2021 Kia Soul vs 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2021 Kia Soul had evolved from its quirky, hamster-driven image to a more mature yet still playful compact crossover. Its boxy exterior had been softened over the years, presenting a more traditional crossover appearance with a futuristic twist. The front end featured slimmer headlights and a large open grille, while the rear showcased large upright taillights and a small rear window. Inside, the Soul offered an intuitive and comfortable cabin with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an available 10.3-inch touchscreen. The interior retained some of its playful past with funky designs on aluminum trim plates and uniquely shaped air vents.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV embraced a more futuristic and aggressive design, aligning with its electric vehicle identity. The exterior was revamped to look more dynamic, akin to a BMW i3, and was sold alongside the all-new Bolt EUV. Inside, the Bolt EV balanced futuristic elements with daily functionality, sharing design cues with other new Chevy models. The cabin was conventional yet modern, with trims like the 1LT and 2LT offering features such as heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system. The Bolt EV's interior was practical, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Kia Soul offered two powertrains: a base 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or an optional CVT. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine was available, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. While not particularly sporty, the turbocharged engine provided more power for various driving situations. The Soul's ride was quiet and refined, with decent handling and a suspension system that absorbed road imperfections. Fuel economy varied, with the base engine achieving 26/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined with a manual transmission and 28/33/30 mpg with a CVT. The turbocharged engine returned 27/32/29 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV featured a 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack powering a single electric motor, producing 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The Bolt EV's low-end acceleration was quick and responsive, with sufficient power for highway speeds. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle response, though range estimates decreased with its use. The low battery placement contributed to a low center of gravity, aiding in cornering. The Bolt EV's steering was light but responsive, with Sport mode adding weight to the feedback. The car featured regenerative braking and a "one-pedal driving" mode, allowing for deceleration without using the brakes.

The 2021 Kia Soul defied expectations with its spacious interior, thanks to a tall roof and low floor. Front passengers enjoyed 39.4 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom, while rear passengers had 39.5 inches of headroom and 38.8 inches of legroom. The Soul offered 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin featured ample small-item storage, with textured metals and fun designs adding character.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV benefited from its electric layout, offering a spacious interior without a transmission tunnel. The upright driving position and roomy cabin made it feel larger than it was. Rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited to 16.6 cubic feet behind the seats, expanding to 57 cubic feet with them folded. The interior update improved cupholder placement and added practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Kia Soul came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with additional features like HD radio and voice recognition. The Soul's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and quick response times. Additional tech features included a Harman Kardon audio system, keyless entry, and remote start.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated system adopted the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, offering energy consumption monitoring and a user-friendly interface. The placement of volume and tuning dials was less convenient, but the inclusion of physical controls was appreciated. The system's simplicity and functionality made it accessible to new EV users.

The 2021 Kia Soul earned a 2021 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" ratings for crash prevention systems. The NHTSA awarded it four stars overall. Available driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. An optional Driver Confidence Package added rear park assist and blind zone alert. A recall affected over 60,000 Bolt EVs due to a fire risk from manufacturing defects.