The 2020 Kia Soul versus the 2020 Mini Clubman: Two square SUV hatchback alternatives square off. One is practical with a side of sportiness, one is sporty with some practicality.
2020 Kia Soul
- Starting price: $18,610
- Above average: Roomy; unique looking; fun to drive
- Below average: All-wheel drive isn’t an option, even in the “off-road inspired” Soul X-Line
- Consensus: Cool looks and loads of practicality make the 2020 Kia Soul a legitimate subcompact SUV alternative.
2020 Mini Clubman
- Starting price: $31,750
- Above average: Mini sportiness; long wheelbase makes for a smooth ride; powered swing-out doors help with loading and unloading cargo
- Below average: Base price is higher than even some midsize SUVs; so-so rear-seat comfort; price increases quickly when you add options
- Consensus: The 2020 Mini Clubman gives priority to Mini style and sensibility over practicality and value, but this 4-door hatch is loaded with retro charm.
Soul vs. Clubman: Small 4-door SUV alternatives
Kia Soul
All-new for 2020, the Kia Soul is a great blend of cool attitude and impressive practicality, now with new styling and more features. The hatchback layout creates a huge SUV-like cargo space. The 2020 Kia Soul has a longer wheelbase and stiffer chassis than the previous generation, improving ride quality and reducing noise.
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The LX model starts at a reasonable $18,610, and the Soul lineup now includes a rugged-looking X-Line model. The base engine performs admirably, thanks to the well-tuned continuously variable automatic transmission. But if you want something sportier – with more power than the Clubman — consider the 201-hp GT-Line Turbo, with a sport-tuned suspension. It’ll still cost thousands less than the Mini. The Kia Soul has a range of standard features, including Apple AAPL, -0.95% CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 7-inch touch screen, and a fantastic 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Mini Clubman
The Mini Clubman
MINI USA
If you want the handling response and sporty fun of a Mini Cooper but need extra space for people and gear, there’s the 2020 Mini Clubman. For 2020, the Clubman received a refresh, with updated styling and powertrain changes. The base 3-cylinder engine and the 6-speed manual transmission were dropped, meaning that the new base engine is a 189-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) – or an 8-speed DCT if you opt for all-wheel drive. This also means that the base model is now the Clubman S, and the base price is significantly higher than it was last year. However, the interior is fairly roomy and the Clubman boasts powered swing-out rear doors.
Also see: How to choose trim levels and options when buying a new car
If you are looking for a quick, zippy, stylish way to transport people and some gear but don’t want an SUV, this Mini is an option.
Similarities
Roomy 4-door hatchbacks with distinctive style.
Kia Soul advantages
Advanced safety and driver-assist features for less money; excellent value; smart tech and safety features.
Mini Clubman advantages
Available all-wheel drive; Mini handling and style; more powerful base engine; fiery John Cooper Works model; rear barn-style doors
Final recommendation
The Kia Soul and Mini Clubman are both adept at carrying people and cargo. The Soul gives priority to practicality and the Mini is stylish and sporty above all else. The Mini has a significantly higher base price, but with that extra cost comes more power. However, step up to a Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo, and you benefit from more power than the Clubman S, better fuel economy in the city, more safety and tech features, and more than $3,000 in your pocket. We recommend the Kia Soul. It gives you the choice of going frugal or sporty, but whatever you choose, you will get a hatch that offers tremendous value.
More: The 15 best compact SUVs—and they’re priced right, too
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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