The Kia Seltos subcompact crossover SUV is a huge success. However, long before the arrival of the Seltos, the Soul was the standout subcompact SUV for Kia. What are the differences between the two Kia siblings? Find out in this 2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Kia Soul comparison.

2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Kia Soul: What are the differences?

In this 2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Kia Soul comparison, we evaluate several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty, reliability, and price.

Seltos vs. Soul: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Kia Soul has a higher base engine and maximum horsepower than the 2022 Kia Seltos. It offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147) and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (201 hp). Likewise, the Seltos also offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (146 hp) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp). Neither the Seltos nor Soul are recommended for towing. 

For efficiency, the Seltos has a slight edge. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 combined mpg, compared to a gas mileage of 30 combined mpg for the Soul.

Seltos vs. Soul: Off-road capabilities

If you want a subcompact crossover SUV that can head off-road, then the Seltos is the better choice for you. For one, unlike the Soul, the Seltos offers a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. Also, the Seltos has higher ground clearance than the Soul (7.3 vs. 6.7 inches).

Seltos vs. Soul: Safety

Both the Seltos and Soul are safe vehicles. Both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Seltos vs. Soul: Passenger and cargo space

While the Seltos is a little bigger than the Soul in terms of exterior dimensions, the Soul provides slightly more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 102.2 cu-ft, compared to 99.0 cu-ft for the Seltos. Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people.

For storage space, the Seltos edges out the Soul by a small margin, though. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cu-ft, compared to 62.1 cu-ft for the Soul.

Seltos vs. Soul: Interior features and technologies

The Soul has the advantage for interior features and technologies. Unlike the Seltos, it offers a head-up display, HD Radio, a power driver’s seat, and a dual-zone climate control system. Both crossover SUVs offer a sunroof/moonroof.

Seltos vs. Soul: Warranty coverage and reliability

Both the Seltos and Soul have generous warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

However, the Soul is more reliable than the Seltos. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 87/100, compared to 78/100 for the Seltos.

Seltos vs. Soul: Price

Which Kia crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Seltos or the 2022 Soul? The starting prices of the 2022 Seltos range from $22,590 MSRP for the LX trim up to $28,090 MSRP for the SX trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Soul range from $19,290 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,890 MSRP for the Turbo trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the high inflation costs. 

2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Kia Soul: Which Kia crossover SUV should I buy?

In our 2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Kia Soul comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2022 Seltos, advantages include efficiency, off-road capabilities, and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Soul include a higher horsepower output, passenger space, interior features and technologies, reliability, and a lower price.