2022 Kia Soul vs. 2022 Chevrolet Trax Comparison

The 2022 Kia Soul is a funky hatchback with an excellent powertrain warranty, while the 2022 Chevrolet Trax offers all-wheel drive in a dated package. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Kia Soul

2022 Kia Soul Starting Price: $20,365 | Price yours or View listings near you.

Above Average: Funky aesthetic; great infotainment system; huge interior for its size; attractive pricing; available turbo engine; great powertrain warranty.

Below Average: No all-wheel drive option; Rugged-looking X-Line offers no off-road upgrades.

Consensus: The 2022 Kia Soul is the brand’s bridge vehicle between subcompact SUVs and hatchbacks. Its boxy charm grows on most buyers for a variety of reasons, including its roominess and excellent value.

2022 Chevrolet Trax

2022 Chevrolet Trax Starting Price: $24,395 |Price Yours or View listings near you.

Above Average: Good power from 1.4-liter turbo engine; available AWD; user-friendly infotainment.

Below Average: Active safety features are few and far between; cheap cabin materials.

Consensus: When brought to market years ago, the Chevrolet Trax was a welcomed addition. Today, despite some upgrades, it’s showing its age. It is even forced to compete with its Chevy Trailblazer sibling.

Soul vs. Trax: Urban Runabouts

Offered in front-wheel drive only, the new 2022 Kia Soul features easy maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and, most importantly, plenty of value. Power comes from a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

For those desiring more power, there’s the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo employs a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that delivers quick shifts.

The Soul is easy to get in and out of and offers a good seating position. When underway, it delivers excellent ride quality. That’s not to say the engine won’t drone on from time to time, but interior road noise is controlled for the most part.

All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Active-safety features such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist are available on all models except the base LX.

The Chevrolet Trax has received some upgrades for 2022. Power continues from a single source: In this case, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine that now produces 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, a 20-percent gain.

Front-wheel drive is standard, although all-wheel drive is also available ($620). The Chevy’s 6-speed automatic transmission is not the most efficient gearbox on the road. Still, it ends up better than some of the continuously variable transmissions found on some of its competitors.

The Trax features a standard Rear Vision Camera, and Chevy’s Driver Confidence Package is available on the LT trim level. It includes side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist.

The fold-flat passenger front seat that expanded Trax’s cargo-carrying ability has been discontinued for 2022. On the plus side, if you find yourself regularly looking for a parking spot around town, the Trax could just be the ticket.

Tidy exterior dimensions; 4-cylinder power.

Optional turbo engine; fuel economy; more passenger and cargo space; lower price; long warranty.

More base power; available AWD.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2022 Kia Soul offers funky looks and spunky performance, especially with the optional 1.6-liter turbo. In addition to good ride and handling, it comes with a long warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trax receives engine upgrades but is still in need of a makeover. Its big selling point is available all-wheel drive.

Ready to buy a 2022 Kia Soul or 2021 Chevrolet Trax? Shop now for one on sale near you.