2023 Kia Soul vs 2023 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Kia Soul is a more established model than the Venue. With its classic form, the Soul made a splash at entry and has never stopped impressing critics, buyers and owners.

These two models offer similar basic features, but the new Kia Soul is offering more trim levels and packages. Here’s what you should know before you invest in a new ride.

1. What’s New for 2023?

   Kia has updated the Soul in many ways. The familiar exterior has been refreshed for the model year. Likewise, the interior has been updated to keep up with contemporary style. There’s more technology to help drivers stay out of harm’s way.

   For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai Venue is much the same as the 2022 model. However, it did gain some new standards. These include basics like the front console armrest and newer technologies such as the rear occupant alert.

2. What’s the Curb Appeal?

   The Soul is very distinctive. Its new grille is black and silver against a more attractive fascia bordered by clever new daytime lights. There are gloss black A-pillar accents and black side sills for more contrast.

   Of course, the tall, boxy shape made it classic from its earliest days on the market. Not just for looks, that Soul shape ensures more headroom on both rows.

   While the Venue doesn’t have the Soul’s looks, it does have plenty of sporty colors like Green Apple and Scarlet Red. Grilles are black or chrome, depending on the model.

3. What’s the Size?

   If size is your only consideration, you are going to lean toward the 2023 Kia Soul. This small SUV has about four more inches of rear legroom and about an inch more second row headroom than its rival.

   The two have a 18.7-cu ft cargo space. When the seats are folded, the Soul has more total cargo space.

   

   The Venue’s smaller size gives it a tighter turning circle. Both subcompacts have an SUV-worthy ground clearance of 6.7 which is a good height for entries and exits.

4. What’s the Powertrain Like?

   More power is always more fun. In this case, the 2023 Kia Soul engine generates 147 horsepower, exceeding the Venue’s more modest 122 horsepower. The torque rate also favors the Soul. Plus, Kia has standard powertrain drive modes to make it easier to go for Eco or Sport driving.

   Fuel efficiency is somewhat the same for these two models. The Venue has a slight advantage since it is a bit smaller and weighs a bit less. Both small SUVs have fuel-saving front wheel drive.

   

   Idle stop-and-go cuts the engine off at redlights and other long waits. This makes city fuel economy much better, and it reduces emissions.

   Both subcompact SUVs earn 33 mpg on the highway. However, the very best gas mileage is earned by the Soul EX trim with 35 mpg on the highway.

5. What about price and packaging?

   The Venue price scheme starts at $19,650 for the LX, rises to $21,400 (SEL) and then $22,900 (Limited trims). Soul prices start at $19,890 MSRP. The Soul S, a major favorite, has a starting price of $22,390 MSRP. The super sporty GT Line slots in between the S and the EX, which starts at $24,190.

   Shoppers will find similar standard features in the Soul LX and Venue SE. This includes a long list of safety driver aids: lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and forward collision avoidance with autobrake.

   Interiors look different from each other, but the amenities are similar. The Soul LX has some extras like a fully digital meter cluster, power-defrost side mirrors, and soft-touch door trim. It also has a bigger cabin and a more powerful engine.

6. Why should shoppers compare the Soul S and Venue Limited?

   With the Soul S and Venue Limited, the package becomes richer. These add a wireless charger, a smart key, and more driver aids. This includes avoidance assists with blind spot collision warning, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic assist.

   Despite costing less than the Venue Limited, the Soul S adds more. This includes a larger touchscreen and a dual zone automatic temperature system.

   Both trims have a 10-way power driver’s seat. Rear seats gain a center armrest and the ability to split-fold for cargo purposes.

7. What are the Special Trims?

   Venue trims stop with the Limited, but Soul trims keep going beyond the well-equipped S. First, the Soul GT Line adds sporty fun like a D-shaped steering wheel. A special black and interior can be matched to a Surf Blue body color with a black roof. Next the Soul EX pulls ahead with the most premium interior materials.

   The GT Line Tech edition is the most fun of all. This Soul trim takes care of the driver with semi-autonomous Highway Drive Assist. The forward collision avoidance assist adds junction turning. Smart Cruise Control comes aboard with its navigation-based enhancements.

8. What's Dash Tech Like?

   An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on both the 2023 Soul and the 2023 Venue. Both systems include important standard features such as HD Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

   The Soul S and higher trims have a navigation-enabled 10.25-inch touchscreen with dual USB ports. Venue Limited models add navigation to the 8-inch touchscreen.

   With the Harman Kardon Premium Audio system, Kia Soul shoppers can add premium audio with speaker lights on the doors. It’s fun to have the multi-color LED lights pulse in time to the music.

9. Awards and Warranties

   The 2023 Kia Soul has been named an Editors’ Choice at prestigious Car and Driver magazine. They call it a “serious threat” in its class.

   Both the Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue have been named Top Safety Picks by the Institute for Highway Safety. Plus Kia and Hyundai offer the longest possible warranties on vehicles today.

   Covered by a five-year limited warranty with roadside assistance and a ten-year powertrain warranty, there’s definitely a promise of low ownership costs. You won’t find warranties like these on the Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30 or other subcompact SUV rivals.

Conclusion

As any auto critic will tell you, the best research is to get behind the wheel and take a drive. We definitely recommend a closer look at what the 2023 Kia Soul has to offer.

So stop by your Earnhardt Kia dealership to try out the 2023 Kia Soul. Our No Bull pricing, excellent customer service, and helpful financing options are sure to sweeten any deal.