Battle of the 2024 Crossovers: Kia Soul vs. Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Kia Soul and Subaru Crosstrek are two subcompact SUVs that stand out from the crowd with their unconventional and distinctive designs. The Kia Soul boasts a boxy shape with a sloping roofline, while the Subaru Crosstrek features a more rugged and sporty look with its raised ground clearance and aggressive styling cues. Despite their compact size, both vehicles offer ample interior space and advanced features, making them practical driver choices.

 2024 Kia Soul or Subaru Crosstrek

The automotive market has been abuzz with the recent release of the 2024 Kia Soul and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. These two small SUVs are perfect for urban traffic, but each has its own unique feature set.

Let’s start with the 2024 Kia Soul. Although it has been around since 2020, the Soul was updated with a mid-cycle refresh that keeps it up-to-date with the latest trends. The 2024 Soul is available in four trims: LX, S, GT-Line, and EX. Every version of the Soul comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 147 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Soul is a front-wheel drive (FWD) SUV, so there is no option to add all-wheel drive (AWD).

On the other hand, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is fresh off a complete redesign. The 2024 Crosstrek has an updated exterior and interior, a stiffer chassis, a larger infotainment screen, and a new Wilderness trim level. Unlike the FWD-only Soul, the Crosstrek has AWD fitted as standard. The Crosstrek comes in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. Lower trims get down the road courtesy of a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, while the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims have a punchier 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard on every Crosstrek.

While the Kia Soul is an excellent option for those who prioritize fuel economy, the Subaru Crosstrek has a lot more to offer in terms of performance and safety features. The Crosstrek’s starting price is $26,540, which includes the destination charge. The Soul, on the other hand, is a more affordable option, with a starting price of $19,190 (plus destination fee).

One of the Crosstrek’s standout features is its AWD system. It adds an extra layer of safety and stability to the vehicle, making it ideal for navigating narrow off-road trails. The Crosstrek’s ride quality has improved significantly over the previous model, making it more comfortable and composed on the road.

The additional features it offers justify the Subaru Crosstrek’s higher price tag. The Crosstrek comes with a number of standard comfort and safety features that are not available on the Soul. For example, the Crosstrek has a 6.5-inch infotainment display, a rearview camera, and automatic headlights. Higher trims of the Crosstrek come with even more features, such as a larger touchscreen, a premium audio system, and adaptive cruise control.

The Soul and Crosstrek are nearly identical in fuel economy, with the Crosstrek getting slightly lower mileage due to its AWD system. However, the Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter engine provides better acceleration and passing power, making driving more exciting.

The 2024 Kia Soul and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are great options for buyers looking for a small SUV. The Soul is a more affordable choice that prioritizes fuel economy, while the Crosstrek is a more performance-oriented vehicle with more standard features and a higher price tag. These vehicles could be the perfect fit depending on what the consumer wants. However, with its AWD system, improved ride quality, and additional safety features, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has everything a driver could want in a small SUV.

Kenny Ross Subaru

Plan a visit to Kenny Ross Subaru and explore the splendid 2024 Crosstrek in person. Get a closer look at its unique features and take it for a test drive to experience its exceptional performance.