If you’re looking for a compact SUV at a compact price, you don’t want to miss the Kia Soul or the Hyundai Kona. Both of these SUVs bring some unique features and style elements to the table. You’d likely be happy in either vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your homework.
Here’s how these two popular compact SUVs compare:
How Far Does Your Dollar Go?
Price should never be the only factor you consider when buying a new car, but it should be at the top of your list. Luckily, neither the Kia Soul nor the Hyundai Kona will break the bank. The Soul starts right around $17,000, which is just a touch better than the Kona’s $20,000 starting price.
Both of these SUVs will help stretch your money with their excellent fuel ratings. They both come in around 27-28 mpg city and 32-33 mpg highway.
How Do They Perform?
While the Kona’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque) is a great starting place, drivers absolutely adore the available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque). This small SUV allows you to zip and zoom all over town with ease.
The Kia Soul has a standard 2.4-liter engine that might as well be the same as the Kona’s base powertrain. Kia stands out with the available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque). With Kia’s lower prices, you can get more power for less.
Don’t forget that the Soul is able to blast off from zero to 60 mph in only 8.3 seconds, which is almost an entire second faster than the Kona. The Kona, however, is available in AWD, while the Soul is FWD only.
Features Galore
You’ll notice quite a few similarities between the Soul and Kona when it comes to what’s inside. They’re about the same size, although the Soul offers about 17 more cubic feet of cargo space in the back.
Either option will treat you to a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment center that features things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also love having keyless entry and push-button start options.
While both vehicles can be equipped with similar driver-assistance systems, the Hyundai Kona wins in this category. The Soul was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, so it’s far from being called a deathtrap.
Tough Choices
If you find yourself stuck between which compact SUV should park in your driveway, stop by your local auto dealers to get a closer look. The Kia Soul is perfect for drivers who want a better deal and a little more power at each trim level. However, the Kona’s AWD option is perfect for anyone who wants a little more control in the snow.
Stop dreaming about your next SUV and turn it into a reality with one of these compact options.
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