The 2018 Kia Soul puts style ahead of safety features and turbo power.
Pros Looks sharp Good Uvo infotainment Turbo-4 power Versatile hatchback body Still a manual on the order sheet
Cons Engines can be noisy 6-speed automatic hunts through gears Mediocre gas mileage Top safety tech unavailable with turbo
The 2018 Kia Soul ranked #1 in Compact Cars. Currently the Kia Soul has a score of 9.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 45 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Comfortable, roomy cabin Considerable cargo space Upscale interior Energetic turbocharged engine available Outstanding warranty and predicted reliability rating
Cons Sluggish base engine Below-average gas mileage
Only a few changes were made to the Soul for 2018. The base Soul’s Convenience package now gets an upgraded UVO3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus automatic climate control. Midrange Soul Plus models now get the UVO3 system as standard.
Pros Funkiness on wheels, powerful and efficient turbo engine, comfortable cabin.
Cons Average cargo capacity, no all-wheel-drive option.
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace looks to be better aligned with the demands of American buyers than its pricey, cramped predecessor.
Pros More aligned with buyer tastes? Clean styling inside and out High-tech dashboard Lots of available safety tech
Cons Will it be underpowered? Awfully small for a three-row crossover Third row required for FWD Looks are too conservative for some
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan ranked #8 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Volkswagen Tiguan has a score of 8.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lots of user-friendly tech features Good cargo space Smooth ride Roomy first- and second-row seats
Cons Postage-stamp third row Unimpressive engine Subpar fuel economy
The Volkswagen Tiguan is fully redesigned for 2018. Compared to its predecessor, it offers more legroom, more cargo space and a standard third row.
PROS Lots of space for passengers and cargo Third-row seating can be useful in a pinch Now offers comprehensive driver safety features Revised tech interface is sharp, intuitive and quick to respond
CONS Optional larger wheels make for a bumpy ride Still ranks low in fuel economy, despite revised engine
