Cars Similar To The Kia Soul (8 Alternatives in 2022)

There’s absolutely no shortage of compact/subcompact cars in the market right now. Almost every automaker has you covered on this front, with cars like the Kia Soul being some of the best-sellers.

Arriving in the mid-2000s, this crossover SUV has become one of the brand’s most-liked cars. The 2023 Kia Soul costs from $19,790 to $24,090 in the US and represents great value for buyers.

But, the market holds some other excellent cars giving the Soul tough competition. So, we have compiled a list of the top 8 alternatives to the Kia Soul. So, let’s take a look at them!

1. Hyundai Venue ($19,000 – $22,250)

Similarities Between the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Soul

Both cars are from South Korea and are produced by the Hyundai Motor Group. The Venue is also a subcompact crossover SUV with a monocoque chassis, plus independent front & torsion beam rear suspension.

Like its Kia competitor, the Venue uses front-wheel drive, a gas-fueled engine, and an automatic transmission as standard. It also has comparable EPA mileage, ground clearance, and exterior width & height.

The Hyundai also gets keyless entry, split-folding rear seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, plus Lane Keeping Assist and TPMS.

What Makes the Hyundai Venue Stand Apart?

Unlike the boxier Kia, the Venue’s exterior design features more curves and softer angles. The latter also boasts a much shorter turning radius, while its front-passenger legroom is a touch better too.

The interior of the Venus is simpler and more minimalistic, with its dual-tone theme making the cabin feel airier as well. The Hyundai further scores flat-folding rear seats.

Here are some of the Venue’s other positives:

• Cheaper than the Soul
• Its base trim gets far more standard equipment
• Even easier to maneuver in tight spaces
• Gets wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto as standard

If you’re on a tight budget but want a reliable, well-packaged, and economical mini crossover, the Hyundai Venue is worth your consideration. Let’s take a look at its specifications table:

2. Nissan Kicks ($20,290 – $22,850)

Similarities Between the Nissan Kicks and the Kia Soul

The Kicks and Soul are both constructed around a unibody chassis and are subcompact crossover SUVs. Even the Nissan gets independent front struts and a torsion beam rear suspension.

The Kicks is also powered by a gas motor that spins the front wheels via an automatic gearbox. Both cars get nearly a dozen exterior color options, while their exterior width and height are similar too.

Other comparable features include Automatic headlamps, split-folding rear seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and a rearview camera.

Which Differentiating Features Do the Nissan Kicks Have?

The Nissan Kicks has a longer wheelbase and is generally longer while weighing much less. It also affords its front occupants more headroom and legroom.

The interior layout of the Kicks is simple and easier to figure out. Its ‘Zero Gravity’ front seats feel even more comfortable and can be integrated with Bose speakers.

Below are some more of the Kicks’ fortes:

• Cheaper than the Soul at the high-end
• Offers a higher seating position
• Gets a larger boot
• More fuel-efficient
• Active safety features standard on all trims

If you want a spacious and well-equipped urban crossover SUV, the Nissan Kicks will not disappoint you. Here’s Nissan’s specifications table:

3. Mazda CX-30 ($22,950 – $35,400)

Similarities Between the Mazda CX-30 and the Kia Soul

Both are subcompact crossover SUVs based on a monocoque design, employing independent front struts and semi-independent rear torsion beam. Also, the CX-30 is just as wide and tall as the Soul.

The Mazda also features a gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. Both cars attain comparable highway MPG, and their standard wheel sizes are similar too.

The Kia rival also comes with automatic headlights, keyless entry, split-folding rear seats, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

What Features Make the Mazda CX-30 Stand Out?

The CX-30’s organic-looking exterior design is not only sportier, but it also features svelte and stylish curves. Its interior is very sporty and driver-centric, and its build quality feels even better.

The CX-30 is offered in seven trim levels. Even the base variant gets LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, an 8-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics, and a larger infotainment screen.

Here are the CX-30’s other stand-out items:

• Gets AWD with Off-road Traction Assist across variants
• Sportier dynamics
• Quicker to 60 mph
• Nicer cabin finishings
• Boasts a higher ground clearance

If a well-built, reliable, and charming compact SUV is what you need, the CX-30 will be the right fit. Check out this Mazda’s specifications table for better insight:

4. Subaru Crosstrek ($23,645 – $36,845)

Similarities Between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Soul

Like the Soul, the Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover SUV that utilizes a modern monocoque construction and independent front suspension. It can also be had with an automatic gearbox paired with a gas engine.

These two cars share similar exterior width and height, and they’re both available in a comparable number of trim levels. In addition, the Crosstrek’s front headroom is almost identical to the Soul’s.

Regarding standard features, the Subaru also comes with keyless entry, cruise control, split-folding rear seats, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What Makes the Subaru Crosstrek Special? 

Not only is the Crosstrek’s body longer, but it also boasts a longer wheelbase. Moreover, the Subaru has a higher ground clearance.

This Kia rival gets bigger alloy wheels and tires even in its base form, while its exterior looks more rugged yet functional. It’s also offered in more exterior colors.

The interior of the Crosstrek is also way simpler with straightforward controls, with the cabin feeling more spacious as well.

