Deciding between the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul? Many car buyers face this choice when looking for a compact SUV that blends practicality with personality. This comparison draws on real-world experience to help you determine which Kia SUV better suits your needs.
Initially, our household enjoyed a Kia Soul LX, appreciating its reliability and comfort for daily driving and even longer trips. When the need for a second car arose, the Kia Seltos LX AWD seemed like a natural upgrade, offering all-wheel drive and a slightly larger footprint. However, a significant waiting period led to considering the Kia Sportage LX AWD as an alternative. This unexpected shift highlighted a crucial consideration: with a Soul already in the garage, was another similarly sized vehicle the optimal choice?
The Kia Sportage, while initially unplanned, presented a compelling case due to its enhanced cargo space. This became particularly relevant for longer journeys and carrying equipment. After several months and miles with the Sportage, the increased space proved invaluable for travel, while the Soul remained ideal for city errands and shorter commutes. Despite the Soul’s surprising comfort on long drives, the Sportage’s added room is a clear advantage for trips. Fuel efficiency in the Sportage is also noteworthy, averaging 30-35 MPG even with a loaded vehicle and hilly routes.
Alt text: Side-by-side comparison of Kia Seltos and Kia Soul exterior designs, highlighting size and styling differences.
Beyond cargo, ground clearance and all-wheel drive capabilities became important factors. For tasks like accessing more challenging terrains, such as a family cemetery with creek crossings and gravel roads, the Sportage’s AWD and higher ground clearance are beneficial. If a single vehicle was the requirement, a Kia Seltos LX AWD would likely be sufficient, providing a balance of size and capability. However, with a Kia Soul already serving similar daily driving needs, the larger Kia Sportage offered a more distinct advantage in terms of space and versatility for varied uses. Ultimately, having both a Soul and a Sportage provides a versatile combination, catering to different driving scenarios and preferences.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kia Seltos and Soul depends heavily on your lifestyle and needs. If you require a bit more space and occasional all-weather capability in a compact package, the Seltos is a strong contender. However, if maximizing cargo space and differentiating vehicle roles within a household is a priority, considering a larger model like the Sportage, especially when already owning a Soul, might be a more strategic decision. Both Kia SUVs offer distinct advantages, making the “best” choice a matter of individual priorities and circumstances.
