Kia Soul vs Jeep Renegade

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The 2021 Kia Soul and the 2021 Jeep Renegade are two of the most unique, eye-catching automobiles on the roads of Novi, Livonia, and Southfield, MI. While these two models look fairly similar on the outside, they couldn't be more different regarding features and capabilities.

In this comparison by our team at Feldman Kia, you'll see which model comes out on top when it comes to performance, interior, and technology. Read ahead to learn more!

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KIA SOUL VS JEEP RENEGADE: OVERVIEW

KIA SOUL VS JEEP RENEGADE: PERFORMANCE

Both the 2021 Kia Soul and the 2021 Jeep Renegade offer two engines to choose from. However, that's where their similarities in performance end. The Kia Soul is standardly equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 28 city/33 highway MPG when paired with the right transmission.¹ With its available 1.6L turbocharged engine, you'll enjoy a whopping 201 horsepower.

No matter which engine you choose to equip the Renegade with, you won't get this much power nor efficiency—this model maxes out at 180 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 24 city/32 highway MPG.

The difference found related to fuel efficiency can be largely attributed to the transmissions available in these two rides. The Renegade only offers a traditional automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Soul offers an Intelligent Variable Transmission. This transmission is also automatic in nature, but it does not use set gear ratios, continuously searching for optimized ratios instead. This type of transmission promotes optimized performance and efficiency.

KIA SOUL VS JEEP RENEGADE: INTERIOR SPECS

Inside both the 2021 Kia Soul and the 2021 Jeep Renegade, you'll find five seats. The Kia Soul offers more than enough room for all five passengers with 41.1 inches of front legroom and 38.8 inches of rear legroom to ensure that everyone on board is comfortable no matter how long you're on the go.

The Renegade, on the other hand, prioritizes just the front passengers with only 35.1 inches of legroom to offer the rear-seat passengers. Additionally, the Renegade offers just 50.8 total cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than 10 feet less than the Kia Soul offers.

You’ll find similar, yet not quite as drastic differences between these two rides when it comes to front and rear hip room. The Soul offers 53.5 inches of hip room in the front and 52.8 inches in the rear. Meanwhile, the Renegade offers just 53.1 inches of front hip room and 51.9 inches of rear hip room. These differences, while slight, will weigh on the level of comfort you and your passengers have on the go.

KIA SOUL VS JEEP RENEGADE: TECHNOLOGY

The 2021 Kia Soul also excels when it comes to technology. This model is outfitted with a wide variety of advanced features that will make every ride enjoyable, including an available 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system. You can also connect via Bluetooth® to this system, as well as connect with your smartphone apps via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

Unfortunately, the Jeep Renegade only offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system. So, it’ll be harder to interact with your functionalities as you make your way to your next destination.

Standardly, you’ll get a 6-speaker sound system in both the Soul and Renegade. Though, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your sound experience in the Kia vehicle. Adding the Harman Kardon® Audio System will enhance your sound with a center speaker, a subwoofer, and an external amplifier. There is no premium audio system available in the Jeep Renegade, so you won’t have the opportunity to get the same type of advanced sound quality.

KIA SOUL VS JEEP RENEGADE: Driver Assistive Features

Another important area to evaluate are the safety and driver-assistive technologies offered by the Soul and Renegade. Here, you’ll find quite a bit of similarity. For instance, both offer available Forward Collision Avoidance Systems. These will work to detect possible obstructions on the road ahead, warning you when they’re present and helping you apply the brakes to avoid them.

Additionally, both the Soul and Renegade offer available Lane-Keeping Systems. These will work to help keep you centered to your driving lane should you start to drift, for example. This will come in handy on those long highway drives, especially.

Both also offer quite a bit of technology that work to provide you with a “second set of eyes.” Further, both offer Blind Spot Warning systems, Rear Cross Path Detection, and rearview cameras. These systems will work to cover all your bases related to the areas of your automobile where you can’t see, say changing lanes on the highway or backing out of a tight parking spot.

You will find a feature available on the Soul that isn’t available on the Renegade, though. This is the Driver Attention Warning. This innovative system works to monitor your driving behavior, looking for indicators of distracted or fatigued driving. If either is detected, the system will prompt you, warning that it could be time for a break.

So, whether you’re exhausted on the ride home from work or are trying to send out an important text, this system will remind you to stay focused.

2021 KIA SOUL VS 2021 JEEP RENEGADE: THE VERDICT

While the 2021 Jeep Renegade offers a few great features, this model pales in comparison to the 2021 Kia Soul. But don't take our word for it! Get behind the wheel with us at Feldman Kia and see for yourself what the Kia Soul has to offer. Shoppers in the areas of Novi, Livonia, and Southfield, Michigan, can schedule a test drive today by giving us a call!

¹EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.