Nissan Kicks vs Kia Soul vs Chevrolet Trax
Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.
Choose your shortlist
The verdict
Photo finish
The 2026 Kia Soul edges ahead by just 6.7 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.
2026 Kia Soul
62.5
2026 Chevrolet Trax
55.8
2026 Nissan Kicks
55.6
How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.
The Scoreboard
No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.
2026 Kia Soul
$21,965 incl. destination — $830 less than the runner-up
2026 Kia Soul
147 hp
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Kia Soul and the 2026 Kia Soul. Start with the 2026 Kia Soul at $21,965 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Nissan · Compact SUV
2026 Nissan Kicks
“High-value pricing makes new car ownership accessible”
See the full reviewTrim-Level Comparison
Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.
Trim Price (incl. dest.)
- Kicks$25,070
- Soul$24,365
- Trax$24,295
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- Kicks$496/mo
- Soul$482/mo
- Trax$481/mo
vs. Base Trim
- Kicks+$1,850
- Soul+$2,400
- Trax+$1,500
| Kicks SV | Soul S | Trax 1RS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $25,070 | $24,365 | $24,295 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $496/mo | $482/mo | $481/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$1,850 | +$2,400 | +$1,500 |
9 of 9 features shown
KicksSoulTrax
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Included Not included Not included
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Included Not included Not included
8-inch Touchscreen
Not included Included Not included
10.25-inch Touchscreen with Navigation
Not included Included Not included
Smart Key with Push Button Start
Not included Included Not included
8-inch diagonal touchscreen
Not included Not included Included
Chevy Safety Assist
Not included Not included Included
18-inch machined two-tone wheels
Not included Not included Included
RS-specific badging and grille
Not included Not included Included
| 12.3-inch Touchscreen | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 8-inch Touchscreen | Not included | Included | Not included |
| 10.25-inch Touchscreen with Navigation | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Smart Key with Push Button Start | Not included | Included | Not included |
| 8-inch diagonal touchscreen | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Chevy Safety Assist | Not included | Not included | Included |
| 18-inch machined two-tone wheels | Not included | Not included | Included |
| RS-specific badging and grille | Not included | Not included | Included |
Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.
Full Spec Sheet
Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.
Pricing & Financing
Base MSRP
- Kicks$21,830
- Soul$20,590
- Trax$21,700
Est. dealer invoice
- Kicks$20,084
- Soul$18,943
- Trax$20,181
Destination fee
- Kicks$1,390
- Soul$1,375
- Trax$1,095
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- Kicks$23,220
- Soul$21,965
- Trax$22,795
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- Kicks$460/mo
- Soul$435/mo
- Trax$451/mo
Trims offered
- Kicks3 (from $21,830)
- Soul3 (from $20,590)
- Trax5 (from $21,700)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- Kicks2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Soul2.0L 4-Cyl
- Trax1.2L Turbo I3
Horsepower
- Kicks141 hp
- Soul147 hp
- Trax137 hp
Fuel economy
- Kicks28/35 city/hwy
- Soul27/33 city/hwy
- Trax28/32 city/hwy
Seating
- Kicks5 seats
- Soul5 seats
- Trax5 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- KicksCompact SUV
- SoulCompact SUV
- TraxCompact SUV
Assembly location
- KicksAguascalientes, Mexico
- SoulGwangju, South Korea
- TraxChangwon, South Korea
Safety awards & ratings
- KicksIIHS Top Safety Pick (2026)
- SoulNHTSA 4-Star Overall Safety Rating (rating year unverified)
- TraxIIHS Top Safety Pick (2026)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- KicksSV
- SoulS
- TraxLT
Trim to skip
- KicksS
- SoulEX
- TraxLS
Key rivals
- KicksKia Soul, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trax
- SoulNissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Venue
- TraxHonda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos
| |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Financing | |||
| Base MSRP | $21,830 | $20,590 | $21,700 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $20,084 | $18,943 | $20,181 |
| Destination fee | $1,390 | $1,375 | $1,095 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $23,220 | $21,965 | $22,795 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $460/mo | $435/mo | $451/mo |
| Trims offered | 3 (from $21,830) | 3 (from $20,590) | 5 (from $21,700) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 2.0L 4-Cyl | 1.2L Turbo I3 |
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 147 hp | 137 hp |
| Fuel economy | 28/35 city/hwy | 27/33 city/hwy | 28/32 city/hwy |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | Compact SUV | Compact SUV | Compact SUV |
| Assembly location | Aguascalientes, Mexico | Gwangju, South Korea | Changwon, South Korea |
| Safety awards & ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick (2026) | NHTSA 4-Star Overall Safety Rating (rating year unverified) | IIHS Top Safety Pick (2026) |
| Honest Verdict | |||
| Recommended trim | SV | S | LT |
| Trim to skip | S | EX | LS |
| Key rivals | Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trax | Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Venue | Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos |
Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.
