2020 Kia Soul EV Vs Kia Niro EV vs Hyundai Kona Electric. Same Car, Different Clothes?

At the LA Auto Show last week, Kia unveiled the next-generation Kia Soul EV. And while it is likely to be a compliance car in the U.S. (with limited sales in only certain states) it's certainly a car which should be considered alongside the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV (Kia e-Niro in some markets).

So just what are the differences between these siblings? And why would you choose one over the other? Most importantly, what does it say about electric car now and in the future? 

Watch the video above to find out more, like, comment and subscribe using the links below, and help us with a Patreon donation if you'd like to!

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Please watch: "2023 Kia Niro EV: Why You'll Want To Drive This"
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[nothandmade]

Look at ranges of ICE cars. You see the same engines and gearboxes all over the place. Using the parts bin is just good economics.

[lshrd]

I'll have the 2020 Soul EV, please. Sorry, Nissan, I was a fanboy, but you aren't keeping up.

[mikonus]

I am looking for a spacious ev that can hold 2 car seats. Would it be possible to provide a more detailed space perspective in future reviews. For me and some others, the tech details are nice but not the first level filter.

[karlbloss]

I think you're absolutely right. I find myself thinking about interior space, whether or not I want the heads-up display of the Kona, and that a roof rack and/or hitch mount for a bike rack would be useful. Assuming the powertrain and charging are nearly identical, obviously that becomes a secondary consideration. It would be good to know what kind of app and remote control features there will be. I find the LEAF and Tesla apps very useful for checking charge level and, especially in Michigan winters, the remote heater start. Please include that in a future detailed review.

[spshowcase]

I agree with you: It is great that now we are starting to have a choice when it comes to the style of the car and not just its power plant.

[jaketorralba]

I love korean vehicles, my first car was 2009 hyundai accent and now i have 2017 kia sorento. Both car are good based on my own experience and im hoping that those korean EV will become available in my country too

[markcornwall]

Just to note the 64kw Kona EV doesnt ramp down at all until 73% and then stays at 35kw rate until 85%.

[GreatCreative]

Reminiscent of GM taking one vehicle - like the old Chevy Cavalier - and wrapping it differently for Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile. Only in this case, Kia isn't building crap...and people actually want these cars. It's good to have options...although I've already ordered my preference - the e-Niro.

[ArchivePete]

While I understand why you question a car is a serious product or just a compliance car, may I point out that this only applies to America. The rest of the world just want to buy EVs with good range, style, etc. I agree with your view that we now have choice of what to buy at different price points on the market, apart from under £20K. This market is still limited to finding a good deal offered by some dealer, which some people have, for something like the Zoe. But there has been a massive change over the past 4 years in the market in terms of public awareness and desire and this has led to the manufactures re-positioning themselves rapidly (for car makers) resulting in the current (no pun intended) flock of car to arrive. I believe the future has arrived and the choice will only increase. Love the channel.

[SWTrailsAndWheels]

I just hope there will be nationwide availability of at least one of them.

[rob.halpin]

Good vid as always. Thanks! Lack of AWD option across 3 vehicles is a big omission for many markets, imho. Sort that and the drivetrain might become a secondary consideration.

[rjbiker]

I think you are spot on. Best way to get economies of scale for the drivetrain

[stevemccormack]

They are all great cars. I prefer the Soul EV. Its quirky and more fun. Hyundai/Kia have made great strides. Well done!

[drewyager]

Very nice review. Even with not much info released by the manufacturer

[ShallieDragon]

As a huge Hyundai fan, I'm happy to see that they're making a new Kona. Once this hits the markets I'll probably snag one.

[patrickmckowen]

Very interesting - same power trains! I loved our Kia Soul ICE but I am swearing off a car that does not offer plastic wheel housing guards. A small thing, but every car i have owned gets rust along one of the wheel housings! So I will only look at the at the the Niro or Kona in this group. So far I am liking the Kona more over all in design - I will need to test drive both to finalise.
Cheers

[Phrancis]

I test drove the ICE Soul and hybrid Niro and wasn't too impressed, but would be very curious about trying these new affordable EVs! Personally, the new styling of the Soul and it's boxy cargo capacity is very appealing. I wonder about the pricing and how much range the boxier Soul loses on the hwy.

[be]

I would choose between Kona or Niro (Soul is too boxy for me)... Kona has 19 miles more range, but smaller outside and inside... but I am leaning towards more range than size... Niro range is about same as Bolt EV, so it didnt break the 250-mile range threshold than Kona does.

[karlbloss]

Now that the Kona Electric and the Kia Niro/Soul have the potential to be runaway hits and worthy of road trips, are Hyundai/Kia making any plans to install DCQCs at the dealerships? Or are future owners dependent on Electrify America or Chevy dealerships?

[carolyncopeland]

Hi Nikki. I think you are spot on but you forgot a car. I think the Ioniq is going to have a revamp to bring it up to date with the Soul, Kona and Niro in 2019 too. Otherwise wont the Ioniq have a different battery pack to the rest of the brand? And if I had my preference I would go for the Ioniq, because I like the styling of a hatchback.
I dont know if anything has been confirmed officially about the Ioniq though.