2026 Kia Soul

Truly affordable cars are rarer than ever, but the Kia Soul both fits the bill and doesn't skimp on features. The Soul is Kia's most affordable crossover as it's positioned below the Seltos and Niro in terms of price and size. This funky hatch/SUV crossover is roomier than it looks thanks to its distinctive boxy shape and is pretty fuel-efficient. It doesn't offer all-wheel drive and doesn't have a traditional SUV look, but it's worth checking out if you're looking for a small car with a lot of room. With the possible exception of a new styling package, we don't expect many changes for 2026.

Edmunds spotlight: The tiny king of value and size

The Kia Soul is shorter in length than the Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos, but it offers a similar amount of front and rear passenger space and cargo room. That's the beauty of its boxy design. Fuel efficiency is also similar to these rivals, but thanks to the Soul's larger gas tank, it can drive a little farther than those other crossovers. The Soul's low price tag might make you think it's lightly equipped, but even the base LX trim comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a digital instrument panel and a few advanced driver aids. Upper trims come with luxury features that include a sunroof and a premium audio system.

Competitors to consider

Although we like the Soul, there are plenty of solid subcompact crossovers worth checking out. The Chevrolet Trax is similar in price, size and value, but like the Soul, it doesn't offer all-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive, consider the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona. Both have a lot to offer but are a little more expensive. For more style and power, check out the Mazda CX-30. It's down on cargo space and is pricier still, but it boasts a premium interior, sporty handling and standard all-wheel drive.

If you're on a tight budget, the Kia Soul is definitely worth a look as long as you don't need all-wheel drive. Its combination of value and utility in such a small footprint is almost unmatched.