2 nd Place Nissan Kicks
The 2020 Nissan Kicks blends afford-
ability, practicality, and fuel efficiency in
a package that’s easy to live with. Nissan’s
execution is one of the most well rounded
because it blends many key traits
consumers look for in an entry-level SUV.
The need for an improved powertrain and
the desire for better interior materials are
the only factors keeping the Kicks from
the top spot. “I really appreciate the pure
honesty of the Nissan,” Evans said. “It
knows it’s cheap, and it’s not trying to fool
you into thinking it’s something it’s not.
At the same time, though, it’s not trying
to penalize you for saving money. You still
get some touches of style and comfort,
good technology, and a surprisingly good
drive for the money.”
1 st Place Kia Soul
Among our four contenders, the 2020 Kia
Soul is the most well rounded. Great road
manners, excellent interior packaging,
a nicely tuned powertrain, and the best
tech features help the Soul bely its cate-
gorization as an affordable small SUV.
Even if you opt for a lower trim than our
EX example, the Soul doesn’t punish you
for being frugal by giving you low-rent
materials or stripping the vehicle clean of
modern tech features. As Powell noted,
“The Soul assures you that you didn’t
really have to sacrifice anything. Solid,
sophisticated, and smart, the Kia Soul is a
real car.” Long live the box! QThe Kia Soul and
Nissan Kicks are the
most practical and
offer a nice dose of
style—in the right
colors, that is.34 MOTORTREND.COM JUNE 2020