2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona | Merrillville, IN
When looking for a versatile crossover SUV packed with sophisticated comfort, helpful tech, and impressive efficiency, it’s important to consider all your options. The 2023 Kia Soul and 2023 Hyundai Kona are two excellent choices, both built to inspire confidence and turn heads around every corner — but which is right for you? The professionals at Southlake Kia have crafted this 2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona comparison to help you decide.
Love the Soul? Find your preferred trim in our inventory, and view our available finance and lease offers to discover new ways to save. If you have any questions or would like assistance, contact our Kia dealership in Merrillville, IN, online or by phone at (219) 947-1500.
2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
Experience great fuel economy and an energetic drive in the 2023 Kia Soul and 2023 Hyundai Kona. Both models share a standard 2.0L four-cylinder, which is equipped with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT), and each SUV delivers an impressive estimated 35 highway MPG. While the Kona offers two different engine options as well as the option between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Soul makes your choice easy with one spirited engine and an efficient FWD system.
| 2023 Kia Soul | Model | 2023 Hyundai Kona | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L four-cylinder | Engine | 2.0L four-cylinder | 1.6L turbo four-cylinder |
| 147 HP | Horsepower | 147 HP | 195 HP |
| 132 lb.-ft. | Torque | 132 lb.-ft. | 195 lb.-ft. |
| IVT | Transmission | IVT | Seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) |
| FWD | Drive Type | FWD / AWD | |
| 29 / 35 | MPG (city / hwy) | 30 / 35 | 29 / 35 |
2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Exterior Design
Both the 2023 Kia Soul and 2023 Hyundai Kona express their individuality through their exterior designs while offering a handful of similar features built to set you apart from the crowd. The Soul sports a unique geometric exterior form engineered to be recognized from afar, and the Kona boasts a more tapered body style. Each model offers stylish 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheel options and luminous LED headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights — the Soul exclusively adds LED fog lights to the list. During the frigid temperatures, you can utilize available heated side view mirrors on either SUV, or open up the available power sunroof during the warmer months.
2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Interior Design & Technology
Step into a welcoming, well-stocked cabin in both the 2023 Kia Soul and 2023 Hyundai Kona. Each SUV offers premium appointments designed for ultimate relaxation as well as comfort-enhancing features like heated front seats and automatic temperature control — the Soul exclusively offers available dual-zone automatic climate control for front passengers. If you’re looking for an extra sporty flair, the 2023 Kia Soul GT-Line comes standard with a flat-bottom steering wheel.
When you need to stay in touch on the go, you can access premium connectivity in either the 2023 Soul or Kona. Available wireless charging helps you minimize cord usage, and you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to either an 8- or 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen in both SUVs. Additionally, the Soul and Kona offer the option to utilize a digital key through your smartphone, but only the Soul lets you use it to manage your vehicle’s climate. Want to create an uplifting atmosphere through music? Each model offers a premium Harman Kardon® sound system with ten speakers on the 2023 Soul and eight speakers on the 2023 Kona.
2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Size & Cargo Space
While similar in size, the 2023 Kia Soul and 2023 Hyundai Kona offer noteworthy differences behind the wheel. Each SUV seats up to five travelers comfortably with more legroom available in the Soul. When you need to utilize every nook and cranny for cargo, you can fold the rear seat to maximize space in both models, but the Soul offers significantly more cargo volume. See the accompanying chart for a comparison of interior dimensions.
| 2023 Kia Soul | Model | 2023 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Five | Seating | Five |
| 165.2 in. | Vehicle Length | 165.6 in. |
| 39.9 / 39.5 in. | Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.6 / 37.8 in. |
| 41.1 / 38.8 in. | Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.5 / 35.2 in. |
| 62.1 / 24.2 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind First / Second Row | 45.8 / 19.2 cu.-ft. |
2023 Kia Soul vs. Hyundai Kona Safety Options & Features
No matter where you’re off to next, the 2023 Kia Soul and 2023 Hyundai Kona both offer a variety of forward-thinking safety features built to give you peace of mind on the journey. Available driver assistance technologies such as Kia Drive Wise on the Soul and Hyundai SmartSense on the Kona help keep you aware of your surroundings with features like forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, and smart cruise control with stop and go.
While both models also offer Highway Driving Assist, the 2023 Soul helps enhance your commute with additional available features like lane change assist and intelligent speed limit assist.
2021 Kia Soul vs. 2021 Hyundai Kona
Looking for a stylish, compact vehicle to make your everyday driving experience exceptional? Two popular options are the 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Hyundai Kona. While the Kia Soul is available in compact car and hatchback body styles, and the Hyundai Kona is a small SUV, you’ll find they have many of the same benefits you’re looking for in a new vehicle. Southlake Kia in Merrillville, IN, has put together a guide on the similarities and differences between these models to help you discover which is better for you.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southlake Kia by chatting with a specialist or calling (219) 947-1500. You can search the new vehicle inventory for new 2021 Kia Soul models for sale, and search 2021 Kia Soul lease deals for a great offer.
In this comparison, we’ll be looking at the 2021 Kia Soul EX, starting at $23,350 MSRP, and the 2021 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus, starting at $24,150 MSRP.
Power & Handling
You can expect a similar performance from the 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Hyundai Kona. Both models have a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the Soul, while the Kona has the option of FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2021 Soul is equipped with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT), while the 2021 Kona has a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC.
Interior
In terms of interior space, the 2021 Kia Soul is a little more compact than the Hyundai Kona, The Soul offers 102.2 cubic-feet of passenger volume and the Kona offers 113.3 cubic-feet. However, both vehicles can seat up to five passengers, so you’ll be able to fit you and your friends comfortably on your next road trip or excursion.
You’ll find a host of great interior amenities on the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona such as heated front seats and automatic temperature control. Additional interior features on the 2021 Kia Soul include:
- Rear folding seat with cup holder
- Dual level cargo board
- Cargo cover
- 12V power outlet in cargo area
- Premium Tricot cloth seat trim
- Ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat and power lumbar support
Exterior
An obvious difference between the 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Hyundai Kona is body styling. The 2021 Soul, known for its square shape and defining accents has made a name for itself in the automotive market. On the other hand the newer Hyundai Kona has familiar sweeping lines like many SUVs in its class. So if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, the eye-catching Kia Soul is the vehicle for you!
Other exterior features you can expect on the 2021 Kia Soul include:
- Roof rack mounting points
- Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors
- Power sunroof
- 17-in. alloy wheels
- Multi-focus reflector headlights
Technology
Having access to the latest technology is a must for modern drivers, which is why you’ll be pleased with what the 2021 Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona have to offer. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, as well as SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, are standard features on both models. Some additional features you’ll find on the Soul include:
- UVO link with 10.25-in. color touchscreen display and premium navigation
- Dual center console USB charging ports
- Drive mode selector
- Wireless phone charger
- Smart key with push button start/stop and immobilizer
Safety
Both Kia and Hyundai are dedicated to keeping you and your passengers as safe as possible. This is why the 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Hyundai Kona are loaded with safety and driver assist features, like a comprehensive airbag system, rearview camera, and blind spot warning.
Other safety features available on the Soul include:
- Forward collision avoidance assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Driver attention warning
- Rear cross traffic collision assist
- Lane change assist
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(219) 947-1500
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