After more than a decade of cheeky utility and cult status, the Kia Soul is being retired. Kia announced that production will end in October 2025, making the 2025 model year the Soul’s swan song.
This matters now for U.S. buyers because the Soul filled a niche: quirky, affordable, and versatile. Its departure leaves a gap in Kia’s lineup and in the compact crossover segment as brands pivot toward EVs and larger SUVs.
For enthusiasts, the ending is emotional. The Soul was never just a car — it was a statement of personality, and its marketing (hello, Hamstars) made it part of pop culture. As Kia shifts focus to EVs and larger models, the Soul’s legacy becomes a touchstone for how automakers manage their transitions.
The Official Announcement & Final Year Highlights
Kia’s press release confirms that production ends in October 2025. In the U.S., only a few thousand Souls remain on dealer lots.
To commemorate its final run, Kia launched a “Soulmate Special Edition” — with upgraded cosmetics, interior touches, and unique badging. Kia’s execs stated the Soul was foundational in their U.S. growth, saying it helped triple sales when the brand was small in America.
Kia also noted that the Soul’s boxy design will live on in concept branches and future hatch models like the K4. The Soul’s retirement may also free up development and production focus toward EVs like the EV3 and EV4.
Specs & Special Final Edition Feature
While the 2025 Soul keeps the same mechanicals, here’s a snapshot — and what makes the special edition extra:
| Feature | Regular 2025 Soul | Soulmate Special Edition Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L inline-4 gasoline | Same powertrain |
| Horsepower / Torque | ~147 hp / ~132 lb-ft | Unchanged |
| Transmission | CVT or 6-speed auto (market dependent) | Same |
| Trim levels | Base, GT-Line, EV version in some markets | Unique paint, badges, interior accents |
| Starting Price | ~$21,900 (U.S.) | Slight premium over base |
| Units remaining | Few thousand in U.S. | Limited special edition units |
Real-life impact:
- Performance and drivability remain consistent with existing models.
- The special edition won’t deliver performance gains, but may command collector premiums.
- This is your last chance to own a brand-new Soul from factory production.
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Soul’s Legacy, Comparisons & Positioning
Compared to Earlier Souls
The Soul was first launched in 2009 as a quirky box car. Over iterations, it grew in size, added an EV variant, and refined its ride without losing its distinctiveness.
Versus Compact Crossovers
In today’s landscape, small crossovers and EVs have largely displaced the type of role the Soul played. With the Soul gone, Kia leans more into the Seltos for entry-level crossover needs. In addition, the incoming K4 hatchback is said to take over some of that territory.
Strategic Shift for Kia
The Soul’s discontinuation is part of Kia’s push toward electrification and more profitable segments. The EV3, EV4, and other electric models are central to Kia’s future. Kia may sacrifice the quirky subcompact in favor of urban EVs and better profit margins.
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Market Reaction & Buyer Advice
- Many fans took to forums and social media lamenting the Soul’s death — especially longtime owners.
- Automakers and pundits see this as symbolic: affordable, character cars are being squeezed out by regulation and cost pressures.
- For buyers, remaining 2025 Souls may see discounts or negotiated pricing as dealers clear inventory. KBB suggests these cars remain under $25,000 even late in the year.
If you’re tempted, now is the time to act — once those remaining units are gone, that will be the last new Soul you can buy.