The 2018 Kia Soul puts style ahead of safety features and turbo power.
Pros Looks sharp Good Uvo infotainment Turbo-4 power Versatile hatchback body Still a manual on the order sheet
Cons Engines can be noisy 6-speed automatic hunts through gears Mediocre gas mileage Top safety tech unavailable with turbo
The 2018 Kia Soul ranked #1 in Compact Cars. Currently the Kia Soul has a score of 9.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 45 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Comfortable, roomy cabin Considerable cargo space Upscale interior Energetic turbocharged engine available Outstanding warranty and predicted reliability rating
Cons Sluggish base engine Below-average gas mileage
Only a few changes were made to the Soul for 2018. The base Soul’s Convenience package now gets an upgraded UVO3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus automatic climate control. Midrange Soul Plus models now get the UVO3 system as standard.
Pros Funkiness on wheels, powerful and efficient turbo engine, comfortable cabin.
Cons Average cargo capacity, no all-wheel-drive option.
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is a unique off-roader bolstered by the freedom of open air driving. Its aging design is a throwback to the past, but it offers just enough contemporary features and modern amenities. The Jeep Wrangler is a throwback to the brand's earliest days as a military supplier. Whether by chance or by design, the purpose-built off-roader has endured decades and has become one of Jeep's best-selling vehicles. Offered in Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and extreme off-road Rubicon models, the Wrangler combines an throwback design with a smattering of modern amenities.
Pros It's the off-road champ Unique style, unique everything Strong, smooth V-6 Carlike touches in cabin
Cons Rough ride Poor handling on pavement Steep prices for top editions Very poor safety ratings Fussy soft tops
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler ranks 14 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler finishes near the bottom of our compact SUV rankings. The Wrangler is one of the most capable off-road SUVs out there, but class rivals are superior in pretty much every other area (fuel efficiency, interior comfort, available technology, and cargo space, to name a few).
Pros Outstanding off-road capability Standard part-time four-wheel drive Powerful V6 engine
Cons Uncomfortable ride and subpar handling on pavement Cramped rear seats and few standard features Poor fuel economy More expensive than many rivals
For the 2017 Wrangler, Jeep has added new optional LED headlights and foglights, as well as a Cold Weather package that includes remote start, heated seats and all-weather floor mats. Although it's behind the times as far as tech goes, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is still one of the best go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles that money can buy. From the stripped-out Sport model all the way up to the hardcore Rubicon, there's a Jeep for every off-road scenario.
Pros All but unstoppable on the trail Unique rugged character There's a Wrangler for a variety of tastes Extensive factory and aftermarket parts support Fun to drive in its own special way.
Cons Crash test scores don't match more conventional vehicles Long braking distances On-road handling and overall comfort are lacking Soft top is difficult to operate and offers little security The latest safety and technology features are absent Subpar fuel economy compared to most modern crossovers.
