If you're shopping for a compact SUV in South Carolina, chances are you've seen two popular options, the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2025 Kia Soul. Both have bold style, smart features, and great value. But how do they stack up side by side?
This blog helps you decide with a full, easy-to-read guide. If you’re in Columbia, Manning, Bishopville, or Florence, this comparison is for you.
We’ll walk through the key areas that matter: style, space, tech, safety, and more. If you’re ready to test drive the new Kicks, reach out or stop by Nissan of Sumter today.
Compact Showdown for South Carolina Streets
The 2025 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Soul is more than a battle between brands. It’s a top choice for drivers who want comfort, good gas mileage, and modern tech in a small package.
In growing cities like Columbia and Florence, space is tight and parking can be tough. That’s where a subcompact crossover faceoff like this one matters.
Why these two models? Both:
- Seat five people
- Offer smart storage space
- Come loaded with standard features
- Are priced right for first-time buyers
Let’s dive into the details of this Nissan Kia SUV comparison and help you find the right fit.
Exterior Designs Built to Stand Out in the City
Looks matter when you're in traffic or parked in town. Both of these small SUVs turn heads, but in very different ways.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks has a bold, sporty style. With sharp lines, a wide stance, and optional two-tone paint, the Kicks feels fresh and sleek.
The 2025 Kia Soul goes a different route. It’s boxy and playful. Its tall profile and unique shape appeal to those who want something different.
Design Breakdown:
| Feature | Nissan Kicks | Kia Soul |
| Body Shape | Sleek, curved lines | Tall, boxy design |
| Paint Options | Two-tone available | Bright solid colors |
| Wheel Sizes | Up to 17 inches | Up to 18 inches |
| Vibe | Sporty and modern | Fun and quirky |
Drivers in Bishopville or downtown Columbia might lean toward the Kicks for its sporty edge and easy-to-park size.
Cabin Comfort and Passenger-Friendly Interiors
The inside of a vehicle is where you spend most of your time. The Kicks and Soul each offer smart layouts, but they suit different needs.
The Kicks has a clean design with soft-touch materials and supportive seats. Its front seats are shaped to reduce fatigue during long drives.
The Soul stands out for rear seat space, thanks to its high roof. It also brings bold color choices and a unique dash.
Comfort Features:
- Kicks: Roomy front seats, leather trim on higher trims, smart layout
- Soul: More rear headroom, softer rear cushions, playful styling
If you’re commuting from Florence or doing school drop-offs in Sumter, both are solid, but the Kicks may win for front seat comfort.
Infotainment and Driver Tech that Keeps You Connected
Staying connected on the go is a must. These two SUVs do a great job of it, but they offer different perks.
Both come with:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- At least an 8-inch touchscreen
- Bluetooth and voice controls
The Kicks adds extra standard features on its base trim, while the Soul offers a larger screen on its top trim.
Tech Comparison:
| Feature | Kicks | Soul |
| Standard Screen Size | 8 inches | 8 inches |
| Optional Upgrade | 8" w/ NissanConnect | 10.25" on GT-Line |
| USB Ports | Multiple front + rear | Front and rear |
This is a tie in the kicks vs soul features showdown. Drivers in Columbia or Bishopville will enjoy staying synced wherever they go.
Driving Performance and Road Feel Comparison
Performance is more than just speed. It's how smooth the ride feels, how easy it is to steer, and how far a tank of gas takes you.
The Kicks has a 1.6-liter engine with 122 horsepower. The Soul uses a 2.0-liter engine making 147 horsepower.
Fuel and Power:
| Category | Kicks | Soul |
| Engine Size | 1.6L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 122 hp | 147 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 31 / 36 | 28 / 33 |
While the Soul gives a little more zip, the Kicks wins on gas savings. This matters for drivers who live in Florence but work in Columbia, or anywhere long drives are common.
In this Nissan Kia SUV comparison, the Kicks may be slower, but it saves more at the pump.
Built-In Safety for Peace of Mind on South Carolina Roads
Safety tech helps you stay alert and avoid trouble. It’s a major part of this subcompact crossover faceoff.
The Nissan Kicks comes with Safety Shield 360 standard on most trims. This includes:
- Lane departure warning
- Auto emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
The Kia Soul offers similar features with Kia Drive Wise, but some are limited to higher trims.
Safety Features at a Glance:
| Feature | Kicks | Soul |
| Auto Emergency Braking | Standard | Available |
| Lane Assist | Standard | Available |
| Rear Alerts | Standard | On higher trims |
For new drivers, families, or daily commuters, the Kicks delivers more safety without the need to pay more.
