There's a saying that all good things must come to an end. In the auto world, that saying often applies to retiring vehicles. At the end of the 2025 model year, Kia announced that it would retire the spunky Soul from its vehicle lineup. However, the automaker will continue to honor the Soul's original personality, capability, and all the unique attributes it brought to the Kia lineup.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul stood out as one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road with its boxy design and unique exterior accents. The Soul, which enjoyed over 15 years in production, is credited with helping Kia gain a foothold in the US market and further expand as a company. Kia has sold over 1.5 million Soul vehicles in the US alone since 2009, and it notes the Soul was especially popular with younger drivers and those who are “young at heart.”
Inspired By Nature
The Soul was one of Kia's most unique vehicles, and its innovative design came from a nature documentary. Inspiration for the Soul's shape came from a nature show about wild boars that the design team was watching one day. They decided to build a vehicle that embodied the small size but mighty power of wild boars, along with their efficient and nimble designs. Along with drawing inspiration from wild boars, the team decided to add the practicality of an SUV into their new concept car, too. The end product was an edgy, efficient, and versatile small SUV with many customization options inside and out.
About The Kia Soul
The Soul enjoyed many years as a favorite among fans and critics alike. In its last model year, the Soul ranked #2 in the class of extra-small SUVs. The Soul drew praise for its spacious cabin, versatile design, and performance-oriented feel on the road. The Soul was also recognized as a value-oriented choice with more standard features than most of its competitors offered. The Soul also included several special edition models throughout its lifespan. Like other vehicles, the Soul evolved over the course of its life to include more technology, safety aids, and other bells and whistles.
Kia Soul Awards
For all that it offered, it's only fitting that the Soul also has a long list of awards under its belt. Some of its standout recognitions include the “Automotive Excellence Award” by Popular Mechanics, “10 Best Interiors” in 2014, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick winner in 2010.
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