I’ve always been drawn to compact cars. This is for their practicality, affordability, and nimble handling. As someone who’s spent years navigating city streets and open highways, I’ve developed a keen interest in finding the perfect balance of value and performance. The Kia Forte and Kia Rio, two standout models from Kia’s lineup, caught my attention. This was for their reputation as budget-friendly sedans with modern features.
In this article, I’ll share my firsthand insights. I will compare these vehicles from an analytical perspective. This is to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle. From performance to comfort, safety to cost, I’ll break it all down. This includes a detailed pros and cons analysis.
Comparison Table of Kia Niro vs Kia Soul
| Feature | Kia Niro | Kia Soul |
| Starting MSRP | $26,990 | $20,731 |
| Powertrain Options | Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Electric | Gas (2.0L 4-cylinder, 1.6L Turbo option) |
| Horsepower | 139 hp (Hybrid), 180 hp (PHEV), 201 hp (EV) | 147 hp (Base), 201 hp (Turbo) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 49-53 MPG (Hybrid), 105 MPG-e (PHEV) | 30 MPG (Base), 28 MPG (Turbo) |
| Cargo Space (Rear Seats Up/Folded) | 22.8/63.7 cu ft | 24.2/62.1 cu ft |
| Passenger Space (Total) | 105.1 cu ft | 102.2 cu ft |
| Safety Rating (NHTSA) | 5 stars (2024 model) | 4 stars (2024 model) |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch or 10.25-inch | 8-inch or 10.25-inch |
| Standard Driver-Assistance Features | Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection | Lane-keep assist, forward collision warning (higher trims) |
| Warranty | 5-yr/60,000-mile basic, 10-yr/100,000-mile powertrain | 5-yr/60,000-mile basic, 10-yr/100,000-mile powertrain |
Why I’m Comparing These Crossovers
Compact crossovers have always appealed to me. This is for their ability to juggle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. As someone who’s driven through city gridlock and hauled gear for camping trips, I needed a vehicle that’s versatile yet budget-friendly.
The Kia Niro and Kia Soul stood out. This is because they offer distinct flavors within Kia’s lineup. The Niro’s hybrid and electric options spoke to my eco-conscious side. Meanwhile, the Soul’s quirky design and affordability piqued my interest. I’m breaking them down here to help you navigate their differences. This will help you find the best fit for your needs.
Exterior Design and Appeal
The Kia Niro’s exterior feels like it was designed for someone who wants to blend in with style. Its sleek, aerodynamic shape, complete with LED headlights and a subtle silver skid plate, gives it a modern, almost premium vibe. I found it equally at home in urban settings and on open roads.
During a test drive, I noticed how its clean lines drew admiring glances. This made it feel like a sophisticated choice for a compact SUV.
The Kia Soul, by contrast, is a statement on wheels. Its boxy, retro-inspired design is impossible to miss.
It has bold color options like Inferno Red that scream personality. I’ll admit, I grinned every time I saw it parked next to sleeker rivals—it’s got character for days.
The high roofline and upright stance make it feel spacious. But I heard mixed opinions. One friend called it “funky,” another “odd.” For me, its uniqueness is a strength. However, it’s less aerodynamic than the Niro, which impacts efficiency.
Pros of Niro’s Design:
- Modern and polished.
- Aerodynamic for better fuel economy.
- Premium lighting features.
Cons:
- Less distinctive.
- Can feel generic next to bold competitors.
Pros of Soul’s Design:
- Standout, quirky style.
- Great visibility.
- Spacious feel.
Cons:
- Polarizing looks.
- Less efficient due to boxy shape.
Powertrain Options and Performance
Driving the Niro was a smooth, practical experience. Its three powertrains—hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and electric (EV)—offer something for everyone.
The hybrid’s 1.6-liter engine and electric motor combo delivers 139 horsepower, hitting 60 mph in about 8.9 seconds.
It’s not fast, but it’s efficient, with a combined 49-53 MPG. The PHEV’s 180 horsepower and 33-mile electric range suited my short commutes perfectly.
The EV’s 201 horsepower felt zippy, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Each option felt refined. However, I wished for all-wheel drive on twisty roads.
The Soul sticks to gas engines. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower) or a 1.6-liter turbo (201 horsepower). The base engine was fine for city driving but felt underpowered on highways. It took about 9 seconds to hit 60 mph.
