My Experience Comparing the Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue

I’ve always been fascinated by subcompact SUVs. They’re practical, affordable, and packed with personality, making them perfect for navigating city streets or embarking on weekend adventures. In this article, I’m sharing my firsthand analysis of two standout contenders: the Kia Soul and the Hyundai Venue.

My goal is to break down their strengths and weaknesses, compare their key features, and help you decide which one suits your lifestyle. From performance to interior comfort, I’ll explore every angle to guide you toward the best choice for your next ride.

Comparison Table: Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Venue

My Journey with Subcompact SUVs

I’ve always had a soft spot for subcompact SUVs. They strike a balance between the agility of a hatchback and the versatility of an SUV, making them ideal for someone like me who loves zipping through urban jungles but also craves space for gear on road trips. The Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue caught my eye because they’re both from the same corporate family—Hyundai Motor Group—yet they bring distinct flavors to the table.

I’ve spent time test-driving both, poring over specs, and chatting with owners to understand what makes these vehicles tick. This comparison stems from my curiosity about how two closely related yet different cars stack up for real-world drivers like you.

Design and First Impressions

The Kia Soul’s boxy silhouette is impossible to miss.

It’s quirky, bold, and screams personality. When I first saw it parked at a dealership, its tiger-nose grille and sleek LED headlights gave it a youthful, almost playful vibe.

The 2025 model’s Soulmate edition, with its unique styling tweaks, only amplifies this charm.

It’s like the Soul is saying, “I’m here to stand out.” The vibrant color options, like Inferno Red, made it a head-turner during my test drive.

The Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, feels more reserved. Its cascading grille and compact dimensions give it a sleek, modern look that’s less in-your-face. During my test drive, I noticed how its smaller footprint made it feel nimble in tight spaces, like squeezing into a crowded parking lot.

The Venue’s design leans toward practicality over pizzazz, which might appeal to you if you prefer understated style. The available two-tone roof on the Limited trim adds a touch of flair, but it still blends into the crossover crowd. Both cars have distinct vibes—the Soul’s bold and quirky, the Venue’s subtle and functional.

Pros of Kia Soul Design

• Iconic boxy shape: Stands out with unique, youthful styling.
• Vibrant color options: Choices like Inferno Red add flair.
• Sporty GT-Line trim: 18-inch wheels enhance the look.

Cons of Kia Soul Design

• Polarizing look: Not everyone loves the boxy aesthetic.
• Less aerodynamic shape: Impacts highway fuel efficiency.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Design

• Sleek and contemporary: Modern design fits urban settings.
• Compact size: Easy to park in tight spaces.
• Available two-tone roof: Adds style to higher trims.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Design

• Less distinctive: Blends into the crossover crowd.
• Basic base trim styling: Lacks the Soul’s bold presence.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the Kia Soul packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, pumping out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. During my test drives, it felt peppy enough for city commutes, merging onto highways with confidence. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) mimics gear shifts, avoiding the droning noise I’ve heard in other CVTs.

On a winding road, the Soul’s handling surprised me—it’s nimble for its boxy shape, with a firm yet comfortable ride. Its 0-60 mph time of about 8 seconds, per Car and Driver, felt adequate but not thrilling. The absence of the turbocharged engine from past models was a letdown for performance enthusiasts.

The Hyundai Venue’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, with 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, feels underpowered in comparison.

I noticed this especially when climbing steep hills or accelerating onto freeways—it requires more planning to merge safely.

The CVT is tuned for efficiency, but the engine can feel thrashy at higher RPMs.

The Venue’s lightweight build (around 2,700 pounds) helps it dart through traffic, but I found myself correcting the steering more on highways due to its tendency to wander. Its 0-60 mph time of about 8.8 seconds, per Motor Trend, confirms its slower pace. For city driving, the Venue’s agility is a plus, but it struggles to keep up on open roads.

Pros of Kia Soul Performance

• Stronger engine: 147 hp delivers confident acceleration.
• Smoother power delivery: CVT mimics gear shifts well.
• Confident handling: Nimble for a boxy SUV.

