Motor Trend - USA (2020-06)

Cargo space is limited even with the floor
lowered and the 60/40 split-folding rear
seat backs down. A sea of hard plastics
that’s cheap even in this group further
detracts from the interior—sadly, it shows
up in many places where hands come
to rest. “This car is totally an exercise in
cost cutting,” associate online editor Nick
Yekikian said. Others agreed. “The Venue
feels like it ought to be about five grand
cheaper,” features editor Scott Evans said.

Kia Soul

Nissan Kicks

The Kia Soul’s boxy shape gives it plenty

of vertical space, especially with the

two-level cargo floor lowered.

The 2020 Toyota C-HR is larger than

the Venue, yet it’s the least practical of

our quartet. “Everything about this car

is compromised by its shape,” Yekikian

said. “The cargo area is nearly useless

because of the rake of the rear window.”

Perhaps the C-HR’s most detrimental

feature is its claustrophobic cabin; the

narrow greenhouse imparts a confined

feeling, particularly to rear passen-

gers who have jail-cell-like wedges for

Of the four, the Nissan Kicks has the

largest cargo capacity even with the

removable cargo cover installed. Fold the

rear seats, and you’ll have an Ikea-ready

subcompact SUV that’s also easy to

maneuver and fits anywhere.

windows. There aren’t many places to

store your mobile devices, either; even

the cupholders look like an afterthought,

and their shape screams it. MotorTrend

contributor Derek Powell called the rear

visibility “a nightmare” because of the

thick pillars. At least Toyota used nice

materials. (It better have for its price.) As

for its interior design, some might call it

quirky and stylish, but others will see it as

overwrought.

Nissan and Kia win bonus points

for cleverly packaging their affordable

SUVs. Both the Kicks and the Soul have

28 MOTORTREND.COM JUNE 2020