City vs. country: subaru forester vs kia soul for your lifestyle

The Subaru Forester and Kia Soul are two of the most popular crossover SUVs on the market, consistently ranking highly in sales and customer satisfaction surveys. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and value, making them appealing choices for a wide range of drivers.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key features of the Subaru Forester and Kia Soul, examining their performance, interior, safety, and more. Whether you’re a family looking for a spacious and versatile SUV or an individual seeking a stylish and fuel-efficient ride, this guide will help you make an informed decision between these two crossover heavyweights.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions.

Kia Soul:

The Kia Soul is available with a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine generating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing 190 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. The Soul is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Interior: Space and Comfort

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with seating for five. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom. The Forester’s cargo area is one of the largest in its class, offering 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Kia Soul:

The Kia Soul offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its compact size, with seating for five. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats are a bit cramped for taller passengers. The Soul’s cargo area is smaller than the Forester’s, offering 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 62.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Safety: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester has consistently received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Forester also offers a variety of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

Kia Soul:

The Kia Soul has also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The Soul also offers a variety of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Technology: Staying Connected and Entertained

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester offers a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a variety of other features. The Forester also offers a premium audio system with Harman Kardon speakers.

Kia Soul:

The Kia Soul offers a similar infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a variety of other features. The Soul also offers a premium audio system with Bose speakers.

Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester offers a good value for the money, with a starting price of around $25,000. The Forester comes well-equipped with standard features and offers a variety of available options to customize your ride. The Forester’s resale value is also strong, making it a good investment in the long run.

Kia Soul:

The Kia Soul offers an excellent value for the money, with a starting price of around $19,000. The Soul comes well-equipped with standard features and offers a variety of available options to personalize your vehicle. The Soul’s resale value is also strong, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Which Crossover is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best crossover for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile SUV with excellent all-weather performance, the Subaru Forester is a great choice. If you’re looking for a stylish and fuel-efficient crossover with a lower price point, the Kia Soul is a wise decision.

Popular Questions

Q: Which vehicle has the better fuel economy?

A: The Kia Soul has slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Forester, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Forester’s 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has a more comfortable interior?

A: The Subaru Forester has a more spacious and comfortable interior than the Kia Soul, with more legroom and headroom for passengers.

Q: Which vehicle has better off-road capabilities?

A: The Subaru Forester has better off-road capabilities than the Kia Soul, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance.