Sporty and uniquely stylish, the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Kia Soul offer a fun combination of performance and modern comfort. What exactly is the difference between the two? And how do you choose the crossover that’s right for you? Our comparison guide takes a closer look at these small-but-sporty crossovers.
Most Vacation-Ready: 2020 Ford EcoSport
To spend hours on the road, you need the most comfortable ride possible. The EcoSport comes through with sublime seating comfort. This crossover’s cushioning gives you that just-right balance between softness and support, so you can travel long distances without feeling any pressure at all.
Inside the Kia Soul,you’ll find snug seats with supportive bolstering and quick-acting climate controls. However, the ride can be bumpy at times. This isn’t exactly unusual for this segment, but the EcoSport’s ride isn’t nearly as harsh.
Sportiest Traveler: 2020 Ford EcoSport
While the Kia Soul still can’t be ordered with all-wheel drive, the EcoSport offers this sporty performance technology at every trim level. Whether you need a little extra traction to stick the landing on wintery pavement or you look forward to heading down the trail every weekend, all-wheel drive is certain to come in handy.
Although the Soul only offers front-wheel drive, we do have to give it high marks for handling. It might look boxy on the outside, but this Kia crossover is surprisingly spritely on a curvaceous highway.
Smartest Standard Lineup: 2020 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul comes standard with all the tech features you need to get through the day. You get complete smartphone integration—meaning Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity—at no extra cost. Instead of picking up your phone, you can use this technology to access smartphone apps via voice controls and the excellent 7-inch touchscreen interface.
To get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen on the EcoSport, you must upgrade to the midgrade SE trim. However, we do like that the EcoSport comes standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is bound to come in handy, whether you need to do some work from the road or shore-up your passengers’ entertainment options.
Both the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Kia Soul have your safety in mind. With their barrage of airbags and standard traction and stability control technology, these crossovers are designed to help you make it through your daily drive fully protected. With high-tech driver aids like a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring system, the new EcoSport and Soul help you get where you’re going without any unnecessary mishaps.
The new Kia Soul isn’t a bad option. But the 2020 Ford EcoSport is a great one. Ford’s sporty crossover is ready for adventure, with available all-wheel drive and a cushy, roomy cabin. It gives you everything you want from both your daily drive and your weekend road trips.