Hyundai Motor Company and its sub-brands really know how to bring the value when it comes to SUVs. The South Korean automaker produces some of the best affordable SUVs in the game, according to rankings. It has contenders in the subcompact, small, and midsize SUV vehicle segments. What happens when you compare the popular Hyundai and Kia SUVs side by side? Time for the ultimate budget battle, 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited vs. 2023 Kia Soul EX.

The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited is unbelievably affordable

The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited starts at $22,750. It uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to make 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The Venue Limited achieves 29 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The subcompact SUV comes standard with heated front seats, wireless device charging, and a 12-volt outlet. It also includes a driver attention warning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated exterior mirrors. The Venue Limited features a tire pressure monitoring system, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and proximity key entry with push-button start.

The 2023 Venue Limited is loaded with great standard features that are normally reserved for more expensive vehicles. It’s the most affordable fully-loaded SUV on the market. Hyundai’s most affordable SUV’s final configuration is indisputably value-packed, but how does it fare against a seasoned vet, the Kia Soul?

The 2023 Kia Soul EX is everything you want from a Kia Soul

The Kia Soul has a huge following. When drivers think about the Soul nameplate, they think about fun ads starring giant hamsters and affordability. The 2023 Kia Soul is a quirky subcompact SUV. The EX is what happens when you throw everything but the kitchen sink into the Soul.

The 2023 Kia Soul EX starts at $24,190. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Soul gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

It comes standard with a power sunroof, heated side view mirrors, and a wireless phone charger. It also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, a smart key with-push button start, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist.

The Soul EX features heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Kia’s subcompact SUV’s final configuration is chock full of creature comforts and great tech.

2023 Hyundai Venue Limited vs. 2023 Kia Soul EX

The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited is the more affordable subcompact SUV. The Soul EX has a significantly higher overall power output, even though neither subcompact SUV is a speed demon. Both South Korean subcompact SUVs have stellar fuel economy.

Cars.com gave the 2023 Kia Soul a near-perfect overall score. Ultimately, the Soul EX is the better buy because it provides a better long-term ownership experience than the Venue. The 2023 Kia Soul EX is surprisingly roomy, and it has a longer history of consumer satisfaction than the Venue, which is only a few years old. Hyundai is on to something with the affordable Venue, but it isn’t a better choice than the Kia Soul EX.