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Considering the hundreds of hours that many people spend in their car each year, it’s best to have one that’s comfortable. However, when it comes to SUVs, you might think that you have to spend a great deal of money on a luxury SUV to enjoy a comfortable ride. According to U.S. News & World Report, though, that’s not necessarily the case. The media site says that one of the most comfortable SUVs costs under $20,000: the 2022 Kia Soul.

Affordable 2022 Kia Soul is on the US News list of most comfortable SUVs

Front angle view of 2022 Kia Soul, costing under $20,000 and one of most comfortable SUVs, says US News
2022 Kia Soul | Kia

When thinking of a comfortable SUV, an image of a plush vehicle with a luxurious cabin might come to mind. It might also have premium features, such as a sophisticated climate control system and massaging seats. 

However, according to the U.S. News list of most comfortable SUVs, you can experience high-level comfort without putting too much of a strain on your budget. This is exemplified by the 2022 Kia Soul subcompact crossover SUV. With a starting price of only $19,290 MSRP, the 2022 Soul is the only vehicle on the list of most comfortable SUVs that costs under $20,000.

Why is the 2022 Kia Soul such a comfortable SUV?

Rear seats in 2022 Kia Soul, costing under $20,000 and one of most comfortable SUVs, says US News
2022 Kia Soul | Kia

The primary reason why U.S. News placed the 2022 Kia Soul on the list of most comfortable SUVs is because of its accommodating cabin — as the result of its unique design. The media site stated, “despite its small footprint, this Kia crossover’s tall and boxy design makes it exceptionally accommodating compared to rivals.” 

The crossover SUV can comfortably seat up to five passengers, including a generous amount of space in the rear seats. This includes 38.8 inches of rear legroom, which is more than many larger SUVs.

Furthermore, U.S. News rates the Soul as one of the best subcompact SUVs — second only to the Mazda CX-30. In addition to its high-level comfort, U.S. News highlights the Soul’s lengthy warranty, user-friendly infotainment system, and a generous amount of cargo space. 

Regarding the warranty coverage, the Soul, along with other Kia models, has one of the best in the automotive industry. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Other models on the U.S. News list of most comfortable SUVs

Surprisingly, some other affordable models made the U.S. News list of most comfortable SUVs. This includes the 2022 Kia Seltos ($22,590 MSRP), 2022 Volkswagen Taos ($23,495 MSRP), and 2022 Hyundai Tucson ($24,950 MSRP).

Here are the most comfortable SUVs, according to U.S. News — along with the starting prices:

  1. 2022 Kia Soul: $19,290 MSRP
  2. 2022 Kia Seltos: $22,590 MSRP
  3. 2022 Volkswagen Taos: $23,495 MSRP
  4. 2022 Hyundai Tucson: $24,950 MSRP
  5. 2022 Chevy Traverse: $33,700 MSRP
  6. 2022 Volkswagen Atlas: $34,335 MSRP
  7. 2022 Honda Pilot: $38,080 MSRP
  8. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: $40,325 MSRP
  9. 2022 Buick Enclave: $42,800 MSRP
  10. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe: $52,000 MSRP
  11. 2022 Chevrolet Suburban: $54,700 MSRP
  12. 2022 Jeep Wagoneer: $58,995 MSRP

Based on this U.S. News list, you don’t have to fork out an exorbitant amount of money to enjoy a comfortable SUV. This includes the 2022 Kia Soul, which costs less than $20,000.

Related 2023 Kia Soul: Overview, Price, and Specs

2023 Kia Soul: Overview, Price, and Specs