2024 Kia Soul vs 2020 Nissan Kicks vs 2022 Hyundai Kona
Reliability Side-by-Side
2024
Kia Soul
Grade A-
A quirky, reliable, and value-packed choice that keeps running without major fuss.
2020
Nissan Kicks
Grade B+
A practical and economical choice that largely avoids major headaches, but keep an eye on the CVT.
2022
Hyundai Kona
Grade B+
A fun and practical subcompact SUV that requires diligence on recall status and potential DCT behavior for long-term reliability.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2024 Kia Soul
Score 88/100 vs 87/100
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2024 Kia Soul★ | 2020 Nissan Kicks | 2022 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $400-600 | $400-600 | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $500-1,500 occasionally | $500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., suspension work, major fluid services) | $500-1,500 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 27 / 33 | 31 / 36 | 30 / 35 |
| MSRP (New) | $20,195 | $19,070 | $21,150 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2024 Kia Soul
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
60,000-100,000 mi
Infotainment System & Sensors
20,000-60,000 mi
Suspension Components
50,000-80,000 mi
2020 Nissan Kicks
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
80,000-120,000 mi
Front Suspension Components
40,000-70,000 mi
Infotainment System
15,000-45,000 mi
2022 Hyundai Kona
Fuel Delivery System (1.6T Engine)
0-20,000 mi
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners
0-10,000 mi
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) - 1.6T Engine
30,000-80,000 mi
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Editorial Take
These three subcompact crossovers are often cross-shopped by buyers seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and maneuverable vehicle for urban environments. The 2024 Kia Soul, known for its distinctive boxy styling and practicality, appeals to those prioritizing unique aesthetics and usable cargo space. The 2020 Nissan Kicks offers exceptional fuel economy and a comfortable ride, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious commuters. The 2022 Hyundai Kona stands out with a more conventional SUV look, available all-wheel drive, and a wider range of powertrain options, attracting buyers who want more performance or all-weather capability in a small package. Key decision factors among these vehicles typically revolve around design preference, powertrain options, standard features, and whether all-wheel drive is a necessity. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2024
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the 2024 Kia Soul (starting around $20,195) and the 2020 Nissan Kicks (starting around $19,070) represented excellent value, offering a solid feature set for their price points. The 2022 Hyundai Kona's starting MSRP of $21,150 for the base 2.0L FWD model was slightly higher, but its price could climb significantly to nearly $29,000 for a loaded turbocharged AWD model, reflecting its broader range of options. On the used market today, a 2020 Nissan Kicks in good condition might range from $13,000 to $18,000, depending on trim and mileage. A 2022 Hyundai Kona could range from $17,000 for a base FWD model to over $25,000 for a turbo AWD or N Line version. The 2024 Kia Soul, being new, would be purchased at or near its MSRP, though minor discounts might be available. Insurance costs for all three are generally on the lower side for the segment, with slight variations based on trim level, driver profile, and location. The Kona's higher performance turbocharged variants might incur slightly higher premiums. Maintenance costs for all three are typically low. Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan parts are widely available and service networks are extensive. Hyundai offered a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance program for the 2022 Kona, which could reduce initial ownership costs. Kia and Hyundai also offer a strong 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (for original owners), surpassing Nissan's 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. Resale value tends to be strong for all three in this popular subcompact crossover segment. The Kia Soul benefits from its unique styling and practicality, while the Hyundai Kona holds value well, especially with the desirable turbocharged engine and AWD. The Nissan Kicks maintains competitive resale due to its excellent fuel economy and reliability reputation.
Editorial Verdict
BEST FOR FAMILIES: 2024
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
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