Cons of Kia Soul Performance

• No all-wheel-drive option: Limits off-road capability.
• Turbo engine discontinued: Less thrilling than past models.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Performance

• Lightweight for agility: Easy to maneuver in city traffic.
• Decent fuel economy: 31 mpg combined suits commuters.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Performance

• Weaker engine: 121 hp struggles on highways.
• Less stable at highway speeds: Steering needs correction.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is a big deal for budget-conscious drivers like me, and both cars deliver solid numbers. The Kia Soul’s EX trim shines with an EPA-estimated 29/35/31 mpg (city/highway/combined), while other trims get 27/33/30 mpg. I averaged about 30 mpg during my mixed city and highway test drives, which felt respectable for its size and power.

The Hyundai Venue edges out slightly with 29/33/31 mpg across all trims. In real-world driving, I hit around 31 mpg, thanks to its smaller engine and lighter weight. However, the Venue’s fuel savings come at the cost of performance, which I felt when pushing it harder.

Both SUVs use regular unleaded fuel, keeping costs down. The Soul’s 14.3-gallon tank offers a range of about 430 miles, while the Venue’s 11.9-gallon tank stretches to around 370 miles, per EPA estimates. For daily commutes, the Venue’s efficiency is a slight edge, but the Soul’s larger tank is better for long trips.

Also Read: Kia Seltos vs. Mazda CX-5

Pros of Kia Soul Fuel Efficiency

• Competitive mpg: 29/35/31 in EX trim.
• Larger fuel tank: 430-mile range for longer trips.

Cons of Kia Soul Fuel Efficiency

• Slightly lower than Venue: Non-EX trims get 30 mpg combined.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Fuel Efficiency

• Consistent 31 mpg combined: Ideal for daily commutes.
• Efficient engine: Maximizes fuel savings.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Fuel Efficiency

• Smaller fuel tank: 370-mile range limits long drives.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the Kia Soul’s boxy design translates to impressive space. With 101 cubic feet of passenger volume, I felt like I had room to stretch, even in the back seat. The 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (expanding to 61.3 cubic feet with seats folded) easily swallowed my camping gear.

The front seats were supportive during long drives, and the adjustable driver’s seat made finding a comfortable position a breeze. Higher trims like the GT-Line and EX add synthetic leather and heated seats, giving it a near-premium feel. However, the base LX trim’s cloth seats and upright windshield added some wind noise at highway speeds.

The Hyundai Venue’s cabin is more compact, with 91.9 cubic feet of passenger volume. I noticed the rear legroom was tighter—about four inches less than the Soul’s—making it less ideal for taller passengers. Cargo space is a modest 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet.

During my test, fitting larger items like a stroller was a challenge. The Venue’s interior uses more hard plastics, which creaked over bumps, but the playful color accents added some charm. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel in base trims made positioning trickier.

Pros of Kia Soul Interior

• Spacious cabin: 101 cu-ft passenger volume.
• Ample cargo room: 24.2/61.3 cu-ft for gear.
• Upscale materials in higher trims: Synthetic leather adds comfort.

Cons of Kia Soul Interior

• Base LX trim feels basic: Cloth seats lack refinement.
• Upright windshield: Adds wind noise on highways.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Interior

• Compact yet functional: Efficient use of space.
• Vibrant color options: Adds personality to cabin.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Interior

• Cramped rear: Less legroom for passengers.
• Cheaper plastics: Creak over bumps, feel less premium.

Technology and Infotainment

The Kia Soul’s tech game is strong. The base LX comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but stepping up to the S or higher trims gets you a 10.25-inch display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. During my test, the larger screen was crisp and responsive, and the physical buttons made navigation intuitive.

The GT-Line’s 10-speaker Harman Kardon system was a treat for my music playlists, filling the cabin with clear sound. Wireless charging and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (on EX trims) add a modern flair. The system’s responsiveness outshone competitors in its class, per Edmunds reviews.

The Hyundai Venue sticks with an 8.0-inch touchscreen across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SE and SEL models. The Limited trim adds navigation but switches to wired connectivity, which felt like a step back. I appreciated the system’s simplicity, but the smaller screen and four- or six-speaker audio didn’t match the Soul’s polish.

