The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube have long been favorites among buyers seeking a unique and stylish ride. Both vehicles offer a spacious and versatile interior, along with a distinctive exterior design that sets them apart from the crowd. But which one is the better choice?
Design and Dimensions
The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube share a boxy silhouette, but their overall dimensions and styling are quite different. The Soul is slightly larger than the Cube, measuring 165.5 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 63.4 inches tall. The Cube, on the other hand, is 159.2 inches long, 66.7 inches wide, and 64.7 inches tall.
The Soul’s exterior is characterized by its angular lines and sharp creases, giving it a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The Cube, on the other hand, has a more rounded and playful design, with large windows and a distinctive rear fascia.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer a spacious and versatile interior. The Soul has a slightly larger interior volume than the Cube, with 101 cubic feet of passenger space compared to the Cube’s 97.4 cubic feet.
The Soul’s interior is well-appointed and comfortable, with a variety of seating options and storage compartments. The Cube’s interior is also spacious and comfortable, but it has a more whimsical and eclectic design, with bold colors and patterns.
Powertrain and Performance
The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer a range of engine options, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The Soul comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Cube, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque.
Both vehicles offer optional powertrain upgrades. The Soul is available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Cube is available with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer comparable fuel economy ratings. The Soul’s 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Cube’s 1.8-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
The Soul’s optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the Cube’s optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Features and Technology
The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer a range of features and technologies to enhance the driving experience. The Soul comes standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Cube also comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
Both vehicles offer a variety of optional features, including navigation, satellite radio, and a premium sound system. The Soul also offers a number of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Pricing and Value
The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer comparable pricing. The Soul has a starting price of $19,390, while the Cube has a starting price of $19,190. Both vehicles offer a number of optional packages and features that can increase the price.
Pros and Cons
Kia Soul
Pros:
- More powerful engine options
- More spacious interior
- More advanced safety features
- More aggressive and sporty styling
Cons:
- Less fuel-efficient than the Cube
- More expensive than the Cube
- Not as playful and whimsical as the Cube
Nissan Cube
Pros:
- More fuel-efficient than the Soul
- Less expensive than the Soul
- More playful and whimsical design
- More distinctive exterior styling
Cons:
- Less powerful engine options
- Less spacious interior
- Fewer advanced safety features
- Less aggressive and sporty styling
FAQ
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Which vehicle has the most spacious interior? The Kia Soul has a slightly larger interior than the Nissan Cube.
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Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient? The Nissan Cube is more fuel-efficient than the Kia Soul.
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Which vehicle has more powerful engine options? The Kia Soul has more powerful engine options than the Nissan Cube.
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Which vehicle is more affordable? The Nissan Cube is less expensive than the Kia Soul.
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Which vehicle has a more distinctive exterior design? The Nissan Cube has a more distinctive exterior design than the Kia Soul.
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Which vehicle is more comfortable for long road trips? Both the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube offer comfortable interiors for long road trips, but the Soul’s larger interior and more advanced safety features may give it a slight edge.
Conclusion
The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube are two unique and stylish vehicles that offer a spacious and versatile interior. The Soul is a more powerful and aggressive vehicle, while the Cube is more fuel-efficient and playful. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
