2024 Chevrolet Trax vs. Kia Soul

Drivers who want to find the right subcompact SUV to meet their needs must do some research before heading to car dealerships.

Find out what they need to know about the 2024 Chevrolet Trax vs. Kia Soul below.

What to Know Before Heading to the Dealership

Different things draw people to the 2024 Chevrolet Trax vs. Kia Soul. Drivers like the Soul’s quirky exterior, particularly in the available GT-Line model. Fans of the Trax tend to prioritize safety, efficiency, and helpful standard features. We’ll examine all of that and more so buyers know what to expect before they head to car dealerships.

What Powers These Subcompact SUVs?

One of the nice things about a subcompact SUV is that its small size and curb weight mean it doesn’t need a massive fuel-guzzling engine to get the job done. However, there are some critical differences between how Chevrolet and Kia meet these SUVs’ power needs.

The 2024 Kia Soul receives power from a 147 hp 2.0L 4-cyl engine paired with a CVT transmission. It provides acceptable performance for day-to-day use. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax features a 1.2L 3-cyl turbo engine good for 132 hp, but it’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT.

The Chevrolet Trax and Kia Soul get good gas mileage with EPA estimates of 30 combined mpg for each model.

The Trax’s slightly smaller engine doesn’t detract from its performance, but it does keep fuel efficiency on track with some of the most fuel-frugal subcompact SUVs. Plus, while turbocharging the engine gives an extra boost of power, in this case, it doesn’t require an upgrade to premium gasoline.

Standard Safety Features

Though the standard and available safety features on these two vehicles probably won’t be the only factor that helps buyers decide between the 2024 Chevrolet Trax and the Kia Soul, there are noteworthy differences.

The Chevy Trax comes with the automaker’s safety assist bundle of driver aids standard on every trim level. Drivers get forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more.

The Kia Soul has standard driver assist features such as forward collision warnings, automated e-braking, and lane-departure warnings with lane-keep assist. However, many of the more advanced aids, including automatic high beams, are optional.

Interior and Exterior Style

The Kia Soul prides itself on standing out from the crowd with an exterior that combines elements of SUVs with those of a high-riding hatchback. Inside, drivers will note significant differences between trim levels. They must upgrade for a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and other extras.

Chevrolet redesigned the Trax significantly for the 2024 model year, so it’s just as handsome as the Kia Soul, albeit less visually quirky. Designers made features like wireless smartphone integration standard on all models.

Head to Car Dealerships for Test Drives

There’s much to love about the 2024 Chevrolet Trax and the Kia Soul. The Chevy Trax has a slightly lower starting MSRP and fares better when it comes to fuel economy for city driving. The Kia Soul has a more unique aesthetic.

The best way to decide between these two excellent options is to write up a list of priorities before heading to car dealerships to take each of them out for a test drive. Most drivers will find that the Trax covers more of their bases, but that’s not true for everyone.