The Venue’s interface is user-friendly, but menu navigation felt slower than the Soul’s. Both SUVs offer Bluetooth and voice recognition, but the Soul’s larger screen and premium audio gave it an edge for tech lovers. If you prioritize connectivity, the Soul’s higher trims feel more future-proof.

Pros of Kia Soul Technology

• Larger available touchscreen: 10.25-inch display with navigation.
• Premium audio: 10-speaker Harman Kardon system.
• User-friendly interface: Intuitive controls and fast response.

Cons of Kia Soul Technology

• Base model’s 8.0-inch screen: Feels dated compared to higher trims.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Technology

• Wireless smartphone connectivity: Standard on SE and SEL.
• Straightforward controls: Easy-to-use interface.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Technology

• Smaller screen: 8.0-inch across all trims.
• Limited audio upgrades: Four- or six-speaker systems.

Safety Features

Safety is non-negotiable for me, and both cars deliver robust packages. The Kia Soul’s DriveWise suite includes standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, which can automatically brake to prevent collisions when reversing.

In my tests, the system felt responsive without being overly intrusive. The Soul earned a 4 Stars overall NHTSA rating (for 2025 model) and an IIHS Top Safety Pick with upgraded headlights, per IIHS data. Its lane-keeping assist was smooth, correcting gently during highway drives.

The Hyundai Venue’s SmartSense suite matches the Soul with standard forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention monitoring. The Limited trim’s advanced braking system is a plus, but blind-spot monitoring requires upgrading to the SEL trim. The Venue also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick (for 2024 model) with specific headlights, and it achieved a 4 Stars overall NHTSA rating (for 2025 model).

I found the Venue’s safety alerts a bit more aggressive, beeping frequently in traffic. Both SUVs include front and side curtain airbags, but the Soul’s automatic braking feature gave me extra peace of mind when reversing in busy lots. For families, both are solid, but the Soul’s higher-trim features feel more comprehensive.

Pros of Kia Soul Safety

• Comprehensive standard features: DriveWise suite covers essentials.
• Advanced braking in higher trims: Rear cross-traffic avoidance adds safety.

Cons of Kia Soul Safety

• Some features require upgrades: Blind-spot monitoring not standard.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Safety

• Strong safety suite: SmartSense covers key features.
• Top Safety Pick rating: Matches Soul with specific headlights.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Safety

• Blind-spot monitoring not standard: Requires SEL trim or higher.
• Less advanced braking: Limited trim lacks Soul’s rear collision avoidance.

Price and Value

Price is where things get interesting. The 2025 Kia Soul starts at $20,490 for the LX, with the top EX trim hitting around $24,790. The Soul’s higher trims offer premium features like heated seats and a power sunroof, making it feel like a steal for the price.

During my research, I learned the Soul might be discontinued after 2025, so dealers could offer discounts to clear inventory, per posts on X. The Soul’s value shines in its spaciousness and power for the price, but it lacks Hyundai’s free maintenance perk. Owners I spoke with loved the Soul’s bang-for-buck vibe, especially in the GT-Line trim.

The Hyundai Venue starts at $20,200, slightly undercutting the Soul. The range-topping Limited trim costs about $23,450, but it lacks some of the Soul’s upscale options. Hyundai sweetens the deal with three years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance, which Kia doesn’t offer.

Over five years, the Venue’s lower ownership costs (depreciation, fuel, etc.) could save you $992 to $7,514 compared to the Soul, per Kelley Blue Book estimates. The Venue’s lower price and maintenance plan are appealing, but I felt the Soul’s extra power and space justified the slight premium. For budget buyers, the Venue’s cost savings are hard to ignore.

Pros of Kia Soul Value

• More features for the price: Heated seats, sunroof in higher trims.
• Spacious and powerful: Offers more than rivals at this price.
• Potential discounts: Possible deals if discontinued post-2025.

Cons of Kia Soul Value

• Slightly higher starting price: $20,490 vs. Venue’s $20,200.
• No free maintenance: Adds to ownership costs.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Value

• Lower starting price: $20,200 undercuts Soul.
• Free maintenance: 3-yr/36,000-mile plan saves money.
• Lower long-term costs: Saves $992-$7,514 over five years.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Value

• Fewer premium features: Misses Soul’s upscale options.
• Less value in higher trims: Limited trim feels basic for price.

