The Honda HR-V is one of the most popular subcompact crossover SUVs — and with a complete redesign for the 2023 model year, it’s an even more competitive model. See how the HR-V stacks up against one of its rivals in this 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Kia Soul comparison.

2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Kia Soul: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Kia Soul crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

HR-V vs. Soul: Performance and gas mileage

For performance, the 2023 Honda HR-V has the advantage with its more powerful engine. All HR-V models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 158 horsepower. While the HR-V offers a hybrid version in the European market, in the United States, a fully gas-powered engine is the only option.

In comparison, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2023 Kia Soul generates 147 horsepower. The Soul used to offer a more powerful turbocharged engine, but it’s discontinued for the 2023 model year.

If you have towing needs, then you’ll need to choose a different crossover SUV. Neither the HR-V nor the Soul is rated for towing. 

For efficiency, the Soul has the advantage. It has gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, compared to 28 combined mpg for the HR-V.

HR-V vs. Soul: Off-road capabilities

The HR-V has the advantage for off-road capabilities and driving on uneven roads. For one, unlike the Soul, the HR-V offers a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. Also, the HR-V has higher ground clearance than the Soul (up to 7.3 vs. 6.7 inches).

HR-V vs. Soul: Safety

The HR-V and Soul offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind-spot monitoring system, lane-keeping assist, a rearview camera, traction control, and electronic stability control.

HR-V vs. Soul: Passenger and cargo space

Which crossover SUV is bigger: the 2023 HR-V or the 2023 Soul? The Soul provides more passenger space, with a total passenger volume of 102.2 cu-ft, compared to 98.7 cu-ft for the HR-V. However, the HR-V offers more space for storage, with a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft, compared to 62.1 cu-ft for the Soul.

HR-V vs. Soul: Warranty coverage

The Soul has more generous warranty coverage than the HR-V. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the HR-V. However, unlike the Soul, the HR-V has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 24,000 miles of coverage.

HR-V vs. Soul: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 HR-V or the 2023 Soul? The starting price of the 2023 HR-V ranges from $23,650 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,450 MSRP for the EX-L trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Soul ranges from $19,790 MSRP for the LX trim up to $24,090 MSRP for the Soul EX trim. 

2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Kia Soul: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Kia Soul comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 HR-V, advantages include performance, off-road capabilities, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Kia Soul include gas mileage, passenger space, warranty coverage, and a lower price.