Written byThe Kia Soul has gained a reputation for its quirky, boxy design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy. Its body style has good cargo space for compact, functional cars, city dwellers, and small family-friendly vehicles. Couple the Soul’s affordable price tag with solid reliability, and it remains one of the best values in the subcompact crossover class.
But that doesn’t work for every buyer of a Kia Soul. Others might want a different brand image, a more powerful engine, or optional all-wheel drive—all things the Soul is high on but low on. Others may wish for a boxy visual with more cargo space, better fuel economy, or a lower base price. Whatever the case, there are more than a few solid alternatives featuring similar utility, fuel economy, and price.
That got us thinking about the Kia Soul and whether other vehicles offer the same basic goodness that makes the Kia a great buy. These contenders range from compact SUVs to spacious hatchback-bodied cars, giving the Soul a run for its money and offering various replacements that suit just what you need.
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#1. 2024 Hyundai Kona
- Starting Price: $24,100
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (147 hp) / 1.6L Turbocharged (190 hp)
- Transmission: CVT or 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 30/35 MPG (City/Highway)
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: It has a Sportier drive, modern tech, and a stylish compact SUV feel.
The Hyundai Kona is an all-new, funky compact SUV with a modern design for the urban landscape. It has a base price of $24,100 and a choice of two engines; a 2.0L 4-cylinder making 147 hp and a more potent 1.6L turbocharged engine with 190 hp.
Buyers can choose a CVT or an 8-speed automatic transmission to maximize that efficiency and performance offering. Its 30 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway is also commendable for a vehicle of this type. A worthy Kia Soul alternative, the Kona offers a roomier feel with a sportier drive, tech-savvy features, and a styling emphasizing compact SUV design.
#2. 2024 Honda HR-V
- Starting Price: $24,100
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (158 hp)
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 26/32 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Kia Soul Alternative: It offers a comfortable ride, a premium cabin, and Honda’s reliability.
Suppose the Kia Soul doesn’t suit your taste. In that case, the Honda HR-V is another excellent option, serving a smoother ride, a more upscale interior, and much of Honda’s famed durability. Available from $24,100, it is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine rated at 158 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels through a CVT. Efficiency meets versatility with the HR-V, and it is impressive, with up to 26 MPG city and 32 MPG highway fuel economy.
The spacious interior has premium resolution materials and modern technology, and it accommodates your passengers and gear easily, so it’s suitable for daily commutes and summer road trips. It also stands out in the compact SUV class with its composed ride and lively handling. The Honda HR-V is smart, considering it has a premium vibe and well-rounded vehicle experience.
#3. 2024 Nissan Kicks
- Starting Price: $20,790
- Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder (122 hp)
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 31/36 MPG
- Why It’s a Kia Soul Great Alternative: Affordable, fuel-efficient, and with safety features.
Suppose you want a tablet-like screen in your car but don’t want to fork over a bunch of cash. In that case, the Nissan Kicks is Soul’s replacement as the budget-friendly option, bringing sharper looks, better fuel economy, and advanced safety tech. This subcompact SUV is equipped with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower coupled with a CVT, and it is priced at $20,790. Best known for being a 31 MPG city and 36 MPG highway superstar, the Kicks is the choice for those drivers on a budget.
Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings are standard in Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, ultimately adding to its attractiveness as a compact urban commuter. With its roominess, new features, and Price, it stands firm against the competition for an affordable yet meaningful way to get around.
#4. 2024 Toyota C-HR
- Starting Price: $24,280
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (144 hp)
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 27/31 MPG
- It’s a Great Alternative: Sporty looks and reliable Toyota engineering.
Combining daring design with Japanese reliability, the Toyota C-HR makes a worthy alternative in the subcompact SUV segment. An economical driver, it gets a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine cranking out 144 horsepower, with a CVT that keeps things delivering efficiently. Taking the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six fueled G80 to school with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 city / 31 highway MPG as though gasoline now grows on trees strikes a good balance between extravagant performance and daily driving.
With its sporty coupe-like looks, eager dynamics, and generous interior equipment, the C-HR is an excellent pick for cosmopolitan drivers. Edmunds says: On top of that, the trusty Toyota name means you can relax knowing it will work for you. It can’t be had with all-wheel-drive, but it’s nimble handling and good looks make it an enticing option for someone looking for something different in a fuel-efficient crossover.
#5. 2024 Mazda CX-30
- Starting Price: $24,995
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (191 hp)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 26/33 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: Upscale interior, fun-to-drive dynamics.
The Mazda CX-30 is a premium, fun-to-drive, stylish, must-have subcompact SUV. Powering the car is the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower, and it sends its power to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. At least, it has an admirable fuel economy; 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, so this could be an economical daily driver.