Practical Utility: Cargo Space and Smart Storage Solutions
Both models have room for cargo, groceries, and gear. But they do it in different ways.
Cargo Comparison:
| Feature | Kicks | Soul |
| Cargo (Seats Up) | 25.3 cu. ft. | 24.2 cu. ft. |
| Cargo (Seats Folded) | ~32–35 cu. ft. | 62 cu. ft. |
| Underfloor Storage | Yes | Yes |
The Soul offers more space when the back seats are down, thanks to its taller body. But the Kicks has a well-shaped cargo floor that makes packing easy.
Need to haul gear from Florence to a weekend trip? Either will do, but the Soul gives you a little more room, while the Kicks keeps it sleek and simple.
Trim Levels, Feature Packages, and Pricing Details
Both models come in multiple trims with a range of features. Here’s how they compare:
2025 Nissan Kicks Trims:
- S: Great price, full of safety features
- SV: Adds tech and styling
- SR: Premium touches, LED lights, better wheels
2025 Kia Soul Trims:
- LX: Basic, but solid
- S: Adds driver aids and more tech
- GT-Line: Sporty look and 10.25" screen
- EX: Premium model with more comforts
If you’re a first-time buyer in Sumter or a student commuting to Columbia, the Kicks delivers more for less at the lower trims.
What Makes a Better Fit for South Carolina Lifestyles?
Both SUVs offer great value, strong features, and stylish designs. But which fits your life?
Choose the Kicks if you:
- Drive long distances and want better gas mileage
- Prefer more safety features without paying more
- Like a sporty, city-friendly look
Choose the Soul if you:
- Need more cargo space often
- Prefer a higher seat position and extra rear headroom
- Like bold, standout design
In this 2025 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Soul match-up, each has its strengths. But for many South Carolina drivers, especially those in Columbia, Manning, or Florence, the Kicks offers just the right mix of safety, style, and savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Soul
Many car shoppers want quick answers to the most important differences between the 2025 Nissan Kicks and Kia Soul. Below are the most common questions asked by buyers comparing these two models.
How does the Nissan Kicks stack up against the Kia Soul in terms of interior comfort?
The Nissan Kicks offers more supportive front seats and a cleaner cabin layout. On the other hand, the Kia Soul provides more rear headroom and slightly softer rear cushions.
Which subcompact crossover has better technology and connectivity options?
Both offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and at least an 8-inch touchscreen. The Kicks includes more standard tech on its base trim, while the Soul features a larger optional screen on higher trims.
Are there differences in cargo space and seat-folding configurations?
Yes. The Kia Soul has more total cargo space when the rear seats are folded (up to 62 cu. ft.). In contrast, the Nissan Kicks offers 25.3 cu. ft. with seats up and a flatter load floor with hidden underfloor storage.
Does either model provide more standard safety features?
The Nissan Kicks includes more standard safety tech, like Nissan Safety Shield 360, across more trims. The Kia Soul offers similar features, but some are only available on higher trims.
Which option is more budget-friendly when factoring in trims and options?
The Nissan Kicks tends to offer more features at lower trims, making it the more budget-friendly choice for drivers looking for safety and tech without stepping up to premium models.
Explore More and Connect with Nissan of Sumter
Finding the right SUV doesn’t have to be hard. If you’re weighing the 2025 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Soul, we hope this guide helped break down the key differences in style, tech, comfort, and value. Drivers across Columbia, Manning, Bishopville, and Florence are discovering just how much the Kicks delivers for its price, and we invite you to come experience it for yourself.
Browse our wide selection of new Nissan vehicles online or stop by our dealership in Sumter. If you’re shopping for your first SUV, upgrading your ride, or wanting safety, space, and savings, our team is here to help.
Need help with financing? You can get started from home by visiting our finance application page. It's fast, secure, and designed to make the buying process easier. If you're ready to shop, head straight to our new inventory page and explore all the latest Nissan models we currently have available.
If you're exploring options, find out how Nissan compares to the competition in what matters most: tech and reliability. You can also find helpful tips on setting up Nissan’s latest connected car features for a smarter drive. And if comfort is a priority for your next road trip, be sure to check out which models come with premium seating designed for long-lasting support.
Still have questions? Contact the friendly experts at Nissan of Sumter today. We’re here to help you compare models, answer your financing questions, or schedule a test drive. Your next adventure could start with the Nissan Kicks. Let’s get you on the road.
