The Kia Seltos and Kia Soul are two popular subcompact crossovers that offer a blend of style, versatility, and affordability. Both vehicles have their own unique features and advantages, making it difficult for consumers to choose between them. In this article, we will compare the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul in various aspects to help you make an informed decision. We will analyze their design, performance, interior space, technology, and safety features. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which vehicle suits your needs and preferences.
Design
The design of a vehicle plays a crucial role in attracting potential buyers. Both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul have distinctive designs that appeal to different tastes.
The Kia Seltos features a more rugged and sporty design, with its bold lines and aggressive stance. It has a muscular body with a prominent front grille and sleek LED headlights. The Seltos also offers a higher ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures.
On the other hand, the Kia Soul has a more boxy and funky design. It stands out with its unique shape and eye-catching color options. The Soul’s design is more urban and trendy, making it a popular choice among younger buyers.
Overall, the design preference between the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul comes down to personal taste. If you prefer a sportier and rugged look, the Seltos is the better option. However, if you want a more distinctive and funky design, the Soul is the way to go.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul offer a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences.
The Kia Seltos comes with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The base engine produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine delivers 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Seltos also offers an optional all-wheel drive system, providing better traction and stability on various road conditions.
On the other hand, the Kia Soul offers three engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, and an electric motor for the Soul EV. The base engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Soul EV offers an impressive range of up to 243 miles on a single charge.
In terms of performance, the Kia Soul offers more engine options, including an electric variant. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, the Soul EV is a great choice. However, if you prefer more power and performance, the Kia Seltos with its turbocharged engine is the better option.
Interior Space
Interior space is an important consideration when choosing a subcompact crossover, as it determines the comfort and practicality of the vehicle.
The Kia Seltos offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. It has a cargo capacity of 26.6 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Seltos also features a versatile seating arrangement, allowing you to configure the seats to accommodate passengers or cargo as needed.
Similarly, the Kia Soul provides a roomy interior with generous headroom and legroom. It offers a cargo capacity of 24.2 cubic feet, which can be increased to 62.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Soul also features a unique two-tier cargo area, providing additional storage options.
Both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul offer ample interior space, making them suitable for families and individuals with active lifestyles. However, if you require slightly more cargo space, the Seltos has a slight advantage.
Technology
In today’s digital age, technology features are a significant factor in the decision-making process. Both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul come equipped with a range of advanced technology features.
The Kia Seltos offers an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also features a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation in higher trims. The Seltos offers a range of driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Similarly, the Kia Soul comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offer a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation. The Soul also offers advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Both vehicles offer a similar level of technology features, with the Seltos having a slight advantage in terms of screen size. However, the specific features and trims may vary, so it is essential to compare the available options before making a decision.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for most car buyers, and both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul offer a range of safety features to ensure the well-being of occupants.
The Kia Seltos comes with standard safety features such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. It also offers available features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos has received excellent safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Similarly, the Kia Soul offers standard safety features like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. It also provides available features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Soul has also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
Both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul prioritize safety and offer a similar range of safety features. It is crucial to consider the specific features and ratings when making a decision.
Summary
In conclusion, the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul are both excellent subcompact crossovers that offer a blend of style, versatility, and affordability. The Seltos has a more rugged and sporty design, with a range of engine options and slightly more cargo space. On the other hand, the Soul has a distinctive and funky design, with an electric variant and a unique two-tier cargo area.
Both vehicles offer ample interior space, advanced technology features, and a range of safety options. The specific features and trims may vary, so it is essential to compare the available options before making a decision.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize a sportier design and more power, the Seltos is the better option. However, if you prefer a distinctive design and eco-friendliness, the Soul is the way to go.
Whichever vehicle you choose, both the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul offer excellent value for money and are sure to provide an enjoyable driving experience.