Finding solid footing in a niche all its own, the Kia Soul has established itself with its quirky, boxy design and peppy powertrain. This is hugely popular with buyers who want to avoid the sameness that often comes with the subcompact SUV genre. The fashion in which it tosses style, practicality, and value together in a cohesively endearing package resonates with many drivers but doesn’t suit everyone.
Those who need even more off-road capability, better fuel economy, or more interior room should continue the search elsewhere. The Kia Soul’s vibe is appealing, but there are other cars similar to the Kia Soul that offer different strengths. Here are ten of the best competitors that combine style, performance, and features into a better fit for a number of needs.
10 Compact Crossovers That Beat the Soul’s Price
From more powerful to uniquely designed and more fuel-efficient, these following ten cars are solid contenders when one is trying to find an alternative to the Kia Soul. Whether you’re after something with a bit more grunt, a little eccentricity in its design, or better fuel efficiency, these ten cars make a fine alternative.
From budget-friendly through to rugged off-roaders, here’s something for every type of driver. Let’s jump into the top 10 cars that might be your next ride.
1. Nissan Kicks: The Budget-Friendly Option
- Pros: Excellent fuel economy, driver-assistance tech on all trims
- Cons: Slow acceleration
- Price: $21,285 to $23,845
The Nissan Kicks is a compact SUV known for its affordable price and impressive fuel efficiency. It offers a comfortable interior with ample storage space and standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. While its acceleration might not be thrilling, it’s a practical choice for city driving.
2. Hyundai Venue: The Tiny Urban SUV
- Pros: Optional two-toned roof, unique finishes
- Cons: Cheap cabin materials
- Price: $20,295 to $23,545
The Hyundai Venue is a small and maneuverable SUV perfect for urban living. It offers a stylish design with unique customization options like a two-toned roof and various exterior finishes. Despite its compact size, it still provides a decent amount of cargo space. The Venue is also equipped with modern features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and driver-assistance technology.
3. Jeep Renegade: The Rugged Off-Roader
- Pros: Can be optioned with all-wheel drive, off-road capable
- Cons: Poor fuel economy compared to other subcompacts
- Price: $26,290 to $32,740
The Jeep Renegade is a rugged SUV that offers off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. It’s available with all-wheel drive and features a durable exterior design. While its fuel economy is not as efficient as some other subcompact SUVs, the Renegade is a great choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain.
4. Mazda CX-30: The Stylish Performer
- Pros: Can be optioned with a turbocharged engine; all-wheel drive is standard.
- Cons: Poor rear visibility
- Price: $23,725 to $35,925
The Mazda CX-30 is a stylish and sporty SUV that offers a powerful engine and all-wheel drive. Its interior is well-appointed with premium materials and advanced technology features. The CX-30 also provides a comfortable ride and handles well on the road. However, its rear visibility can be limited due to its coupe-like design.
5. Toyota CH-R: The Sporty Crossover
- Pros: Sporty styling, good safety ratings
- Cons: Slow acceleration
- Price: $25,615 to $28,635
The Toyota CH-R is a stylish crossover with a unique design and a comfortable interior. It offers good safety ratings and a range of features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system. While its acceleration can be sluggish, the CH-R is a good choice for those who prioritize style and comfort.
6. Ford EcoSport: The Discontinued Option (As of 2022)
- Pros: All-wheel drive is standard, can tow up to 2,000 pounds
- Cons: Limited driver-assistance options
- Price: $23,335 to $29,690
The Ford EcoSport was a capable subcompact SUV with all-wheel drive and a towing capacity. However, it was discontinued in 2022, so you might find used options on the market. The EcoSport offered a practical interior and a range of features, but its driver-assistance technology was limited compared to some newer models.
7. Honda HR-V: The Spacious Commuter
- Pros: Roomy interior, good cargo volume
- Cons: Noisy
- Price: $23,115 to $27,915
The Honda HR-V is a practical SUV with a spacious interior and a decent amount of cargo space. It’s a reliable and comfortable choice for daily commuting. The HR-V also offers a range of features, including a sunroof, heated seats, and a rearview camera. However, it cannot be quiet on the highway, and its acceleration is not as quick as some other competitors.
8. Volkswagen Taos: The Practical and Stylish Option
- Pros: Practical but attractive styling, lots of customization options
- Cons: Choppy transmission
- Price: $24,790 to $33,385
The Volkswagen Taos is a stylish and practical SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a range of customization options. It has a peppy engine and a decent amount of cargo space. The Taos is also equipped with modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system and driver-assistance technology. However, its transmission can be choppy.
9. Subaru Crosstrek: The All-Wheel Drive Wonder
- Pros: Standard all-wheel drive, rugged capabilities, comfortable ride, spacious interior, range of features
- Cons: Can be noisy on the highway, limited cargo space compared to some competitors
- Price: $25,225 – $30,725
The Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile SUV known for its standard all-wheel-drive system and rugged capabilities. It offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a range of features, including a sunroof, heated seats, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Crosstrek is a great choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle various driving conditions.
10. Chevrolet Trax: The Affordable Compact SUV
- Pros: Affordable price, practical interior, range of features, reliable and efficient
- Cons: Slow acceleration, limited cargo space, basic interior materials
- Price: $21,795 – $27,495
The Chevrolet Trax is an affordable compact SUV that offers a practical interior and a range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. While its acceleration might not be thrilling, the Trax is a reliable and efficient choice for daily commuting.
In the ever-expanding field of subcompact SUVs, the Kia Soul still manages to attain some pretty dramatic flair and is singularly practical. Still, one could pick and choose another top contender who might have different strengths in similar areas. From the more budget-friendly Nissan Kicks and Chevrolet Trax to the more substantial Jeep Renegade and Subaru Crosstrek, these Kia Soul comparable cars blend a mix of features that might fit your style even better. Whether you want a little more power, a more striking look, or a little better fuel economy, there’s at least one ride out there ready and waiting to deliver just what you need.
