Farewell to an Icon: The Kia Soul Drives Off into the Sunset
The Final Chapter: Kia Soul's Production Comes to an End
After a significant run spanning 16 model years, the Kia Soul is being retired, with production scheduled to cease this month. Only a limited number of units remain available at dealerships, signaling the imminent conclusion of its availability. The distinctive urban crossover had garnered over 1.5 million sales in the U.S. market since its debut, with its second generation notably earning a spot on various prestigious automotive lists.
A Look Back: The Kia Soul's Enduring Legacy
Whether admired or not, the Kia Soul left an indelible mark as a cultural icon of the 2010s. Its unique, angular silhouette, often described as an urban crossover or quasi-SUV, was particularly fashionable upon its introduction, challenging contemporaries such as the Scion xB and Nissan Cube. The vehicle also gained widespread recognition through its imaginative advertising campaigns, featuring a lively group of hamsters dancing to popular music, which firmly embedded the Soul in the public consciousness. However, by the time its third generation arrived in 2020, the Soul's prominence had waned, leading to Kia's recent announcement of its official cessation.
From Bestseller to Departure: The Evolution of Soul Sales
Manufactured in South Korea since its initial launch in 2010, the Soul's production will soon conclude, designating 2025 as its final model year. The first two generations of the vehicle achieved considerable success for Kia, with the second generation frequently appearing on our annual top vehicle selections. The Soul's distinctive and purposeful design was instrumental in helping Kia overcome a reputation for uninspired aesthetics. While over 1.5 million Souls have been sold in the U.S. throughout its tenure, achieving annual sales exceeding 100,000 units at its peak, recent years have seen a notable decline in demand.
Market Performance and the Road Ahead for Kia
In the current year, Kia has recorded 52,397 unit sales, marking a 14 percent decrease compared to the previous year, with 40,408 units sold by the third quarter. Despite this decline, the Soul's sales performance last year surpassed several other Kia models. As one of three subcompact SUVs in Kia's portfolio, it significantly outsold the Niro and nearly matched the Seltos, indicating that its removal will create a notable void in the company's vehicle lineup.
The New Entry Point: Kia K4 Takes the Helm
The Soul previously held the distinction of being Kia's most economically priced model for the 2025 model year, with a starting price point of $21,935. Following its discontinuation, the entry-level position will be assumed by the Kia K4, which is priced at $23,185 for 2025 and is slated to introduce a hatchback variant for the 2026 model year. With only a few thousand units remaining at dealerships across the United States, prospective buyers interested in acquiring a Soul are advised to act swiftly before Kia transitions to a future without this unique vehicle in 2026.