The 2021 Kia Soul has been around for a long time. The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, is a relatively new addition to the market. But when it comes to comparing this year’s Venue to the recently designed Kia Soul, how do these SUVs cars compare?

The inside scoop on the 2021 Hyundai Venue

Driven by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 121-hp, the 2021 Hyundai Venue is by no means a fast SUV. Speed isn’t everything, though, and according to Car and Driver, this year’s model “delivers sufficient motivation around town” and is “agile in traffic.”

The 2021 Hyundai Venue doesn’t lack when it comes to safety features, either. This year’s model includes standard features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitoring system. 

And when it comes to interior features? This year’s model is available in SE, SEL, and Denim trim levels and comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 4-speaker audio system. 

Introducing the redesigned 2021 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul underwent a redesign for the 2021 model year. With a bold new exterior and people-pleasing interior, the 2021 Kia Soul aims to please various automotive needs. Whether you’re in the market for an everyday family hauler or just want a unique looking car, the new Kia Soul is undoubtedly worth a look.

At the heart and soul of this quirky SUV is a 147-hp 2.0-liter engine. This year’s model also comes outfitted with your choice of transmission, either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. Also available is a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that’s paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There are plenty of standard features to be had when opting for the redesigned Kia Soul too. Opt for the base model, and standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

How much do these SUVs cost?

The base-level Kia Soul in LX trim with a manual transmission will run you approximately $18,610. And if a manual transmission isn’t for you? Opt for a Soul equipped with a continuously variable transmission for an extra $1,500. However, for the latest driver assistance features, opt for the Turbo model, which starts at $28,670.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, has a starting price of $18,750. A fully-loaded model rings in at $22,050, making for a pretty tempting price tag compared to a fully-loaded Kia Soul.

How do the Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul stack up to each other?

Now that we have pricing out of the way, let’s talk about features. Start with safety features, and you’ll find that the 2021 Hyundai Venue comes readily equipped with far more standard safety features than its Kia competition. While the Hyundai Venue comes standard with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warnings, the 2021 Kia Soul does not.

Compare warranty coverage, and the 2021 Hyundai Venue wins again. Though both come standard with comparable powertrain and new vehicle limited warranties, the 2021 Hyundai Venue offers more corrosion coverage and unlimited roadside assistance. This year’s new Venue also comes standard with complimentary maintenance.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue is where it’s at

The 2021 Kia Soul is an interesting vehicle. From its boxy demeanor to its available turbocharged engine, the Kia Soul makes an exciting pick among its segment. However, when it comes down to it, the 2021 Hyundai Venue does make for the better choice. It’s not only cheaper, but it also has better standard safety features, more comprehensive warranty coverage, and offers complimentary vehicle maintenance.