Comparing the New Kia Soul vs the New Toyota Corolla Cross

Deciding between a Toyota Corolla Cross and a Kia Soul for your next crossover SUV purchase might have you scratching your head. Both of these models are from top manufacturers in the segment, each with impressive lineups of capable and affordable vehicles for nearly any taste.

While the new Corolla Cross is a capable crossover with all the panache of a Corolla, that might not be saying too much in 2023. On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Soul features a boxy practicality that can’t help but charm, along with a few redesigned elements that only serve to elevate its style.

Of course, only you can decide which of these is right for you and yours—but keep reading to find out the biggest differences between the Kia Soul and Toyota Corolla Cross, and make your own choice!

Kia Soul Vs. Toyota Corolla Cross: Interior Design

Both SUVs feature a comfortable cabin with plenty of room for up to 5. The new Kia Soul has a stylish interior that remains playful while packing in the features. In the Kia Soul’s rectangular interior, you’ll enjoy ambient lighting, push-button ignition with keyless entry, a smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, and more. You can even make it your own with Kia’s choice of interior color schemes.

In comparison, the Corolla Cross is basically a roomier version of the Corolla. We can’t fault Toyota for modifying one of its best sellers for the crossover market, and with interior features like heated front seats and flip-down center rear armrest in higher trims, it might be a good choice for people who love Toyota’s staid reliability. However, we do wonder if it’s possible to be a bit too safe when designing a new model.

Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. Kia Soul: Performance

In terms of performance, the Corolla Cross edges out the Kia Soul, with 169 horsepower in its standard engine and a combined 194 horses in the hybrid model. All-wheel drive is available in the gas model and standard in the hybrid, and both models share the same 2.0-L four-cylinder gas engine.

Even though it’s not quite as powerful at 147 horsepower, the Kia Soul’s 2.0-L engine is paired with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comfortable handling for a buttery-smooth ride. Plus, with the Soul’s distinctive exterior styling, you’re sure to turn heads wherever you take your crew!

Kia Soul Vs. Toyota Corolla Cross: Technology and Safety Features

The 2023 Soul features all the infotainment and tech features you’ve come to expect and more: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and available tech includes SiriusXM, real-time traffic updates, a Harman/Kardon sound system, and more. For peace of mind on your drives, the new Kia Soul features active safety features including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and available blind-spot monitoring.

The new Corolla Cross also boasts its share of standard technology features, but if you want to charge your smartphone, listen to a JBL stereo system, or the like, you’ll need to spring for an upgrade. Of course, Toyota is famous for its active safety suite, and those of course come standard on the 2023 Corolla Cross.

The Winner: 2023 Kia Soul, on Sale Now near South Jordan!

While the Toyota Corolla Cross put up a fight, we have to go with the new Kia Soul for its truly expansive interior, better standard technology, more comfortable ride, and distinctive style. If you’re looking for a car that’s as comfortable and safe inside as it is fun outside, the new Kia Soul is for you!

When you’re ready to make a new Kia Soul your own, come take one for a spin at Seiner Kia South Jordan! We have plenty of new and used Kia models in stock, and we’re here to help you find yours.