Reliability and Ownership

Reliability matters when you’re investing in a car. Kia ranks above average in J.D. Power’s 2024 long-term dependability study (for 2021 model year), while Hyundai falls below average (for 2021 model year). The Soul also placed third in J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study for small SUVs (for 2024 model year), while the Venue didn’t crack the top three.

My conversations with owners echoed this—Soul drivers reported fewer issues over time. Both cars come with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but the Venue’s free maintenance plan is a nice perk. Consumer Reports gives the Soul a 75/100 reliability score for 2024 models, slightly ahead of the Venue’s 70/100.

One concern with the Kia Soul is insurance costs. Some owners on forums mentioned higher premiums due to theft concerns, especially for older models, which I confirmed on X. The Venue’s lighter battery (410-amp vs. Soul’s 760-amp) might struggle with heavy electrical loads, but I didn’t notice issues in normal use.

The Soul’s robust warranty and dependability gave me confidence, while the Venue’s maintenance plan eased cost concerns. Both have strong dealer networks, but Kia’s slightly better reliability tipped the scales for me.

Pros of Kia Soul Reliability

• Strong dependability ratings: Above average in J.D. Power studies.
• Robust warranty: 5-yr/60,000-mile basic, 10-yr/100,000-mile powertrain.

Cons of Kia Soul Reliability

• Higher insurance costs: Theft concerns may raise premiums.

Pros of Hyundai Venue Reliability

• Free maintenance: 3-yr/36,000-mile plan reduces costs.
• Solid warranty: Matches Soul’s coverage.

Cons of Hyundai Venue Reliability

• Lower dependability rankings: Below average in J.D. Power.
• Weaker battery: 410-amp may struggle with heavy loads.

My Test Drive Takeaways

Test-driving both cars was eye-opening. The Kia Soul felt like a friend who’s always up for an adventure—lively, spacious, and full of character. Its smooth ride and powerful engine made it a joy on city streets and highways alike.

The Venue, however, was like a reliable coworker—efficient and practical but lacking the Soul’s spark. It shone in tight parking lots but struggled to keep up on open roads. The Soul’s roomy interior and tech impressed me, while the Venue’s efficiency and lower price were compelling for budget commuters.

I took the Soul on a weekend trip, and its cargo space handled my gear with ease, though wind noise was noticeable at 70 mph. The Venue’s nimble handling was a win in city traffic, but its cramped rear and weaker engine left me wanting more. Both are fun in their own way, but the Soul’s versatility won me over.

Who Should Choose the Kia Soul?

The Kia Soul is perfect if you want a subcompact SUV with personality, power, and space. It’s ideal for young families, urban adventurers, or anyone who values a roomy interior and premium features without breaking the bank. The GT-Line’s sporty styling and the EX’s creature comforts make it feel like a step above its price point.

If you love standing out and need room for gear or passengers, the Soul’s your match. Its bold design and strong performance make it a great fit for those who want a fun, practical ride. Potential discounts in 2025, due to possible discontinuation, could sweeten the deal.

Who Should Choose the Hyundai Venue?

The Hyundai Venue suits budget-conscious drivers who prioritize efficiency and maneuverability. Its compact size makes it a champ in crowded cities, and the free maintenance plan keeps costs low. If you’re a solo commuter or don’t need extra cargo space, the Venue’s simplicity and lower price tag are hard to beat.

It’s practical but won’t turn heads like the Soul. For those who value savings over flash, the Venue is a solid choice. Its efficiency and low ownership costs make it ideal for daily urban driving.

Read More: Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

After spending time with the Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue, I’m convinced they’re both solid choices, but they cater to different needs. The Soul won me over with its bold design, spacious cabin, and lively performance—perfect for you if you want a car that feels fun and versatile. The Venue, with its lower price and efficiency, is a great pick if you’re watching your wallet and need a nimble city runner.

Consider what matters most to you—power and space or budget and simplicity—and you’ll find the right fit. Test-drive both to feel the difference, and let me know if you have questions. Happy car shopping!