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2023 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Kia Soul - Which One Fits Your Needs?

2023 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Kia Soul - Which One Fits Your Needs?

Kia, the South Korean automaker, has a long history of producing a wide range of highly successful vehicles, from affordable and dependable sedans to high-performance sports cars. In 2023, Kia launched two highly anticipated crossover SUVs, the Kia Seltos and the Kia Soul. While these vehicles share some similarities, they also have distinctive differences that set them apart from each other.

 

This article aims to delve into the disparities between the 2023 Kia Seltos and the 2023 Kia Soul and determine which vehicle performs better in various areas, such as safety, comfort, technology, and performance. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each car and be able to make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your needs.

 

General overview: 2023 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Kia Seltos is a crossover SUV that is generating a lot of buzz due to its ability to combine practicality, performance, and style. With seating for five passengers, it boasts a spacious and comfortable interior along with a range of standard safety and technology features, plus a reliable and efficient powertrain. 

 

Its exterior design features a sleek and modern look, including Kia's iconic tiger-nose grille and bold, angular lines. The Seltos is available in various trims, each with its own unique features and amenities, catering to a diverse range of potential buyers. Ultimately, the 2023 Kia Seltos is a well-rounded SUV that delivers exceptional value for its price, positioning it as a strong competitor in the fiercely competitive crossover SUV market.

 

Key Specifications:

  • Starting Price: $26,333 - $36,333
  • Economy: 
    • Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded
    • Consumption City & Highway: 8.8L/100km/ 7.6L/100km
    • Fuel Capacity: 50L
  • Engine: 2.0 L MPI (Multi Point Injection) and 1.6L Turbo GDI (Gas Direct Injection)
  • Horsepower: 146 - 175
  • Transmission: IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
  • 0 to 100KM: 10 Seconds
  • Number of Seats: 5
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended
  • Guarantee: 5 Years/ 100,000 km

 

General overview: 2023 Kia Soul

The 2023 Kia Soul is a highly sought-after subcompact crossover SUV that blends practicality, style, and fun into one remarkable vehicle. The Soul's iconic boxy design is instantly recognizable on the road and has been updated for the 2023 model year with new exterior styling elements that lend it a more modern and sophisticated appearance. 

 

Inside, the 2023 Soul offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample room for both passengers and cargo. It is equipped with advanced safety features and technology, including a large infotainment system and driver assistance technologies. Under the hood, the 2023 Soul boasts a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine that delivers responsive performance and exceptional fuel economy. The Soul is available in multiple trim levels, each with its own unique set of features and amenities, making it a fantastic choice for buyers seeking an adaptable and cost-effective crossover SUV.

 

Key specifications:

  • Starting Price: $25,133 - $32,033
  • Economy: 
    • Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded
    • Consumption City & Highway: 8.5L/100km/ 7.0L/100km
    • Fuel Capacity: 54L 
  • Engine: 2.0 L MPI (Multi Point Injection)
  • Horsepower: 147
  • Transmission: IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
  • 0 to 100KM: 8.7 Seconds
  • Number of Seats: 5
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended
  • Guarantee: 5 Year/ 100,000 km

 

In-depth comparison: 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul

 

Engine and propulsion

The 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul share the same engine options, as both vehicles come equipped with a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that can produce 146 and 147 horsepower respectively. In addition, the Seltos provides an optional 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of generating 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. These engines come standard with an IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) and a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission on the higher-spec model of the Seltos, and all-wheel drive is available on both models.

 

The Seltos has a slightly higher ground clearance than the Soul, making it more suitable for off-road driving. On the other hand, the Soul offers a smoother ride on the pavement, making it a more comfortable option for everyday driving.

 

Interior layout

When it comes to interior design and options, there are some notable differences between the 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul. The Seltos boasts a more expansive cabin, offering increased legroom and headroom for passengers. Its higher driving position also provides a better vantage point for seeing the road ahead.

 

On the other hand, the Soul has a distinctive and eccentric design that sets it apart from the more traditional Seltos. Its boxy shape allows for more vertical space and headroom, making the cabin feel more spacious. 

 

Exterior layout

The 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul showcase distinctive exterior designs. The Seltos has a modern and streamlined appearance, featuring a striking, angular design and a more conventional SUV shape. It offers a higher ground clearance and is better suited for off-road excursions.

 

Meanwhile, the Soul has a more unconventional and playful design, characterized by its iconic boxy shape and vibrant exterior colour options. The Soul is a subcompact crossover that offers a more urban-friendly size, making it easier to navigate through tight spaces.

 

Technology, infotainment and connectivity

The 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul are both equipped with a wide array of advanced technology features. Both models come standard with an intuitive infotainment system that features Bluetooth connectivity, compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports for charging devices. 

 

Additionally, both vehicles offer optional premium features on the higher-spec models, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a premium sound system - Bose on the Seltos and Harman Kardon on the Soul.

 

The Seltos offers more advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, than the Soul. However, the Soul boasts a unique audio-reactive lighting system that pulses in sync with the music, providing a unique and fun element to the interior ambiance.

 

Safety and driver-assistance features

The 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Both models come with standard safety features, such as a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additionally, both vehicles offer optional advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

 

However, the Seltos stands out with more advanced safety features offered as standard equipment in higher trims, including a 360-degree camera system and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Overall, both the Seltos and Soul provide an impressive lineup of safety features that positions them as formidable contenders in their respective classes.

 

Available trim levels

2023 Kia Seltos:

  • LX
  • EX
  • EX Premium
  • SX Turbo

2023 Kia Soul:

  • LX
  • EX
  • EX+
  • EX Premium
  • GT-Line Limited

 

Tabulated vehicle comparison

For clarity and brevity, we’re only comparing the base and top-spec models of each vehicle. 

 

Model/ Feature 2023 Kia Seltos 2023 Kia Soul
Trim Level LX SX Turbo LX GT-Line Limited
Price $26,333 $36,333 $25,133 $32,033
Engine 2.0L MPI (Multi Point Injection) 1.6L Turbo GDI (Gas Direct Injection) 2.0 L MPI (Multi Point Injection) 2.0 L MPI (Multi Point Injection)
Transmission IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
Horsepower 146 175 147 147
Fuel consumption (City/ Highway) 8.8L/100km/ 7.6L/100km 9.4L/100km/ 7.9L/100km 8.5L/100km/ 7.0L/100km 8.5L/100km/ 7.0L/100km
Key features 17-inch alloy wheels

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlights

Cloth seats

Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

8-inch Display

3.5-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster

6-speaker audio

18-inch alloy wheels

LED taillights

Automatic headlights

SOFINO leather seats (synthetic)

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Chrome interior door handles

10.25-inch multimedia interface with integrated navigation

7-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster

Bose premium sound system

16-inch steel wheels with covers

Automatic headlights

Halogen headlights

Cloth seats

Dual-level cargo floor

8-inch Display 

6-speaker audio

4.2-inch Supervision LCD/TFT instrument cluster

18-inch alloy wheels

LED multi-reflection headlights

LED daytime running lights

Gloss black grille with chrome accents

LED taillights

Leather seats

10.25-inch multimedia interface with integrated navigation

Harman Kardon® premium audio system

Reserve Yours Today!

The 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul are two formidable crossover SUVs that provide an optimal combination of practicality, performance, and style, with each model possessing its unique features that cater to a diverse range of buyers. Don't miss out; reserve your own at Eastside Kia today!

 

Categories: New Inventory, Kia Soul, kia seltos