2025 Kia Soul Revealed

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Kia has unveiled the 2025 Soul, introducing a new Soulmate Special Edition package while maintaining its signature boxy design and offering a range of trims from the base LX to the sporty GT-Line, all powered by a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Soulmate Special Edition Features

The Soulmate Special Edition, built on the EX trim, elevates the 2025 Kia Soul with distinctive features. This package includes exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone roof, and lower body cladding for a more premium exterior appearance. Inside, the Soulmate edition offers brown leatherette upholstery, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin. Priced at $26,965, this special edition provides a range of upgraded features that justify its position as a more upscale variant in the Soul lineup. Buyers can choose between an efficient 2.0L inline-4 engine and a more powerful turbocharged option, allowing for personalized performance preferences.

Upgraded Cabin Features

The 2025 Kia Soul offers a range of interior enhancements that elevate the driving experience. The GT-Line trim features a premium interior combining black SynTex and cloth with striking red stitching, exuding confidence and style. Higher trims come equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display featuring navigation and Kia Connect, providing advanced connectivity options. For audiophiles, an optional Harman Kardon Premium Audio system with center speaker, subwoofer, and amplifier is available on select trims. The Soul also offers ambient lighting options, with an Interior Lighting Kit available as an accessory, allowing drivers to customize their cabin with 16 different colors. Comfort features like dual automatic temperature control, wireless charging, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard on higher trims, enhancing the overall interior quality and driver comfort.

Engine and Performance

The 2025 Kia Soul maintains its powertrain configuration from previous years, featuring a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive across all trim levels. While not particularly sporty, the Soul offers adequate performance for urban driving, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, with EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg highway and 27 mpg city, resulting in a combined rating of 30-31 mpg depending on the trim. The Soul's suspension provides a comfortable ride, and its steering offers good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight urban environments. However, buyers looking for all-wheel drive capability will need to consider other options, as the Soul remains a front-wheel-drive-only vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency Breakdown

The 2025 Kia Soul offers competitive fuel economy for its class, with EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city for the standard model. The Soul Eco dynamics variant achieves slightly better efficiency, with ratings of 35 mpg highway, 29 mpg city, and a combined 31 mpg. These figures are impressive for a boxy crossover, consuming just 3.2-3.3 gallons per 100 miles. In real-world testing, the Soul managed 30 mpg in a 75-mph highway fuel economy test, aligning closely with its EPA estimates. While not class-leading, the Soul's fuel efficiency is competitive with rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, particularly in highway driving.

Advanced Connectivity Features

The 2025 Kia Soul offers a range of advanced technology and infotainment features across its trim levels. At the heart of the system is a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and Kia Connect, available on higher trims, providing seamless connectivity and intuitive controls. For audiophiles, the optional Harman Kardon Audio System with center speaker, subwoofer, and external amplifier delivers an immersive listening experience. The Soul also incorporates smart technology features such as a Smart Key with Remote Start on select models. Lower trims come equipped with a smaller 4.20-inch touchscreen infotainment system that still offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. These tech offerings, combined with available features like wireless charging and ambient lighting options, position the 2025 Soul as a tech-savvy choice in its segment.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

The 2025 Kia Soul comes equipped with an impressive array of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. Standard across all trims are key features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims offer additional safety enhancements, including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Technology and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Soul also incorporates a Rear Occupant Alert system as standard equipment. For those seeking even more advanced safety features, the GT-Line Technology Package adds Forward Collision Avoidance with cyclist detection and junction turning capabilities, as well as Highway Drive Assist. These comprehensive safety features underscore Kia's commitment to providing a secure driving experience in the 2025 Soul.

Trim Level Comparison: LX

The 2025 Kia Soul LX serves as the entry-level trim, offering a compelling mix of features at an affordable starting price of $22,895. It comes equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (IVT) and front-wheel drive. The LX trim includes a 4.20-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a 6-speaker audio system. Safety features are not compromised, with the LX offering 6 airbags, a standard hill holder, and a low tire pressure monitor. While it may lack some of the more premium features found in higher trims, the Soul LX provides an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking the Soul's distinctive styling and practicality.

Competitive Pricing Options

The 2025 Kia Soul offers competitive pricing across its trim levels, providing a strong value proposition in the compact crossover segment. The entry-level LX trim starts at $21,665, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Moving up the range, the S trim is priced at $24,165, the GT-Line at $25,265, and the EX at $25,965. The new Soulmate Special Edition, based on the EX trim, tops the lineup at $26,965, offering exclusive features and styling elements. Despite a slight price increase from the previous year, the Soul remains competitively priced, especially considering its spacious interior, distinctive styling, and generous feature set. With up to 62 cu.ft. of cargo space, advanced safety technologies, and a range of trim options, the 2025 Soul delivers substantial value for its price point.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Kia Soul continues to stand out in the compact crossover segment with its distinctive boxy design and versatile offerings. With a starting price of $20,290 for the base LX model, the Soul provides an attractive blend of style, practicality, and value. The lineup ranges from the well-equipped LX to the sporty GT-Line, all powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Soul's spacious interior, offering up to 62 cu.ft. of cargo space, combined with advanced safety features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and available Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Technology, make it a compelling choice for urban drivers seeking both functionality and safety. While it may not offer all-wheel drive, the Soul's fuel efficiency, modern technology features, and range of trim options position it as a strong contender in its class, appealing to a wide range of buyers looking for a unique and practical vehicle.