In the world of budget-friendly vehicles, few manage to strike the balance between style, practicality, and affordability quite like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul. Despite being built by sibling brands under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella, these two compact crossovers — or more accurately, tall hatchbacks — are remarkably different in both design philosophy and driving experience.
While both cater to urban dwellers and first-time buyers seeking value-packed transportation, a closer look reveals one of these quirky machines has a clear edge.
Not Quite SUVs — But Perfectly Urban
Though Hyundai and Kia label the Venue and Soul as “SUVs” or “crossovers,” traditionalists may balk at those classifications. Neither model offers all-wheel drive, off-road prowess, or the high-riding clearance typically associated with that segment. These vehicles are best thought of as practical hatchbacks with elevated seating positions and boxy profiles that enhance visibility and accessibility.
Their modest powertrains and compact footprints make them ideal for city driving, errand-running, and commuting — and that’s exactly where they shine.
Soul of the Segment: Kia’s Enduring Icon
The 2025 Kia Soul continues its legacy as one of the most recognizable small cars on the road. Born from the boxy-car craze of the late 2000s, the Soul has outlasted its cube-shaped competitors like the Honda Element and Nissan Cube, evolving into a practical and stylish urban warrior.
Under the hood, the Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, delivered smoothly through a CVT. It’s not a performance car, but for its class, it’s no slouch — 0 to 60 mph comes in just over eight seconds. That slight performance edge over rivals isn’t just for show; it pays off in real-world highway merges and passing maneuvers.
Fuel economy is another strong suit, especially in the EX trim, which manages an impressive 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. With a curb weight just under 3,000 pounds, the Soul feels light on its feet without compromising on space or features.
Inside, the Soul offers 101 cubic feet of passenger space and up to 62.1 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Even the base model ($20,490) includes an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims add larger displays and more creature comforts.
Perhaps the only cloud on the horizon for the Soul is its potential departure. Rumors suggest Kia may discontinue it after 2025, making this possibly your last chance to grab a new one. That could mean dealers will be extra motivated to negotiate.
The Venue’s Charm: Small, Simple, and City-Smart
On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue takes a more conservative approach. Smaller in stature and a bit lighter, it’s built on the Hyundai/Kia K2 platform shared with the Hyundai Accent. This makes the Venue about five inches shorter than the Soul — a plus for tight parking spaces and urban environments, but a trade-off in interior volume.
Its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine puts out 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque — modest figures even by subcompact standards. It shares the same CVT setup as the Soul, but acceleration is slower, taking nearly nine seconds to hit 60 mph. Fuel economy is respectable at 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Passenger space is tighter, at 91.9 cubic feet, with just 31.9 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. However, for those who prioritize simplicity and small size above all, the Venue still makes a solid case.
Hyundai offers the Venue in three trims: the S ($20,200), SEL ($22,200), and Limited ($23,450). Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — a slight advantage over the wired setup in some Soul trims.
In 2024, Hyundai sold fewer than 25,000 units of the Venue in the U.S., compared to the Soul’s 52,000 — a telling figure about consumer preferences in this segment.
Verdict: The Soul Stands Tall
Having driven both vehicles, the Kia Soul stands out as the more compelling option. While neither vehicle boasts luxury-grade materials, the Soul’s interior layout and exterior design possess more personality and polish. Its larger footprint translates into more passenger and cargo room, and that extra power makes a noticeable difference in both city and highway driving.
Handling, too, feels a notch sharper in the Soul. Whether navigating traffic or taking a quick corner, it delivers a more composed ride, thanks in part to the more robust K3 platform it’s built on. It may be $200 more than the Venue at base price, but what you gain in performance, space, and overall refinement is well worth it.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Venue is not without merit. It’s a perfectly competent runabout, ideal for tight urban settings and those who truly prioritize compact size above all else. But when choosing between these two value-packed hatchbacks, the 2025 Kia Soul delivers more: more space, more performance, better fuel economy, and a personality that’s hard to ignore.
In the end, the Soul lives up to its name — a little car with a big heart and plenty of charm. If this truly is its swan song, it’s going out on a high note.