The turbo model was a blast, shaving that down to 6.5 seconds. But its engine noise was noticeable at high speeds. Compared to the Niro’s quiet cabin, the Soul felt less polished. However, its handling was surprisingly nimble.
Pros of Niro’s Performance:
- Multiple powertrain choices.
- Smooth and quiet.
- Eco-friendly options.
Cons:
- No all-wheel drive.
- Acceleration isn’t thrilling.
Pros of Soul’s Performance:
- Turbo model is fun.
- Responsive handling.
- Straightforward gas engines.
Cons:
- Noisy at speed.
- Less efficient.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
As someone who keeps a close eye on fuel costs, the Niro’s efficiency blew me away. The hybrid’s 49-53 MPG combined (53 city/54 highway) meant I could stretch a tank for weeks. The PHEV’s 105 MPG-e and 33-mile electric range were ideal for my daily 20-mile round trip, often costing me nothing in gas. The EV’s 285-mile range (WLTP) was great for longer drives. However, I had to plan charging stops carefully.
The Soul’s fuel economy, while respectable, doesn’t come close. Its base engine gets 30 MPG combined. The turbo drops to 28 MPG. Over a year, I estimated the Niro could save me $500-$800 in fuel compared to the Soul, depending on gas prices. If you’re not ready for hybrid or EV maintenance, the Soul’s gas-only simplicity might appeal. But for me, the Niro’s savings were a major draw.
Pros of Niro’s Efficiency:
- Top-tier fuel economy.
- Hybrid and EV options.
- Long-term savings.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost for PHEV/EV.
Pros of Soul’s Efficiency:
- Decent for a gas crossover.
- No charging needed.
Cons:
- Higher fuel costs.
- Less eco-friendly.
Interior Comfort and Space
The Niro’s interior felt like a step above its price point. Soft-touch materials on higher trims and a sleek dual-screen setup (4.2-inch driver display and 10.25-inch infotainment) gave it a high-tech vibe. I found the seats supportive for long drives. The rear’s 37 inches of legroom kept my passengers happy. My only frustration was the touch-sensitive climate/audio panel, which toggled functions and felt distracting.
The Soul’s cabin, while roomy, leaned on hard plastics, especially in base models. Its boxy design offers great headroom and visibility, which I loved in tight parking lots. However, the stock cloth seats and basic audio system didn’t match the Niro’s polish. Higher trims add a 10.25-inch screen and better materials. But the Niro still felt more refined overall.
Pros of Niro’s Interior:
- Upscale materials.
- Spacious rear.
- High-tech displays.
Cons:
- Fiddly climate controls.
- Some plastics in base trims.
Pros of Soul’s Interior:
- Airy and spacious.
- Great visibility.
- Easy to enter/exit.
Cons:
- Cheaper materials.
- Underwhelming base audio.
Cargo Space and Versatility
Cargo space matters to me, whether I’m hauling groceries or outdoor gear. The Soul offers 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.2 This expands to 62.1 cubic feet with them folded. I fit a kayak and camping gear easily, thanks to the wide cargo opening. The Niro’s 22.8 cubic feet (seats up) and 63.7 cubic feet (folded) is slightly better at max capacity. But its narrower opening felt less versatile for bulky items.
For families, the Niro’s 105.1 cubic feet of passenger space edges out the Soul’s 102.2. Its underfloor storage tray was handy for small items. The Soul’s boxy shape made it feel more practical for everyday hauls, like furniture or sports equipment. Both are great, but your needs will dictate the winner.
Pros of Niro’s Cargo:
- More max cargo space.
- Family-friendly passenger room.
- Underfloor storage.
Cons:
- Less cargo with seats up.
- Narrower opening.
Pros of Soul’s Cargo:
- Roomier with seats up.
- Wide cargo opening.
- Great for bulky items.
Cons:
- Slightly less max cargo.
Technology and Connectivity
The Niro’s tech suite impressed me right away. Its 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These worked flawlessly with my phone. Standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection gave me confidence in traffic. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control and a Harman Kardon audio system that made my music sound amazing.
