looking into the Hyundai Venue, you will find it for a starting price of $19,650. It’s an excellent substitute for the Soul if you live in the city and need a smaller car, though it does suffer in its cheap cabin materials.


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Jeep Renegade

If you are someone who would prefer a rugged appearance in your car, the Jeep Renegade is an excellent substitution for the Kia Soul. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a maximum horsepower of 177.

According to jeep.com, here are some features you will find in the Jeep Renegade:

  • 2329 city and highway MPG
  • 210 maximum torque
  • 8.4inch touchscreen

There’s a lot to enjoy with this vehicle.

If you are someone who would prefer a rugged appearance in your car, the Jeep Renegade is an excellent substitution for the Kia Soul. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a maximum horsepower of 177.

Mazda CX-30

The compact crossover that is the Mazda CX-30 is a powerful alternative to the Kia Soul, especially if you care about potentially optioning up to a turbocharged engine. This Mazda is packed with features and filled with technology for maximum value. 

According to mazdausa.com, here are some features you will find in the Mazda CX-30:

  • 191 horsepower
  • Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Remote start, power liftgate, and other advanced additions

The Mazda CX-30 has plenty to love.

If you’re interested in this car, you will find it for a starting price of $24,995. It’s a little more expensive and has poor fuel economy, but it wins in the powerful upgrades and features.


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Toyota CH-R

Last on our list of Kia Soul competitors is the Toyota CH-R, which was discontinued in 2022. The last year of the CH-R performed well in safety tests and comes with high-class sporty style choices.

According to caranddriver.com, here are some features you will find in the Toyota CH-R:

  • Asymmetrical dashboard for futuristic appearance
  • Upgraded features like heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and more
  • Excellent curb appeal

There’s plenty to love in the Toyota CH-R.

If you want a CH-R, you will find it new for $25,615. If you purchase the car used, it typically costs less.

Final Thoughts

Many Kia Soul competitors exist on the market, whether you want something better for off-roading, a car with more cargo space, or other features. Each has something different to offer drivers.

We hope this information is valuable! The more you know about potential cars, the easier it will be to pick the right one for your life. Every Kia Soul and Kia Soul competitor will fit varying requirements.



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