All the Best Kia Compact SUVs
Whether you value practicality or fuel efficiency, Kia has a small SUV that is right for you. Learn about the Sportage, Soul, and other compact Kia SUVs here!
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- 2022 Kia compact and subcompact SUV models
- Other small Kia models
- What is Kia’s smallest SUV?
- What is Kia’s cheapest SUV?
- How to save on Kia insurance
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Kia offers a wide range of small SUVs that provide varying levels of practicality, efficiency, and passenger space—they really do have something for everyone!
In this article, we’ll look at the entire lineup of Kia compact SUVs and small crossovers that you can buy today. In addition, we’ll even toss some tips to help you save on
Kia insurance costs
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Find insurance savings2022 Kia compact and subcompact SUV models
Without further ado, let’s find the right Kia compact SUV for you (hey, that rhymes)! Here’s Kia’s 2022 lineup of small SUVs.
2022 Kia Sportage ($25,305 MSRP)
According to 2021 sales data, the
Kia Sportage
was the automaker’s best-selling SUV—and rightfully so! Its body is aerodynamic and stylish. Its rims have an edgy look that matches the vehicle’s nameplate. And the ride is as smooth as can be, even over uneven surfaces.Unfortunately, the base LX trim has a pretty unimpressive engine (181 hp 2.4L Inline-4) and poor fuel efficiency (23/30 city/hwy). But luckily, you have options as long as you’re willing to open your wallet.
For about an $8,000 upcharge, you can get behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage SX Turbo, which hosts a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 that produces upwards of 240 hp. And if fuel efficiency is more of a priority, the Sportage also comes as a hybrid (44 mpg, +$2,000) or PHEV (84 MPGe, +$13,000).
Highlights include:
- Standard Kia DriveWise safety suite
- Reliable vehicle with great warranty
- Eight-inch touchscreen and six speakers
- Sleek and aerodynamic exterior
- Hybrid and PHEV options
- Edgy-looking rims
Weaknesses include:
- Uncompetitive fuel efficiency (22/26 city/hwy)
- 240 hp 2.0L turbo engine only available in SX Turbo trim
2022 Kia Niro ($25,985 MSRP)
The
Niro
is the green energy darling of Kia’s small SUV lineup. It is only available in hybrid, PHEV, or EV configurations—see the mpg metrics in the highlights below.While the fuel efficiency of the Niro lineup is impressive, the performance does leave more to be desired. The acceleration is slow, and the transition from gas to electric could be smoother. However, these tradeoffs seem manageable considering the affordable sticker price and all the savings you get at the gas pump.
Highlights include:
- Efficiency options: hybrid (50 mpg), PHEV (26 miles all-electric, 105 MPGe, 46 mpg), EV (253 miles all-electric)
- Modern exterior styling
- Smooth ride
- Decent cabin space
Weaknesses include:
- Four-star overall safety rating (NHTSA)
- Premium trims can get a little pricey
- Clunky transition from gas to electric
2022 Kia Soul ($20,585 MSRP)
You know it. You love it (or hate it). That’s right, it’s the
Kia Soul
. This compact box-mobile has been adored (or despised) by drivers since 2009. Whether you like the body design or not, it’s hard to argue how much cabin space (102.2 cubic feet) it creates in such a small vehicle. The 2022 release also brings plenty of customization options to make your Kia Soul all your own!
Highlights include:
- Iconic cubelike design
- Spacious cabin area
- Six trim levels offering varying levels of useful technology
- Performance optionality (two engines and three transmissions)
Weaknesses include:
- Iconic cubelike design
- Not as efficient as other Kia SUVs
- Driver-assistance suite is an add-on package
2022 Kia Seltos ($23,885 MSRP)
The Kia Soul is technically smaller than the
Kia Seltos
, but the Seltos is the smallest SUV in Kia’s lineup using a traditional body style. Although, we say “traditional” a little tongue in cheek because the interior and exterior design of the Seltos is eye-catching! And style isn’t the only thing great about the Seltos! Check out the highlights below to see why the 2022 model earned a Carbuzz score of 9.4/10.
Highlights include:
- Roomy cabin for a subcompact SUV
- AWD available on all trim levels
- Standard driver-assistance features (forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, lane following assist, high beam assist, and a driver attention system)
- Sleek exterior and interior styling
Weaknesses include:
- Engine leaves more to be desired
- Seven-speed automatic transmission is occasionally clunky
- Could be more graceful on bumpy surfaces
MORE:
Car loans for Kia 2022
2022 Kia Rio 5-door ($18,485 MSRP)
The
Kia Rio
can come in a hatchback configuration, so we think it deserves the invite to the compact SUV party. It has much more space than its base sedan counterpart, offering 17.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 32.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Highlights include:
- Affordable sticker price
- Surprising driving dynamics
- Double the total cargo space of the sedan configuration
- Wireless smartphone-mirroring features
- 33/41/36 mpg city/highway/combined
Weaknesses include:
- Basic and neutral styling
- 120-hp 1.6-liter inline-four engine offers lackluster acceleration
- FWD-only
- Hatchback seats don’t fold flat
Other small Kia models
Need a little more space? Kia has some midsize SUVs for you. Need slightly less space? You can also opt for one of Kia’s compact sedans.
- Kia Telluride($34,725 MSRP): The 2022 release of the Telluride earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 10-best list!
- Kia Rio($17,545 MSRP): At a starting MSRP of under $17,000, the Rio is Kia’s most affordable sedan and vehicle overall.
- Kia Forte($20,185 MSRP): Believe it or not, this compact sedan was Kia’s best-selling vehicle in 2021, selling over 115,000 units.
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What is Kia’s smallest SUV?
So which small Kia SUV deserves the compact crown? Check out these size specifications to find out:
- Kia Seltos wheelbase: 103.5inches
- Kia Niro wheelbase: 106.3inches
- Kia Seltos passenger volume: 99.6 cubic feet
- Kia Niro passenger volume: 100.9 cubic feet
The Kia Soul is kind of an anomaly: it has a smaller wheelbase (102.4 inches) than these two models but has more passenger volume (102.2 cubic feet). But this adds up based on its cubelike design.
What is Kia’s cheapest SUV?
Kia’s most affordable SUV is the Kia Soul at $20,585, but the cheapest traditionally-styled SUV is the Kia Seltos at $23,885.
MORE:Are Kias expensive to maintain?
How to save on Kia insurance
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