FYI: The Kia Soul, a survivor of the boxcar era, continues to hit the road with a slight price bump and a special edition for 2025.
Kia Soul Stays Strong with 2025 Updates and Pricing Changes
The Kia Soul emerged during the boxcar era, debuting six years after the Honda Element, five years after the Scion xB, and one year before the Nissan Cube crossed into the U.S. market. Unlike its competitors, which phased out by 2015, the Kia Soul has endured, establishing its place in the automotive landscape. It’s true that sales have tapered since the six-digit heights of 2011-2018, but Kia dealers still moved about 60,000 units annually over the past two years, proving the Soul remains a relevant choice. With the 2025 model year, Kia continues its tradition of minor updates by slightly increasing the MSRP and introducing a special edition model.
Price Increases and New Special Edition
Kia has adjusted the pricing for the 2025 Soul, increasing the base price by $100 from the previous model year. Additionally, while last year’s shipping costs went up by $100, this year the increase is more modest at $50, resulting in a total starting price difference of $300 across all trims.
Here’s the updated MSRP with the $1,375 shipping fee included:
- LX: $21,665
- S: $24,165
- GT-Line: $25,265
- EX: $25,965
The highlight for the 2025 lineup is the introduction of the Soulmate Special Edition, which is an enhancement on the EX trim. This edition boasts a two-tone roof, distinctive lower body cladding, and exclusive 18-inch wheels. The interior features amber SynTex and cloth seating coupled with a premium Harman Kardon audio system, elevating the cabin experience significantly. Notably, these audio enhancements were a part of the GT-Line Technology package last year but are now optional on the EX trim along with RS shock absorbers.
While Kia hasn’t disclosed the exact pricing of the Soulmate makeover, it’s reasonable to assume it will cost more than the previous Designer package, which was priced at $500.
Performance and Mechanics
Under the hood, all Kia Soul models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle’s transmission is handled exclusively by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as Kia phased out the manual transmission option after the 2022 model year. The powertrain offers a balance of efficiency and adequate performance for city commutes and highway drives alike.
Conclusion
With steady updates and tweaks, the Kia Soul remains a viable option in the subcompact vehicle market. The 2025 model year reinforces its presence with slight price adjustments and the intriguing Soulmate Special Edition, ensuring it continues to attract a dedicated following.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
