When it comes to compact SUVs, you can get much more stylish than the Chevrolet Trax and the Kia Soul. Both of these have a look that stands out in a crowd, and they both promise a dynamic driving experience. Whether you’re looking at used cars to help save money or you’re going all in on a new vehicle, consider how the Trax and Soul stack up against each other.

Redefining Performance in a Small SUV

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax gets power from a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder gas engine that delivers 137 horsepower and gets 162 pound-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. The spunky Soul uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 horsepower. One of the big differences between these two SUVs is the Soul has a CVT instead of a traditional transmission.

More Space in the Cabin Than You Think

Let’s talk about the interior. Both the Trax and the Soul have more space than you would think in the cabin. The Soul’s square, upright design gives you plenty of headroom, and the Trax has one of the nicer interiors of all the compact SUVs. The driving position in the Trax makes it easy to see around you, and the seats have plenty of support.
If you’re comparing features in these two vehicles, they come up about equal. The Trax has cloth upholstery in the lower trims, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. The Soul also has cloth upholstery, and it offers power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats.

There’s Plenty of Infotainment Technology

Technology is a big selling point whether you’re shopping for used cars or new ones. The 2024 Trax has an 8-inch touchscreen that comes loaded with a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a four-speaker stereo. The higher trims have an 11-inch touchscreen, and these also upgrade the stereo.
If you’re considering the Soul, it also starts with an 8-inch touchscreen, but it has a wired version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can bump up to the S for a 10.25-inch touchscreen. If you have the GT-Line Tech, it has the Soul’s signature speakers with multi-colored LED accent lights that will pulse in time with the music.

Safety Is Essential

No matter which compact SUV you choose, and even if you find used cars to save money, both the Trax and the Soul have a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems. We’re talking about forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Soul rounds out this list with a rear occupant alert feature and a driver attention warning system as standard equipment. If you’re looking at the Trax, it offers the Driver Confidence Package with a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control to help make your highway driving less stressful.