Pros Refined Cheap to run Build quality
Cons Small for an SUV Expensive top trims Infotainment touchpad
It might be a bit quirky for some, but quiet EV power really suits the Lexus vibe
Pros Slick, sophisticated, well judged
Cons Suffers slightly from not being a bespoke e-platform
If you live in a city, are hankering after a posh compact SUV and fancy going electric, we can see why the Lexus UX300e would be a tempting proposition. It’s well-equipped, pleasant to drive and comes with the promise of Lexus’s excellent reliability record. However, if you have a family or frequently need to do longer journeys, there is a plethora of more spacious rivals out there, the Kia e-Niro, Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4 (or even the ID.3) and Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric being among them. All those cars offer significantly longer ranges, faster charging, better infotainment and much more interior space.
Pros Well-equipped Comfortable ride Reliability record
Cons Cramped rear seat space and boot Short range and slow charging Frustrating infotainment
The Kia Soul EV is a small electric SUV with a roomy cabin and a good amount of standard equipment but other small electric cars can travel further on a single charge.
Pros Cheap to run Funky styling Well-equipped
Cons Expensive to buy Limited electric range Alternatives have bigger boots
The 2021 Kia Soul EV leads the battery charge, fashion first.
Pros Bigger battery pack Promise of 200-mile-plus range Savvy new style Wide-screen infotainment and displays
Cons Where will you be able to buy one? Charge specs TBD
The 2020 Kia Soul's #1 ranking is based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category. It was the winner of our 2020 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award and the winner of our 2019 Best New Cars for Teens award. Currently the Kia Soul has a score of 8.5 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 18 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Large cargo capacity User-friendly tech features Comfortable, roomy seats
Cons Middling interior quality Rivals are more athletic