Kia e-Niro vs Kia Soul EV: practicality

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

The Soul may be a shorter car, but it feels just as spacious as the e-Niro up front; whether you have broad shoulders, long legs or are long in the body, you should fit just fine. 

There’s also plenty of room for six-footers in the back of both, but it's actually the Soul that has the advantage, offering quite a bit more head room and marginally more knee room. Meanwhile, three adults sitting side by side in either car will experience a bit of shoulder chafing, but there's plenty of foot space for all.

Luggage space is also a close-run thing, although it doesn’t look like it on paper. At 315 litres beneath the load cover, the Soul’s boot isn’t just much smaller than the e-Niro’s (451 litres), but barely any larger than a Ford Fiesta’s. However, in reality, the Soul’s boot is a tall and very usable shape, which, if packed correctly, can swallow six carry-on suitcases to the e-Niro's five.

You also get a height-adjustable boot floor as standard, creating a handy separate storage area beneath the main compartment. But the e-Niro's boot remains the one that will suit you better if you need length and can remove the load cover; for example, to transport a mountain dog.

In terms of flexibility, it’s a little disappointing that both cars have 60/40 split folding rear seats rather than the more handy 40/20/40 configuration found in the Mini Countryman and Skoda Karoq. 

Kia e-Niro

Boot 451 litres Suitcases 5

Kia Soul EV

Boot 315 litres Suitcases 6

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