The ultimate guide to choosing between the hyundai kona and kia soul
What To Know
- 0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged Kona gets 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- 0-liter engine returns 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged Soul manages 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- The Soul has also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” award from the IIHS.
In the bustling automotive landscape, the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul have emerged as formidable contenders in the compact SUV segment. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and value, making them highly sought-after choices for urban dwellers and adventure seekers alike. But when it comes to choosing between these two exceptional SUVs, which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of the Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Soul to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Hyundai Kona offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 horsepower. The Kia Soul, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower, with an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 201 horsepower.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Kona slightly edges out the Kia Soul. The base Kona with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged Kona gets 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Kia Soul with the 2.0-liter engine returns 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged Soul manages 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul offer spacious interiors for their size. The Kona provides 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Soul offers a slightly larger cargo area, with 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 61.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
When it comes to passenger space, the Kona and Soul are nearly identical. Both vehicles offer ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for up to five passengers. The Kona has a slightly more upscale interior with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Soul, on the other hand, has a more playful and youthful interior design with unique color options and customizable features.
Features and Technology
The Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul come loaded with a wide range of standard and available features. Both vehicles offer an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, a premium audio system, and advanced safety technologies such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The Kona and Soul also offer unique features that set them apart from each other. The Kona has an available head-up display, while the Soul has an available Harman Kardon premium audio system. Additionally, the Soul offers a unique “Party Mode” feature that allows passengers to control the music and lighting from their smartphones.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Kona has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests. The Soul has also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” award from the IIHS.
In terms of reliability, both the Kona and Soul have proven to be dependable vehicles. J.D. Power has awarded the Kona a “Good” predicted reliability rating, while the Soul has received a “Very Good” predicted reliability rating.
Price and Value
The Hyundai Kona has a starting price of $21,950, while the Kia Soul starts at $19,290. However, the Soul offers more standard features than the Kona, making it a better value for money. Additionally, the Soul has a higher resale value than the Kona, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, interior space, and a more upscale interior, the Hyundai Kona is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable, feature-packed, and unique SUV, the Kia Soul is the way to go.
Final Note
The Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul are both exceptional compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, style, and value. Whether you choose the Kona for its sleek design and efficient performance or the Soul for its playful personality and generous features, you can’t go wrong with either of these outstanding vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Hyundai Kona or Kia Soul?
A: The Kia Soul has slightly more cargo space than the Hyundai Kona, with 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 61.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Hyundai Kona or Kia Soul?
A: The Hyundai Kona has slightly better fuel economy than the Kia Soul, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the base 2.0-liter engine.
Q: Which SUV has more standard features, the Hyundai Kona or Kia Soul?
A: The Kia Soul has more standard features than the Hyundai Kona, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.