The Soul keeps pace with similar infotainment options. But its base trims lack some safety features, like blind-spot monitoring, which are standard on the Niro. The GT-Line’s 10-speaker audio and sporty steering wheel were highlights. But the base model’s tech felt basic. Both share Kia’s stellar warranty, which reassured me about long-term ownership.
Also Read: Kia Forte vs. Kia Rio
Pros of Niro’s Tech:
- Standard safety suite.
- Seamless connectivity.
- Premium audio option.
Cons:
- Touch-sensitive controls can annoy.
Pros of Soul’s Tech:
- Strong infotainment.
- Great warranty.
- Fun features on higher trims.
Cons:
- Fewer standard safety features.
- Base tech feels basic.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a priority for me, and the Niro delivers. Its five-star NHTSA rating (2024 model) and standard features felt reassuring. These include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag).3 Its reliability score (77/100 from J.D. Power) is solid but not standout.
The Soul’s four-star NHTSA rating is respectable. It comes with six airbags and good crash test results. However, its base trims miss out on some safety features, which was a drawback. Its reliability (7.6/10 from iSeeCars) slightly outshines the Niro’s (5.6/10), which was unexpected. The Niro’s safety edge won me over. But the Soul’s reliability is a plus.
Pros of Niro’s Safety:
- Five-star rating.
- Robust safety features.
- Extra airbag.
Cons:
- Average reliability.
Pros of Soul’s Safety:
- Strong reliability.
- Good crash scores.
Cons:
- Four-star rating.
- Fewer standard safety features.
Driving Dynamics
The Niro’s smooth, quiet ride made city driving a breeze. Its light steering and soft suspension handled bumps well. However, it felt less confident in sharp corners. The hybrid’s acceleration was adequate. But the PHEV and EV were noticeably quicker. I liked this for merging. It’s not a thrill machine, but it’s comfortable.
The Soul surprised me with its agility, especially in the GT-Line trim. Its firmer suspension and responsive steering made it fun to drive. However, the base engine struggled on highways. Wind noise was noticeable due to its boxy shape. This was unlike the Niro’s quieter cabin. The Soul’s more engaging. But the Niro’s better for daily comfort.
Pros of Niro’s Driving:
- Quiet and smooth.
- Great for commuting.
- Comfortable ride.
Cons:
- Sluggish in corners.
- Not sporty.
Pros of Soul’s Driving:
- Nimble handling.
- Fun GT-Line trim.
Cons:
- Noisy at speed.
- Base engine lacks punch.
Pricing and Overall Value
The Soul’s $20,731 starting price is a steal compared to the Niro’s $26,990. Even used 2024 models show the Soul ($19,595-$26,888) undercutting the Niro ($26,653-$37,088). The Soul’s better resale value (37.1% depreciation over five years vs. Niro’s 40.4%) makes it a budget champ. For me, though, the Niro’s fuel savings and standard features justified the higher cost. This was especially true for long-term ownership.
Pros of Niro’s Value:
- Fuel savings.
- More features.
- Versatile powertrains.
Cons:
- Higher price.
- Steeper depreciation.
Pros of Soul’s Value:
- Affordable.
- Strong resale.
- Low maintenance costs.
Cons:
- Fewer features.
- Less efficient.
Which One’s Right for You?
After driving both, I’d choose the Niro for its efficiency, safety, and refined ride. It’s perfect for eco-conscious drivers or families. The Soul’s quirky charm, lower price, and practicality make it ideal for budget buyers or those who love its bold style. Test drive them to see which clicks with you.
Read More: Kia Carnival Hybrid vs. Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Niro has more passenger space (105.1 vs. 102.2 cubic feet) and is slightly longer. But the Soul offers more cargo space with seats up (24.2 vs. 22.8 cubic feet).
No official plans exist to discontinue the Soul. It’s still a strong seller in 2025.
The Niro rivals the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V for size and efficiency
The Soul’s unique design, affordability, spacious interior, and great visibility make it a hit. This is especially true for city drivers.
Conclusion
Exploring the Kia Niro vs. Kia Soul showed me two crossovers with distinct vibes. The Niro’s efficiency and safety are perfect if you’re looking to save on gas and prioritize a polished ride. The Soul’s affordability and bold design make it a great choice if you want a fun, practical vehicle on a budget. You’ll find the right fit by taking both for a spin.
