What To Know
- The Honda CR-V returns an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it an economical choice for long road trips.
- The Kia Soul, on the other hand, offers a more playful and affordable alternative, with a distinctive design and a focus on urban practicality.
- The Honda CR-V has a better fuel economy with 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway compared to the Kia Soul’s 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The Honda CR-V and the Kia Soul are two popular compact crossover SUVs that have captured the attention of buyers seeking versatility, practicality, and style. With their distinct features and strengths, these vehicles offer unique value propositions. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the Honda CR-V vs Kia Soul matchup, exploring their specifications, performance, features, and more.
Exterior Design: Boldness vs Functionality
The Honda CR-V exudes a sleek and sophisticated exterior, with sharp lines and a refined silhouette. Its aggressive front grille and angular headlights convey a sense of modernity and athleticism. In contrast, the Kia Soul embraces a more playful and unconventional design. Its boxy shape and quirky styling elements, such as the iconic “tiger nose” grille and two-tone paint options, create a distinctive and eye-catching presence on the road.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Adventure or Urban Living
The Honda CR-V offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, with ample room for passengers and cargo. Its comfortable seats and intuitive dashboard layout provide a comfortable and ergonomic driving experience. The Kia Soul, while slightly smaller in size, still provides a surprising amount of interior space. Its upright seating position and large windows offer excellent visibility, making it ideal for navigating urban environments.
Powertrain and Performance: Efficiency vs Excitement
The Honda CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It offers a smooth and responsive driving experience, with a well-calibrated continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Kia Soul, on the other hand, comes with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While it may not be as powerful as the CR-V, it provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving and fuel efficiency.
Safety and Technology: Advanced Features for Peace of Mind
Both the Honda CR-V and the Kia Soul come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and technology features. The CR-V boasts the Honda Sensing suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Kia Soul offers a similar range of features, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Fuel Economy: Sipping vs Saving
The Honda CR-V returns an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it an economical choice for long road trips. The Kia Soul offers slightly lower fuel economy, with 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. However, its smaller size and lower price point may make it a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Pricing and Value: Bang for Your Buck
The Honda CR-V starts at $25,750 for the base LX trim and can exceed $35,000 for the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The Kia Soul has a lower starting price of $19,990 for the LX trim and tops out at $29,590 for the GT-Line trim. While the CR-V offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, the Soul provides a compelling value proposition with its lower price point and unique styling.
In a nutshell: Tailoring Your Choice to Your Lifestyle
The Honda CR-V and the Kia Soul are both excellent choices for those seeking a compact crossover SUV. The CR-V excels in terms of space, performance, and safety features, making it an ideal choice for families and adventure enthusiasts. The Kia Soul, on the other hand, offers a more playful and affordable alternative, with a distinctive design and a focus on urban practicality. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What People Want to Know
1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
- The Honda CR-V has a more powerful engine with 190 horsepower compared to the Kia Soul’s 147 horsepower.
2. Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
- The Honda CR-V has a better fuel economy with 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway compared to the Kia Soul’s 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
3. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
- The Honda CR-V has a more spacious interior with more legroom and headroom for passengers and cargo.
4. Which vehicle has a more advanced safety suite?
- Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety suites, but the Honda CR-V’s Honda Sensing suite is generally considered to be more advanced.
5. Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
- The Kia Soul has a lower starting price of $19,990 compared to the Honda CR-V’s starting price of $25,750.