There are a lot of subcompact SUVs on the market right now, and Consumer Reports has some recommendations for which ones you should consider buying. For example, the Toyota C-HR isn’t too popular, but just like the Kia Soul, both vehicles are stylish subcompact SUVs. With that being said, Consumer Reports recommends customers buy the Nissan Kicks instead of the Toyota C-HR and the Kia Soul, and here’s why.
How the Kia Soul and the Toyota C-HR rates
2022 Kia Soul | Kia
According to Consumer Reports, the Soul and C-HR didn’t receive very high marks. The Soul only had an overall score of 51 out of 100, and this was primarily because of its predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction ratings. In those two categories, the Kia received a 2 out of 5 and a 3 out of 5, respectively. On the other hand, its road test score was a pretty good 76 out of 100.
The C-HR received a slightly better overall score than the Soul did, as the Toyota got an overall 58 out of 100. However, its predicted owner satisfaction score was a mere 1 out of 5 and predicted reliability rating was 3 out of 5. Its road test score was OK at 64 out of 100. These scores show the C-HR may not perform as well on the road as the Soul, but it will probably be more reliable.
The Nissan Kicks received better scores overall
According to Consumer Reports, the Kicks received an overall score of 61 out of 100. Like the Toyota, the Kicks’ road-test score was 64 out of 100, with a predicted reliability score of 3 out of 5, just like Toyota’s. Rounding it all off, the Kicks’ predicted owner satisfaction score was 2 out of 5, which is better than the C-HR, but worse than the Soul.
In addition to having a better overall score, the Kicks also has more value to justify the price tag. The Kicks starts at about $20,000, and this is roughly the same as the Soul’s starting price of about $19,000. Meanwhile, the C-HR starts at $24,000 and doesn’t necessarily bring much extra value for its $4,000 in additional costs.
Why Consumer Reports ultimately recommends the Nissan Kicks
Overall, the Kicks was the better subcompact SUV for a few reasons. In terms of power, all three cars are somewhat lackluster, as they all have small and weak engines that don’t allow the car to go very fast. The most powerful of the three is the Soul, and it comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, getting 147 hp. With that engine, it takes the Soul about 8.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.
The Kicks’ engine is also small and weak, but it’s a more comfortable car than the Soul is. Consumer Reports gave the Kicks 3 out of 5 and 4 out of 5 for multiple areas regarding Nissan’s comfort and convenience capabilities. In comparison, the Soul received worse scores in this category, including 2 out of 5 for the car’s ride quality and cargo capacity.
The C-HR received similar comfort and convenience scores compared to the Kicks. The Toyota’s engine was slower and less fuel-efficient than the Kicks overall fuel economy of 32 mpg, while the C-HR’s is 29 mpg. This shows that the Kicks provide a balance of power and comfort capabilities.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Recommends This Stylish Subcompact SUV Over the Kia Soul and Toyota C-HR