Head-to-head: Nissan cube Vs. Kia Soul (video)

Now more than ever, styling is a top priority for car buyers. Just look at the latest wave of exotically-designed models to hit the market. Their popularity is undeniable. In many ways, styling is about expressing one's personality and uniqueness, as evidenced by the successful Kia Soul and the fresh new Nissan cube (lower case intended).

Now more than ever, styling is a top priority for car buyers.

Sure, there are plenty of differences between these two, but the comparison is still an easy one. They both sport a boxy silhouette, target the same customers (namely hip, young urbanites with busy lifestyles) and position themselves in the same price range. Simply put, they're natural competitors.

Of course, we could have included the Scion xB, but we chose to focus on models that are currently available on the Canadian market.

Since this is not a traditional comparison test but rather a basic head-to-head match-up, we'll review the cars simultaneously instead of separately, allowing you to compare them on a point-by-point basis. Obviously, we will crown a winner at the end.

The tests were conducted over a single day in warm weather. We assessed their performance as well as various other capacities.

Both of these so-called Urban Activity Vehicles (UAV) are effective on the road, but they clearly do more to revolutionize automotive styling than the driving experience.

Design
Styling is obviously the focus of any comparison between the two. While the Kia Soul looks more assertive and more muscular, almost like the compact Land Rovers of the past, the Nissan cube is somewhat reminiscent of a front-loading washer.

They both clearly do more to revolutionize automotive styling than the driving experience.

	2010 Kia Soul 4u	2009 Nissan cube 1.8 SL
Base ($)	21,195	21,498
As tested ($)	22,945	23,098