Here are the Crosstrek’s other upshots:

• Gets Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system with Active Torque Vectoring
• Has a higher minimum towing capacity
• Boasts independent suspension all around
• Quicker to 60 mph
• Gets a larger fuel tank

Subaru Crosstrek is a perfectly capable and comfortable family wagon with car-like driving dynamics. Here’s its detailed specifications table for more information:

5. Honda HR-V ($23,800 – $27,900)

Similarities Between the Honda HR-V and the Kia Soul

Both crossover SUVs operate in the same space and are aimed at a younger audience. The Honda also boasts a unibody chassis, standing just as tall as the Soul.

The new HR-V also sources power from a gasoline engine via an automatic transmission. It gets independent front struts, and its fuel tank’s size is comparable to the Kia’s.

Base variants of both cars sport similar ground clearance, with nearly identical minimum cargo volume. Other common features include automatic headlights, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto-Emergency Braking.

How Does the Honda HR-V Distinguish Itself From the Kia Soul?

The 2023 HR-V is much newer than its Kia competitor and bests it in almost every exterior dimension. Its suave yet gentler design language also makes it look tauter and more urbane.

The sporty all-black interior of the HR-V is more elegant, contemporary, and comfortable. It offers better legroom for the front occupants, and its overall shoulder room is also better.

The HR-V Sport trim boasts a higher ground clearance and modern multi-link rear suspension. It also gets bigger alloy wheels and disc brakes as standard.

Here are some of the other fortes of the HR-V:

• AWD offered across all trim levels
• Handles corners better
• More compliant over bad roads
• Gets plenty more standard features
• Higher seating position

If you want a good-looking and practical crossover that’s also quite engaging behind the wheel, the Honda HR-V will be a great bet! Check out the car’s specifications table below:

6. Volkswagen Taos ($24,155 – $34,535)

Similarities Between the Volkswagen Taos and the Kia Soul

The Taos is also a unibody car equipped with independent front springs and a torsion beam setup at the back. Both cars are powered by gas engines and mated to automatic gearboxes.

They share a similar front track, and four-corner disc brakes are standard in both. The VW SUV also has a noticeably flat roofline and side profile.

The Volkswagen Taos also gets features like split-folding seats, a digital driver’s display, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Monitoring, and TPMS.

Where Does the Volkswagen Taos Take the Lead?

The Taos is larger than the Soul in its exterior dimension, and its styling is more rugged and SUV-like. It also features black body cladding all-around and an LED strip on the grille.

Taos’ interior looks and feels roomier, with a ton more space available for rear-seat passengers than in the Soul. The car can also be had with an independent rear suspension, improving the overall ride quality.

Here are the VW Taos’ other advantages:

• More capacious boot
• Better fuel economy
• Quicker to 60 mph
• AWD helps with grip during inclement conditions

If you want a no-nonsense compact SUV with better cabin practicality & overall ergonomics, the Volkswagen Taos is worth your time. Below is the specifications table for this car:

7. Jeep Renegade ($24,695 – $31,340)

Similarities Between the Jeep Renegade and the Kia Soul

Like the Soul, the Renegade uses a monocoque design for its construction. The Jeep’s also a subcompact SUV, and its exterior is fairly boxy in appearance as well.

The Renegade, too, comes with an automatic transmission that’s paired to a gas engine. Base variants of both vehicles spin the front wheels and are fitted with 16-inch wheels by default.

Other similar equipment in these cars include keyless entry, cruise control, split-folding rear seats, Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

How Does the Jeep Renegade Differentiate Itself?

The design of the Renegade makes it look like a proper 4×4, with the front fascia sporting the beloved Jeep grille. It also gets rugged-looking squared-off wheel arches and black cladding.

The Renegade’s interior design is more rugged and off-road friendly, even getting a dedicated grab handle for the front passenger. Moreover, the large and square windows provide an even better view.

Here are the Renegade’s other strengths:

• True off-road capability
• Composed ride
• Turbo motor means more oomph
• Higher towing capacity
• Slightly larger than the Soul

If you’re looking for a small SUV that can tackle tarmac and trails well, the Jeep Renegade should be on your shortlist! Check out this Jeep’s specifications table:

8. Fiat 500X ($27,965 – $33,945)

Similarities Between the Fiat 500X and the Kia Soul

The Fiat 500X is also a subcompact crossover SUV that utilizes a monocoque chassis, independent front suspension, and four-corner disc brakes. Its exterior width is also comparable to the Kia.

Both cars are available in nearly the same number of colors, with the 500X also being equipped with a gasoline engine that’s mated to a torque converter automatic. The Fiat is also a 5-seater.

When it comes to commonality in features, the Fiat 500X is also available with keyless entry, cruise control, split-folding rear seats, tilt/telescoping steering column, TPMS, and Electronic Stability Control.

What Makes the Fiat 500X Take the Lead?

For starters, the Fiat 500X is based on the incredibly popular and beloved 500 hatchback, borrowing many of its design cues. Therefore, its styling is considered more iconic than the Soul.

On a similar note, the interior of the 500X carries a distinct sense of flair and chicness that’s amiss in its Korean rival. Buyers also get more color/trim options for the Fiat’s seats.

Below are some more of the 500X’s selling points:

• Gets AWD as standard
• More ergonomic driving position
• Select cabin materials feel nicer
• Faster in a straight line

If you like small and fashionable crossovers that are also easy to drive, then the Fiat 500X is worth a thought. Now, check out its specifications table:

The top alternatives to the Kia Soul mentioned on this list have their own merits, which will appeal to many buyers in this segment. So be sure to test drive the shortlisted cars before going for your favorite car!