The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2021: Kia Soul
Every year, The Car Guide unveils a list of Best Buys covering all the different vehicle categories in the industry.
Seeing how popular utility vehicles are, we’ve decided to create a new category: Urban crossovers. These vehicles are a tad smaller than sub-compact SUVs and most are not available with all-wheel drive.
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In this segment, there’s no better pick for 2021 than the Kia Soul. The versatile Korean hatchback offers a wide variety of models with a choice of two powertrains. The first is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower, while the second is an electric motor that impresses with 291 pound-feet of torque and super-quick acceleration. Depending on the battery, the available range is 248 km or 383 km.
Both the gas-powered and zero-emission variants of the Kia Soul boast a spacious, practical interior with a user-friendly infotainment system on top of that.
The Mazda CX-3 got our vote for second place. With the addition of the larger CX-30, the CX-3 can be categorized as an urban crossover now, although it does offer AWD as an option. Sharp handling and a great driving experience are big selling points here, but many will find the rear seats and cargo area too tight for their needs.
As for third place, the Nissan Kicks shines with excellent value. While the engine under the hood is not particularly strong, this crossover offers a smooth ride, roomy cabin and large trunk, making it a convenient daily driver.
Don’t miss our full list of Best Buys for 2021!