Crosstrek vs. soul: the battle for subcompact suv supremacy

When it comes to compact crossover SUVs, two names that consistently rise to the top are the Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Soul. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and style, making them popular choices among adventure-seekers and urban commuters alike. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Subaru Crosstrek against the Kia Soul to determine which compact crossover emerges victorious.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Subaru Crosstrek:

• Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder boxer engine
• Horsepower: 152 hp
• Torque: 145 lb-ft
• Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway

Kia Soul:

• Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder engine
• Horsepower: 147 hp
• Torque: 132 lb-ft
• Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway

Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Soul offer comparable performance and fuel economy. However, the Crosstrek’s boxer engine provides a slightly smoother and more refined driving experience, while the Soul has a lower base price.

Off-Road Capabilities

Subaru Crosstrek:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
• X-Mode: Enhanced off-road driving capabilities

Kia Soul:

• Front-wheel drive standard
• All-wheel drive available
• Ground clearance: 6.7 inches

The Subaru Crosstrek has a clear advantage in off-road capabilities. Its standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode system make it more capable of handling rough terrain and slippery conditions. The Kia Soul, on the other hand, is better suited for urban environments with its lower ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive.

Interior Space and Comfort

Subaru Crosstrek:

• Seating capacity: 5
• Cargo space: 20.8 cubic feet
• Comfortable and spacious cabin

Kia Soul:

• Seating capacity: 5
• Cargo space: 24.2 cubic feet
• Roomy and versatile interior

The Kia Soul offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Crosstrek, but both vehicles have comfortable and spacious cabins. The Crosstrek has a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials, while the Soul’s interior is more youthful and funky.

Features and Technology

Subaru Crosstrek:

• Standard EyeSight driver assistance system
• Available 11.6-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Kia Soul:

• Standard UVO infotainment system
• Available 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with the EyeSight driver assistance system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Kia Soul has a more user-friendly infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, but it lacks some of the advanced safety features found in the Crosstrek.

Safety

Subaru Crosstrek:

• Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS
• Standard EyeSight driver assistance system
• Blind-spot monitoring available

Kia Soul:

• Top Safety Pick by the IIHS
• Standard UVO infotainment system with emergency assistance
• Blind-spot monitoring available

Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Soul have received high safety ratings from the IIHS. However, the Crosstrek’s standard EyeSight system gives it a slight edge in terms of active safety features.

Value and Pricing

Subaru Crosstrek:

• Starting price: $24,545
• Fully loaded price: $35,295

Kia Soul:

• Starting price: $19,390
• Fully loaded price: $30,690

The Kia Soul has a lower starting price than the Subaru Crosstrek, but the Crosstrek offers more standard features and a higher level of off-road capability. When fully loaded, the Crosstrek still has a higher price tag, but it also comes with more advanced technology and safety features.

Which One is Right for You?

Subaru Crosstrek:

• If you prioritize off-road capabilities, safety features, and a refined driving experience, the Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice.
• It’s ideal for adventure-seekers and those who live in areas with challenging weather conditions.

Kia Soul:

• If you’re looking for a budget-friendly crossover with a spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a youthful style, the Kia Soul is the way to go.
• It’s perfect for urban commuters and those who value affordability and versatility.

Recommendations: The Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Soul are both excellent compact crossover SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Crosstrek is the better choice for off-road adventurers and those who prioritize safety and refinement. The Soul, on the other hand, is more affordable, has a more spacious interior, and is better suited for urban environments. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Soul come with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Kia Soul has a slightly larger cargo area than the Subaru Crosstrek, with 24.2 cubic feet of space compared to 20.8 cubic feet.

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a slightly more powerful engine than the Kia Soul, with 152 horsepower compared to 147 horsepower.