2018 MINI Countryman vs 2018 Kia Soul Comparison

Serving Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie, and Milton, NY

The 2018 Mini Countryman is the largest in the Mini Cooper fleet and offers plenty of extra room inside along with a large cargo space. The 2018 Kia Soul continues to be a highly popular option in the compact wagon class, much like the Countryman, the Soul has a roomy interior with ample cargo space. The Countryman is a fun to drive option to the standard run of the mill wagons and small crossover vehicles on the market today. We believe the 2018 Mini Cooper is the clear winner against the 2018 Kia Soul and that after this, you will feel the same way.

Powertrain

The 2018 Mini Countryman comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line three-cylinder engine. This tiny powerhouse is capable of producing 134 horsepower and churning out 162 lb-ft of torque. You have a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Countryman All4 all-wheel-drive version comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2018 Kia Soul base comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 131 horsepower. Much like the Countryman, the Soul can be purchased with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Interior

The interior of the 2018 Mini Countryman is spacious and comes loaded with a long list of standard features. These include a rearview camera, height-adjustable front seats and 40/20/40 split rear seats for maximum storage flexibility. It also features faux leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate controls. For your entertainment, there is a 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen infotainment system with a six-speaker audio system and full wireless connectivity. The 2018 Kia Soul offers an interior that is more about whimsy and features a wealth of soft-touch plastics replete with leather-grain details. The dash is covered with faux leather while the seats are cloth. While the cushioning is soft and comfortable, the seats could use a little more bolstering to help keep you in place during aggressive cornering.

Exterior

The 2017 Mini Countryman starts out with a set of custom 17-inch wheels sporting summer performance run-flat tires, automatic wipers, a heated windshield wiper system, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, heated mirrors, and keyless entry/ignition. You can even use the standard roof rails to carry your skis in the winter on your way to your favorite ski resort. The 2017 Kia Soul is the shortest vehicle in its class and while this might make getting into those smaller parking spaces a little easier, it has a definite effect on the amount of interior space for everyone and especially in the cargo area. Unlike the Countryman that comes with a sunroof, it is an option on the Soul.

If you would like to learn more about the 2018 Mini Countryman and why we consider it to be the clear winner in comparison to the 2018 Kia Soul, why not come to Prestige MINI of Dutchess County and see one in person. Let our amazing sales specialists show you around one, answer any questions you have, and then take you out for a test drive today!

* Based on 2018 EPA Estimates. Your mileage may vary.