The CX-30 has an interior that builds upon those attributes with a high-rent furniture-type atmosphere featuring quality materials, easy-to-use tech, and a luxury-caliber look. In addition to an upscale design, the CX-30 boasts sharp handling, a compliant ride, and standard all-wheel drive on nearly every variant, making this a worthy option for someone who might want a more affordable SUV experience with a luxury feel.
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#6. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Starting Price: $23,100
- Engine: 1.2L Turbo (137 hp) / 1.3L Turbo (155 hp)
- Transmission: CVT or 9-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 29/33 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: Versatile cargo space, advanced tech.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a stylish and practical subcompact SUV that delivers a balanced mix of efficiency and capability. It offers two turbocharged engine options, a 1.2L (137 hp) and a 1.3L (155 hp), paired with a CVT or a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer ensures cost-effective driving with an impressive fuel economy of up to 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
It boasts a modern infotainment system, spacious seating, and versatile cargo space, ideal for daily commutes and weekend adventures. Starting at $23,100, it provides excellent value with advanced safety features and tech, positioning itself as a strong alternative in the competitive SUV segment.
#7. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Starting Price: $24,995
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (152 hp) / 2.5L (182 hp)
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 28/34 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: Standard AWD, rugged design.
The Subaru Crosstrek walks the line between capability and real-world useability in a small, manageable package. The Crosstrek starts at $24,995 and offers two engines, a 2.0L 4-cylinder (152hp) and a 2.5L (182hp). Both engines are paired with a CVT that aids smooth efficiency, 28 MPG city/34 highway. It features Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive from there, offering high traction.
An 8.7-inch ground clearance gives it off-road ability and provides a everyday comfort for those needing adventure-ready capability. Crosstrek can handle everything from daily drives to weekend adventures.
#8. 2024 Ford EcoSport
- Starting Price: $22,040
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder (166 hp)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 23/29 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: It is a compact size with a high seating position.
Its budget-minded subcompact nature makes the Ford EcoSport a good choice for drivers seeking cost-effective practicality with an elevated driving position for improved sight lines. It also has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Up to 23 MPG city and 29 MPG highway offers excellent value for compact car buyers, especially urban commuters. It is small enough to fit in tight spots, and available all-wheel drive improves handling on different types of roads. But with its generous cabin space and intuitive infotainment system, the EcoSport is also a strong contender, especially for those searching for an affordable yet practical SUV.
#9. 2024 Jeep Renegade
- Starting Price: $28,345
- Engine: 1.3L Turbocharged (177 hp)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 23/29 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: Boxy styling, off-road capability.
The Jeep Renegade is an expressive compact SUV that mixes ruggedness with style, starting at $28,345. Its 1.3L turbocharged engine churns out 177Hp. The power is sent to the wheels through a 9-speed automatic gearbox with smooth and efficient shifts.
The Renegade is well-known for its off-road capability, ideal for those who seek an SUV that can take them off the beaten path. It is also practical for up to 23 mpg in a city and 29 mpg on a highway. The Renegade’s edgy, upright shape and high ride height deliver around-town and off-road versatility in one boxy, fun-to-drive package.
#10. 2024 Volkswagen Taos
- Starting Price: $24,995
- Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged (158 hp)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic or DSG
- Fuel Economy: Up to 28/36 MPG
- Why It’s a Great Alternative: Spacious, efficient, and stylish.
All this combined offers a lot more value for the Price, which is $24,995 for the Volkswagen Taos. Under the hood, it packs a 1.5L turbo 158 HP engine that can be had with either an 8-speed automatic or a DSG automatic for a responsive driving experience. One of its best parts is its fuel efficiency, with 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Taos has a roomy cabin, a stylish look, and high-tech features, which appeal to everyone who hops to a compact SUV that hits the sweet spot between fresh and functional. The Taos provides a more sophisticated and competent driving experience, whether it’s used for a daily driver or long trips.
Conclusion
There are ten other cars; you must consider drivers or the Kia Soul that fits your requirements. If you’re looking for good value, the Hyundai Kona is hard to beat, starting a hair over the Soul yet offering strong fuel economy and great tech at an entry-level price point. Subaru, which has been providing all-wheel drive for over 40 years, has a small SUV crossover, the Crosstrek, with a time-tested AWD system that performs just as well as the RAV4 on the pavement but with loads more toughness and utility for off-road.
Honda HR-V For buyers seeking maximum rear space, the Honda HR-V stands out with its roomy interior and versatile, multi-position back seat. All three options check the boxes in the must-haves budget, fuel economy, and practicality. Regardless whether you’re after PricePrice, AWD capability, or cargo room, there’s a Kia Soul alternative for every lifestyle and need.
