BOX SOCIAL: New 2014 Kia Soul Takes On Scion xB, xD and Nissan Cube



The Scion xB brought a series of updates for 2013, including LED running lights up front and LED brake lights out back.

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The Kia Soul is also new for 2014, but to call this all-new is a bit far-fetched.

New Kia Soul LED Coolness Hookah Bar  26 New Kia Soul LED Coolness Hookah Bar  27 New Kia Soul LED Coolness Hookah Bar  28

It is refreshed — but where it counts. The LED brake lights are really cool at night, on the highway, from behind.

Scion vs Kia vs Nissan ANIMATED GIF

This should be a simple article to write: xB has a $17,500 base price and one engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 158 horsepower.

2014 Kia Soul LED Animated GIF New Kia Soul Animated GIF

This boxy shape is still pretty useful and popular – see the all-new 2014 Kia Soul’s 60-plus cubic feet in back for evidence – but are there any tradeoffs versus the $1,000 cheaper xD and Cube?

2012 Nissan cube

Yes, the xD looks like a knock-off Pontiac Vibe. Yes, it is not nearly as cool as the xB.

Yes, the xD runs just a 128-horsepower engine.

But here is the thing: the xD has a real-car dashboard and technology, while the xB is saddled with a Toyota Echo-style central speedometer and a silly parcel shelf dashboard area.

2014 Scion xB Red 2-tile

Without a doubt: the xB’s huge space and roominess would be handy when driving around with four buddies.

If only the xD’s interior came with the xB’s exterior? The choice is yours – but both are easy to buy, safe, cheap to run and extremely durable.

2014 Scion xB Red 6-vert

Both Scions are almost the ideal kid cars – when parents can put a max horsepower cap on the shopping list!

The Kia Soul and Nissan Cube are also in the short list of boxy social cars.

2014 Scion xB

2011 SEMA Scion by 686 – Fabric-wrapped and Film Exterior 2011_SEMA_Show_Scion_xB_686_007 2011_SEMA_Show_Scion_xB_686_006 Print

 

2014 Scion xD

And just for thoroughness, here is the (slightly more compact) Nissan Cube for comparison.

 

Limited Edition Nissan Cube Krom (Previous Model Years)

2014 Nissan Cube

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2014 Kia Soul

New Kia Soul Animated GIF

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2014 Scion xB Red 2-tile 2014 Scion xB Red 6-vert 2012 Nissan cubeScion vs Kia vs Nissan ANIMATED GIF