Monday, May 25, 2009

VIDEO: Kia Soul vs. Nissan Cube



KBB.com has done a head-to-head video comparison of the Kia Soul and the Nissan Cube. They pretty much come to the consensus that the Soul is more rewarding to drive, and perhaps the Cube has a bit more flexible interior. However, it's a "to each his own" with regards to just about everything else.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I get the feeling that people think overall that the cube is "aight, but nothing spectacular" KBB, MT, CNET and on and on....oh well....

Andy Lilienthal said...

I really want to drive one. If it was as good as my original xB, I'd be happy with one. However, to be honest, I was hoping for a bit better mileage from both vehicles.

Cube = 24/29 (manual); 28/30 CVT
Soul = 26/31 (1.6, manual); 24/30 (2.0 auto or manual)

D2M said...

Why do the smaller cars, with the exception of the Yaris, not have higher MPG? Is it because of the extra stuff they gotta put in the cars to get 'em to the US or what?

Andy Lilienthal said...

Good question, D2M.

I think it has to do with companies installing larger engines for the U.S. market. I think most Americans still prefer having power over economy. A lot of the subcompacts in the States don't get the little engine options they do in Japan an Europe.

It wasn't too long ago that subcompacts had 70 or less hp in the States. Yes, they were slow, but they got Prius-like mileage.

Unknown said...

Don't forget the safety systems making them heavier to compesate. Just think though, you have a big hummer barreling at you, you a) want the safeties and b)bigger engine to get out of the way. I think it's also a byproduct of more people not living in crowded cities, more people are traveling in and don't need the smaller cars required.

Andy Lilienthal said...

I'm totally with you on the safety aspect. However, I don't think people really need to have the power to get out of the way of a Hummer or another oncoming vehicle. I think people want the power. (I'm not saying I'm not one of them, either.) However, I can tell you this: Going from a 200hp car (Honda Prelude) to a 108 hp car (scion xB), I certainly didn't feel any less safe due to the engine size.

You drive differently in a car with less power, too. My '79 Civic 1200, for example. It had a two-speed automatic trans and a 1.2-liter engine. It was dreadfully slow. If you had to pass, which was a rarity, you HAD to make sure there was plenty of time and space. Now does that make it less safe than a vehicle with more power? I suppose it could. Like I said though, you have to drive it differently.

And I think you're spot on: The U.S. is big. We've got big spaces. We've still got cheap gas. You can have larger cars.

Unknown said...

trust me i know, first car was the daewoo....uh....pontiac lemans 1.6 liter 76 hp, at least it had overdrive, was the only car i ever had an accident in, too much weight, not enough brakes (safety). but i could burn past a mug in 20 sec....flat.

Andy Lilienthal said...

LOL; that's right. I forgot you had a LeMans.