In the event you’re looking for a subcompact SUV, you’ve most likely realized by now that it’s a reasonably versatile class. Among the most interesting candidates are arguably extra hatchback than SUV. However they neatly mix the easy-driving dynamics of a hatchback with the excessive using place and nice visibility of an SUV. Many, although, are boring.
The Mazda CX-30 just isn’t boring, and neither is the Kia Soul. The 2 quirkiest members of the subcompact squad every have their very own distinctive personalities. Right here’s the way to choose between them.
2023 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is the fun-to-drive member of this group. Regardless of its sensible kind, its taut steering and vigorous suspension make it a little bit bit sports activities automobile. It’s additionally fairly — a exceptional trait in a category filled with automobiles that seem like they haven’t grown into their options but. Pricing begins at $22,950.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Normal all-wheel drive (AWD): All-wheel drive is elective on many SUVs this small and never accessible in any respect on the Soul. Mazda provides it to you as customary gear. In the event you want an SUV due to the snow and ice the place you reside, this one will provide you with the grip of AWD. The Soul gained’t.
Enjoyable driving dynamics: Mazda’s G-Vectoring management plus system brakes the within wheels in turns to maintain the automobile stage throughout cornering. There’s nothing uncommon about that — costly automobiles have torque vectoring techniques on a regular basis. However at this worth level, it’s genuinely uncommon. In the event you like to drive, the CX-30 may be the higher selection.
Optionally available turbocharged energy: Mazda provides CX-30 patrons a selection between two engines. One has 44 extra horsepower than the engine within the Soul. The opposite, a turbocharged mannequin, has 103 extra. What had been we saying about “in the event you like to drive” a second in the past?
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Mazda CX-30 fashions on the market close to you.
2023 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is an completely distinctive, absurdly handy little conveyance with a variety of character. It appears to be like funkier than the rest accessible at this worth level. And whereas it’s small, its box-on-wheels kind issue means it’s going to swallow entire items of furnishings most subcompacts can’t. Pricing begins at simply $19,890.
Kia Soul Highlights
Worth pricing: The CX-30 is one in all simply 10 automobiles for the 2023 mannequin yr on the market below $25,000. The Soul is one in all simply 4 below $20,000. You get extra usable area than the CX-30 provides you, and also you pay 1000’s of {dollars} much less for it.
Glorious guarantee: The Kia Soul comes with the longest set of warranties within the automotive trade — a 5-year/60,000-mile fundamental guarantee and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. The CX-30 will get a 3-year/36,000-mile fundamental guarantee and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain guarantee. In yr seven of possession, this protection could make an enormous distinction.
Higher gasoline financial system: What the Soul lacks in energy, it makes up for in gasoline financial system. It has a mixed gasoline financial system ranking of as much as 31 mpg, whereas the CX-30 will get 29 mpg in its most effective kind. In line with the EPA, Soul homeowners can pay about $100 much less yearly in gasoline prices.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Kia Soul fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
Every appears to be like nice in its personal approach — the CX-30 is fairly, the Soul is all quirk. And whereas there’s a distinction in gasoline financial system, it’s not an enormous one.
Conclusion
Most subcompact crossovers lack character. They’re reasonably priced and surprisingly adaptable, however they’re hardly ever one thing you take pleasure in proudly owning. Nonetheless, the Mazda CX-30 and Kia Soul convey one thing distinctive to the desk. The CX-30 is enjoyable to drive, accessible with actual energy, and appears genuinely engaging (notably in Mazda’s jewel-like pink and blue hues). The Kia Soul is virtually a Tardis as a result of it feels larger on the within, and appears unapologetically offbeat. Its lengthy guarantee makes it a sensible selection, too.
Both one might be the best selection. With automobiles this distinctive, the best reply is commonly the instinctive one.
2023 Mazda CX-30 | 2023 Kia Soul | |
Beginning Worth | $22,950 | $19,890 |
Well-liked Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automated | CVT automated |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Gasoline financial system | 26 metropolis/33 freeway/29 mixed mpg | 28 metropolis/33 freeway/30 mixed mpg |
Additionally Obtainable | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | N/A |
Specs | ||
Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
NHTSA General Security Ranking | TBD | 4 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 102.4 inches |
General Size | 173.0 inches | 165.2 inches |
Width | 70.7 inches | 70.9 inches |
Top | 61.7 inches | 63.0 inches |
Turning Diameter | 37.3 ft | 34.8 ft |
Headroom, Entrance | 38.1 inches | 39.9 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 39.5 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.7 inches | 41.1 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 38.8 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.6 inches | 55.5 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 54.7 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 20.2/45.2 cubic ft | 24.2/62.1 cubic ft |