2023 SUV Showdown: Kia Seltos vs Kia Soul—Which Crossover Comes Out on Top?
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SUV Showdown: ? Kia Seltos vs Kia Soul—Which Crossover ? Comes Out on Top?

Hi Car Owner!

Welcome to our in-depth analysis of two of Kia’s most popular crossover SUVs: the Seltos and the Soul. Whether you’re a family looking for a spacious and practical ride or an adventurer seeking a versatile companion, this article will guide you through the key differences between these two remarkable vehicles.

Introduction

The SUV market is fiercely competitive, with automakers constantly striving to outdo one another. Kia, a brand renowned for its value-packed offerings, has emerged as a formidable contender in this segment. The Seltos and Soul are two of Kia’s most popular crossovers, each catering to distinct needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and driving dynamics of these vehicles to determine which one reigns supreme.

Specifications and Price: A Detailed Comparison ?️‍♀️

Let’s start by examining the core specifications and pricing of the Seltos and Soul. The Seltos is slightly larger than the Soul, offering more spacious seating and cargo capacity. It’s available in five trim levels, ranging from the base LX to the top-of-the-line SX Turbo. Prices start at $23,990 for the LX and can reach up to $33,490 for the SX Turbo.

The Soul, on the other hand, is more compact and maneuverable. It’s offered in four trim levels: LX, S, X-Line, and GT-Line. The base LX starts at $19,990, while the GT-Line tops out at $30,490. Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a range of driver-assist technologies.

When it comes to powertrains, the Seltos offers a choice of two gasoline engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 horsepower. The Soul offers a similar lineup, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 201 horsepower. Both vehicles are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Interior Space and Comfort: A Roomy Ride for All ?‍?‍?‍?

The Seltos boasts a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long journeys. The cargo area provides 26.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 62.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This makes it an ideal choice for families or those who frequently need to transport large items.

The Soul offers a more compact cabin, but it’s still surprisingly spacious. The front seats are comfortable, and the rear seats provide adequate legroom for adults. The cargo area is slightly smaller than the Seltos, offering 24.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 61.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Despite its smaller size, the Soul’s interior is well-designed and functional.

Exterior Styling: Bold and Distinctive Looks ?

The Seltos features a bold and aggressive exterior design, characterized by its signature tiger-nose grille, sharp creases, and muscular stance. It’s a striking vehicle that commands attention on the road. The Soul, on the other hand, has a more quirky and playful design, with its boxy shape, rounded headlights, and contrasting roof color. It’s a unique and eye-catching vehicle that stands out from the crowd.

Both vehicles offer a range of customization options, including a variety of exterior colors, wheels, and accessories. This allows you to personalize your crossover to match your unique style and preferences.

Driving Dynamics: Performance and Handling ??

The Seltos provides a balanced driving experience, offering both agility and stability on the road. The steering is responsive, and the suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively. The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers more spirited performance. The Soul is more maneuverable than the Seltos, making it an ideal choice for urban environments. The steering is light and precise, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride. The 2.0-liter engine is sufficient for most driving needs, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offers impressive acceleration and passing power.

Fuel Economy: Efficient Cruising ⛽

The Seltos and Soul offer comparable fuel economy ratings. The Seltos with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop slightly to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Seltos with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Soul with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop slightly to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Soul with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Drive ?️

The Seltos and Soul both come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Seltos also offers a range of advanced driver-assist technologies, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Soul offers similar features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Seltos earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The Soul also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

FAQs

Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?

The Kia Soul GT-Line has a more powerful engine than the Kia Seltos SX Turbo.

Which vehicle offers more cargo space?

The Kia Seltos offers more cargo space than the Kia Soul.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

The Kia Soul with the 2.0-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Kia Seltos with the 2.0-liter engine.

Which vehicle has a more advanced infotainment system?

The Kia Seltos and Kia Soul offer similar infotainment systems.

Which vehicle is more affordable?

The Kia Soul is more affordable than the Kia Seltos.

Which vehicle has a longer warranty?

The Kia Seltos and Kia Soul offer the same 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Which vehicle is better for off-roading?

The Kia Seltos with all-wheel drive is better for off-roading than the Kia Soul with all-wheel drive.

Which vehicle has a more comfortable ride?

The Kia Seltos has a more comfortable ride than the Kia Soul.

Which vehicle is more stylish?

The Kia Seltos and Kia Soul have different styling, so it depends on personal preference.

Which vehicle is more fun to drive?

The Kia Soul GT-Line is more fun to drive than the Kia Seltos SX Turbo.

Which vehicle is better for families?

The Kia Seltos is better for families than the Kia Soul.

Which vehicle is better for commuting?

The Kia Soul is better for commuting than the Kia Seltos.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips?

The Kia Seltos is better for long road trips than the Kia Soul.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and practical