Both SUVs use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but the 2026 Kia Soul edges out the Kicks in horsepower, 147 to 141, for a slightly quicker 0-60 time. The Kicks counters with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and a dedicated Snow mode, an option the front-wheel-drive-only Soul doesn't offer.

Both pair their engines with a CVT, though Kia badges its version an Intelligent Variable Transmission, and neither is tuned for outright quickness so much as smooth daily driving. For shoppers who want the peace of mind of all-wheel drive, the Kicks is the only one of the two that offers it.

The Kicks recently gained a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen across its entire lineup, including the base S trim, closing what used to be a significant tech gap with the 2026 Kia Soul. Every 2026 Kicks now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, whereas the Soul's 8-inch screen supports the same integration on a smaller display.

The Soul does hold onto an edge in standard audio, with 6 speakers to the Kicks' base 4, though the Kicks counters with an available 10-speaker Bose system on SR. Nissan also added a new Cold Weather Package for 2026 with heated seats and mirrors, a feature the Soul's lineup doesn't match.

The 2026 Kia Soul boxier shape pays off directly in rear-seat legroom, offering 38.8 inches to the Kicks' 34.5, a difference that's immediately noticeable on longer trips. That same shape carries over to maximum cargo volume, where the Soul's 62.1 cubic feet edges out the Kicks' 60.

The Kicks flips the script directly behind the second row, offering 25.3 cubic feet of everyday cargo space to the Soul's 24.2, plus noticeably more front legroom at 43.7 inches versus 41.1. Ground clearance favors the Kicks too at 8.4 inches, for a bit more confidence over rough pavement.

Both subcompact SUVs come well-equipped for safety, with a full driver-assist suite standard across their entire lineups rather than reserved for pricier trims. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert all come standard on both, giving budget-conscious shoppers real peace of mind.

The Kicks pulls ahead at its top SR trim, adding an available 360-degree camera and lane-centering steering the 2026 Kia Soul doesn't offer at any price point. Nissan also makes ProPILOT Assist available on SR, another area where the Kicks' recent updates have pulled it ahead.