2025 Kia Soul Expert Review
Reviewed by Harja
$20,290 – $24,590
The 2025 Kia Soul continues to be a standout in the subcompact SUV segment, offering a unique blend of style, practicality, and tech-forward features. With its quirky, boxy design and a reputation for reliability, the Soul remains an ideal choice for urban drivers, small families, and anyone looking for a fun, affordable vehicle. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect from the 2025 model.
What’s New
For 2025, the only change to the Soul lineup is the introduction of the new Soulmate edition (described below). The last time the Soul got a substantial update was for 2023, when it got new styling touches, more driver assist features, and a simplified engine lineup.
What We Think
In the Kia Soul, inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean cheap—it drives with a surprising level of refinement. That’s not to say the Soul is quick or luxurious, but it has accurate handling and a comfortable ride. As is common with new Kia vehicles, build quality is strong and the standard features list is generous. The base model is light on equipment, but choosing a higher-end version with more niceties won’t break the bank; every version of the Soul is
Despite its subcompact exterior sizing, the Soul’s cabin provides plenty of space for passengers and cargo—even tall people will fit just fine. The high roof makes climbing in and out easy. Although Kia includes a fair amount of driver assist and active safety features, a NHTSA four-star overall crash test rating is disappointing. Perhaps more of a challenge for SUV intenders to overcome is that the Soul is FWD only and does not offer AWD. Putting those concerns aside, the Soul remains an appealing and enjoyable little vehicle.
Distinctive Design: Bold and Boxy
The 2025 Kia Soul sticks to the bold, boxy design that has made it a fan favorite since its debut. While the overall shape remains similar to past models, Kia continues to refine the vehicle’s styling to keep it fresh. Expect to see sharper lines, a more angular front grille, and new lighting elements in both the front and rear. The updated headlights and taillights are likely to feature LED technology for improved visibility and a modern look.
The Soul’s distinctive shape is not just for aesthetics; it also contributes to the car’s spacious interior. The high roofline and large windows provide excellent visibility, and the compact footprint makes it easy to navigate tight urban environments.
Performance: Efficient and Fun to Drive
Under the hood, the 2025 Kia Soul will likely continue offering multiple powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. The base engine will probably be a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing around 147 horsepower. This engine is paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), providing smooth acceleration and good fuel efficiency.
For those seeking more performance, the **Soul Turbo** is expected to return, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces around **201 horsepower**. This engine will provide a more spirited driving experience, especially for those who want extra power for highway merging or city driving.
Interior: Spacious and Tech-Savvy
Inside, the 2025 Kia Soul combines a practical layout with a tech-rich cabin. The cabin is spacious for its class, offering generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The funky design continues inside with a mix of modern materials and customizable interior accents. Higher trims will likely feature premium materials such as leather upholstery and a sleek center console.
Technology will be one of the key highlights of the 2025 Soul. Expect a standard **8-inch touchscreen**, with an optional **10.25-inch touchscreen** in higher trims. Both will support **Apple CarPlay** and **Android Auto**, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. Kia’s UVO infotainment system is expected to remain user-friendly, with easy-to-navigate menus and fast response times.
Safety: A Suite of Advanced Features
The 2025 Kia Soul will come with a robust set of safety features, including Kia’s Drive Wise suite, which includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as:
– Forward Collision Warning
– Automatic Emergency Braking
– Lane Keeping Assist
– Blind Spot Monitoring
– Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
These systems aim to enhance driver safety and provide peace of mind during daily commutes and longer trips.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Pricing for the 2025 Kia Soul is expected to remain competitive within the subcompact crossover segment. The base model should start at around **$22,000** and go up to **$30,000** for the higher trims with more luxury features and options. The **Soul EV** (electric version) will likely be available as well, with prices starting at **$35,000** or higher, depending on battery size and range.
Conclusion: A Fun, Affordable Option
The 2025 Kia Soul remains a top choice for those looking for a compact crossover that offers a lot of personality, practicality, and technology at a reasonable price. Whether you’re after an efficient daily commuter or a more performance-oriented option, the Soul has something to offer. With its unique design, spacious interior, and a suite of modern features, the 2025 Kia Soul continues to be a standout in the crowded subcompact SUV market.
