2023 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona vs. 2023 Kia Soul
The subcompact SUV vehicle segment has been heating up in recent years. There are plenty of great subcompact SUVs competing for the top spot from brands like Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia. Which subcompact SUV is best? Time for 2023 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona vs. 2023 Kia Soul.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is one classy subcompact SUV
Mazda is making some of the classiest mainstream SUVs on the market. Models like the CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9 are noticeably more refined than many of their rivals. The Mazda CX-30 proves that you don’t have to break the bank to get a semi-luxurious SUV.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,950. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-30 gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The subcompact SUV is praised for its exciting driving dynamics and premium interior. Edmunds claims that the CX-30 comes standard with great safety features and compliments its handling.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is extra quirky
Hyundai’s subcompact SUV has a very distinct design that’s impossible to confuse with any other model in its segment. Like its cousin, the Kia Soul, the Hyundai Kona is truly one of a kind.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $22,140. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Kona achieves 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
Hyundai’s subcompact SUV won an Editor’s Choice award from Car and Driver. The Kona comes in four different trim levels and has a turbocharged engine option that makes the fun little SUV even more exciting.
The 2023 Kia Soul is the best budget option in its segment
The 2023 Kia Soul starts at just $19,890. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Soul gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Kia Soul is best known for its unique design and affordability. It’s a great subcompact SUV for daily driving in cities. The Soul has a surprisingly roomy interior. It provides great value for the money.
The Soul is so affordable that drivers can easily opt for upper trim levels and reap the benefits of better tech and more standard creature comforts for a price that doesn’t break the bank. The 2023 Kia Soul EX starts at just $24,190, and it comes standard with a wireless phone charger, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated side view mirrors.
2023 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona vs. 2023 Kia Soul
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is the most expensive option of the three subcompact SUVs listed. That being said, it’s the most luxurious option by a long shot. The CX-30 is the way to go for drivers looking for a stylish and refined subcompact SUV.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is arguably the most fun option. It isn’t as classy as the CX-30 but has a bolder exterior design than Mazda’s subcompact SUV. The Kona offers an outstanding balance of decent driving dynamics, a unique exterior, and good standard features.
The Kia Soul is ideal for subcompact SUV drivers looking for the most affordable option. The Hyundai Venue costs less, but the Soul has more ‘soul’ and personality. The Kia Soul has greatly impacted its vehicle segment in the last decade.
Lets us know your pick for the best new subcompact SUV of 2023 here.