Nissan Kicks
Compact SUV
Pros
- High-value pricing makes new car ownership accessible
- Sophisticated, mature exterior design
- Excellent fuel economy for a non-hybrid crossover
Cons
- Modest acceleration and engine noise
- Interior materials feel budget-conscious in lower trims
Kia Soul
Compact SUV
Pros
- Unbeatable interior space-to-footprint ratio
- High level of standard safety tech on S and EX trims
- Bold and recognizable design that stands out
Cons
- Strictly front-wheel drive
- Engine can sound unrefined under heavy load
Chevrolet Trax
Compact SUV
Pros
- Sharp, Blazer-inspired styling
- Exceptional value for the modern tech provided
- Spacious interior with segment-leading rear legroom
Cons
- No all-wheel-drive availability
- Modest overall power output
How They Drive
Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.
Nissan Kicks
Performance
- New 2.0L engine provides more confidence for highway merging
- CVT is well-tuned for smooth, linear power delivery in city traffic
- Engine can get loud under heavy acceleration
- 141 horsepower is adequate but never feels fast
Handling
- Extremely tight turning radius makes urban navigation effortless
- Lightweight steering reduces driver fatigue during city commutes
- Lack of steering feedback won't satisfy enthusiastic drivers
- Noticeable body roll when taking corners at higher speeds
Comfort
- Zero Gravity seats are the best in the segment for long-distance support
- Suspension is tuned to soak up minor road imperfections effectively
- Rear legroom is tight for taller adult passengers
- Increased wind noise is audible at highway speeds
Kia Soul
Performance
- Responsive and linear acceleration for city driving
- CVT mimics traditional shifts effectively
- Simple, reliable powertrain design
- Lacks highway passing power
- No all-wheel drive option available
Handling
- Exceptional turning radius for urban maneuvering
- Excellent outward visibility from the driver's seat
- Light and effortless steering feel
- Susceptible to highway crosswinds due to boxy shape
- Noticeable body roll during spirited cornering
Comfort
- Best-in-class headroom for all passengers
- High seating position makes entry and exit very easy
- Comfortable front seats for short to medium trips
- Ride can feel busy or firm over broken pavement
- Interior can get noisy at high highway speeds
Chevrolet Trax
Performance
- Punchy low-end torque for urban driving
- Traditional 6-speed automatic feels more natural than a CVT
- Limited 137 hp can feel strained during high-speed highway passing
- Engine noise is noticeable under heavy acceleration
Handling
- Agile and easy to maneuver in tight city spaces
- Stable and composed highway ride for a small vehicle
- Front-wheel drive only with no AWD option for harsh winters
- Light steering lacks feedback for enthusiast drivers
Comfort
- Surprising rear-seat legroom for adult passengers
- Active Noise Cancellation effectively limits road noise
- Firm seat cushions on lower trims can lead to fatigue on long trips
- Limited lumbar support in the base seats
Straight Answers
The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.
Have me read your Nissan Kicks vs Kia Soul vs Chevrolet Trax before you sign it
I sell cars inside a dealership. I know where the money hides. Send me your buyer's order before you sign and I'll tell you every charge that moves, what to delete, and the words to say — and I'll check whether your financing is a cost-plus sale or a money loan.
No dealer pays me
Not a referral fee, not a lead fee, not ever. Only you.
I coach, I don't broker
I never call your dealership. You do all the talking.
Straight to my phone
Your text reaches me directly. No call center.
Carummah is run by Anas Aldasouqi, a retired Honda sales specialist in Okemos, Michigan. Deal Check is paid for by you and by nobody else — no dealership, lender or manufacturer pays Carummah anything. He no longer works at a dealership, so he has no store to protect. Asking a question by text is always free. Prefer AI-matched picks first? Take the 60-second quiz.
Not sure what belongs on your shortlist? Browse every model or take the 30-second quiz