Space and convenience: nissan altima vs kia soul – which car checks all the boxes?

The automotive landscape offers a wide range of options when it comes to compact vehicles. Two popular choices that stand out are the Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul. While both belong to the compact segment, they offer distinct experiences and cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your lifestyle and driving preferences.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Under the hood, the Nissan Altima boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Kia Soul, on the other hand, offers a variety of engine options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Soul also offers a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Altima has an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the base engine. The Kia Soul with the 2.0-liter engine has an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The hybrid Soul boasts an impressive 43 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Nissan Altima offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Kia Soul, while smaller in size, still manages to provide a surprisingly spacious interior. The upright seating position offers good visibility, and the rear seats fold down to create a generous cargo area.

In terms of features and amenities, the Nissan Altima comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium Bose sound system. The Kia Soul offers a similar range of features, including a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Safety Features

Both the Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Altima earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Soul also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

Standard safety features on the Nissan Altima include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Kia Soul also comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection.

Exterior Styling

The Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul have distinct exterior designs that reflect their different personalities. The Altima has a sleek and sporty appearance, with a low-slung stance and sharp lines. The Soul, on the other hand, has a more rugged and boxy design, with a higher ride height and a more upright stance.

The Altima’s front fascia features a V-shaped grille and sharp headlights, while the Soul’s front end is dominated by a large grille and round headlights. The Altima’s rear end features a spoiler and dual exhaust tips, while the Soul’s rear end has a more upright design with vertical taillights.

Cargo Capacity

The Nissan Altima offers a trunk capacity of 15.4 cubic feet, which is comparable to other compact sedans. The Kia Soul, being a crossover SUV, offers a more generous cargo capacity of 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the Soul’s cargo capacity expands to 61.3 cubic feet.

Price and Value

The Nissan Altima has a starting price of $24,500 for the base S trim level. The Kia Soul has a starting price of $19,290 for the base LX trim level. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and options, so the price can vary depending on the specific configuration you choose.

In terms of value, both the Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul offer a lot for the money. The Altima provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior, while the Soul offers a spacious and versatile cabin with a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Which One to Choose?

The Nissan Altima and the Kia Soul are two excellent compact vehicles that offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Altima is a sleek and sporty sedan that provides a comfortable and well-rounded driving experience. The Soul is a rugged and versatile crossover SUV that offers a spacious and practical cabin with a lower starting price.

If you’re looking for a stylish and efficient sedan, the Nissan Altima is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a more versatile and spacious vehicle with a lower price point, the Kia Soul is a great option.

Popular Questions

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Kia Soul hybrid has the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Kia Soul has a larger cargo capacity, with 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 61.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Q: Which vehicle has more horsepower?
A: The Kia Soul with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine has more horsepower, with 201 horsepower compared to the Nissan Altima‘s 188 horsepower.