Compare the 2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Kia Soul | United Nissan

Subcompact crossover SUVs are a growing segment in the car industry. These vehicles have risen in popularity for their size, price, and excellent fuel economy. Built for being both reliable and practical, subcompact SUVs combine the budget-friendly pricing and efficiency of a smaller car with the durability and cargo flexibility of an SUV. 

In this rapidly expanding segment are vehicles that are sporty, stylish, and rugged. Two of the top-selling choices are the Nissan Kicks and the Kia Soul. While both are front-wheel-drive and budget-priced, they have notable differences that set them apart. 

Looking to learn how the two vehicles compare? Here’s our buyer’s guide for the 2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Kia Soul. 

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is the brand’s smallest SUV but offers a spacious cabin, generous technology features, and a fuel-efficient powertrain. In addition, the sporty SUV received a styling update from its previous model and now features a prominent grille, revamped front and rear bumpers, and a new 17-inch aluminum wheel design. Nissan also expanded the color options for extra personalization. Drivers can now choose between 6 body color options, along with customizable exterior details, wheels, and interior accents.  

The 2021 Kicks is available in S, SV, and SR grades. All three trims come standard with the highest safety and technology updates. For example, the base model includes features like keyless start, vehicle anti-theft system, and class-exclusive Intelligent Around View Monitor. The SR package ups the ante with heated seats, heated mirrors and steering wheel, synthetic leather, and a premium sound system. 

One of the Kicks’ strongest selling points is its fuel economy. EPA estimates the crossover gets around 31 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. MSRP for the Kicks ranges from $19,550 to $21,990, depending on the trim. 

Redesigned last year, the 2021 Kia Soul is now in its third generation. The boxy, stylish SUV is inexpensive, efficient, and roomy. Like the Kicks, the Soul features 60/40 split-fold seating, which can host up to 5 passengers. When folded down, drivers can utilize up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Since the Soul was fully redesigned in last year’s model, the 2021 Soul returns with only minor changes. For example, the new Soul gains a rear occupant alert, a suspension upgrade, and a remote start function on certain trims. Additionally, drivers can choose between 8 different exterior colors, as well as two 2-tone paint options. 

Compared to the Kicks, the Soul comes with double the number of grade options: LX, S, GT-Line, X-Line, EX, and Turbo. MSRP for the Soul ranges from $17,590 to $27,650, depending on the trim. The fuel economy will also vary depending on the model. EPA estimates the Kia Soul LX gets 25 MPG city and 31 MPG highway on the standard base. However, even with the turbocharged engine option, the Soul falls flat with an estimated 27 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. 

Both the Kicks and Soul are powered by practical powertrains, with the Soul offering an option for a turbo-engine. On the base Soul, the vehicle is powered by a 147-hp four-cylinder engine. This is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or available automatic transmission. For drivers looking for more power, higher grades offer a more potent  201-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission comes standard with the Kia Soul Turbo. 

On the other hand, every 2021 Kicks model is equipped with a 122-hp four-cylinder engine. This is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that handles shifting duties and drives the front wheels. Neither the Kicks nor Soul offers all-wheel-drive options. For its 2021 edition, the Kicks also add a fine-tuned suspension for more comfortable riding. 

In regards to technology and safety, the Nissan Kicks is one of the strongest in its segment. Compared to other subcompact SUVs, the Kicks offers many best-in-class or class-exclusive features. For example, it is the only vehicle in its segment to have rear automatic braking and premium Bose Personal Plus speakers. 

Compared to the Soul, the base model Kicks has much more to offer. While the Soul LX has a lower starting price, it lacks many features that come standard with the Kicks. For instance, the Kicks includes the following features:

Intelligent Around View Monitor Blind Spot Warning Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Vehicle Anti-Theft System Rear Parking Aid Keyless Start

Most of these features are unavailable on the Soul or only included on their pricier upgraded trims. However, with the Kicks, all come standard on the base model. Though the LX may be lacking, higher grades add on comparable features. On the Kia Soul S, the crossover features the following:

Forward-Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking Lane-Keeping Assist Blind-Spot Monitoring Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Power Driver’s Seat

Further upgrades feature cosmetic enhancements such as roof rails and an 18-inch wheel design. Additionally, the EX and Turbo grades offer a large touchscreen display. Both vehicles include smart device integration, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and an AM/FM stereo and auxiliary audio input. 

Both the Kicks and Soul maximize utility with foldable seating, armrest storage, and 5 passenger capacities. While both have an impressive cargo volume, the Kicks inches slightly past the Soul in legroom and headroom. Though the differences are slight, they all add up, making the Kicks a more comfortable ride for its additional space. 

Along with its roomy cabin, the Soul features a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone charging on certain trims. The Kicks also features automatic climate control, as well as heated mirrors and a steering wheel on higher trims. 

One of Kia’s most robust perks is the 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty on new vehicles. At United Nissan, we’ve taken this to another level by offering a Never-Ending Warranty on all new cars. This covers repairs on your powertrain for as long as you own your vehicle – unlimited time, unlimited miles. Even better, it’s no additional cost, and there’s no extra maintenance required. 

As long as you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance as referred to in the owner’s manual, United Nissan will reimburse you for qualified repair work on your powertrain for as long as you own your vehicle. 

Both vehicles are a good choice for anyone searching for a budget-friendly subcompact SUV. However, the Kicks outshines the Soul in terms of safety, price, fuel economy, and cargo space. Though the 2021 Soul has a lower starting price on its base model, the LX is sparsely equipped. The Kicks base model, on the other hand, includes all the standard technology features of the Soul’s upgraded trims – and more. In the end, drivers save more on the Kick’s SR trim, which is slightly over $21k, while the highest trim on the Soul is over $27k. 

Additionally, the Kicks is among U.S. News & World Report’s safest vehicles with a 9.4/10 rating. The Soul, while reliable, has a lower safety rating of 8.8/10. On top of this, the Kicks is roomier head-to-toe. So whether you need it for a daily commute or weekend road trips, the ride will be that much more comfortable. 

Lastly, the Kicks beats out the Soul in fuel economy by six additional MPG city and five extra MPG highway. Even with the turbocharged engine on upgraded Soul trims, the Kicks still beats it out with an additional 4 MPG both city and highway. For these reasons, we’d vote that the better buy is the 2021 Nissan Kicks. 

Ready for a test drive? Simply contact us online, and we’ll set you up with one. You can also shop our selection of Nissan Kicks online here.