2025 Kia Soul
Pros
Spacious cabin and cargo for its size
Lots of features for the price
Nimble handling in city traffic
10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Cons
Only one engine (147 hp)
No all-wheel drive option (strictly FWD)
Noticeable road noise at highway speeds

2025 Kia Soul

Starting MSRP*
$20,490
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Our Verdict

The 2025 Kia Soul is a fun-loving, practical small crossover that delivers big value. Its quirky boxy design yields surprising interior space and style. However, it’s not built for speed or rugged terrain.

Best For

Urban Drivers

Not Ideal For

Off-RoadersSpeed Enthusiasts
Pros
Spacious cabin and cargo for its size
Lots of features for the price
Nimble handling in city traffic
10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Cons
Only one engine (147 hp)
No all-wheel drive option (strictly FWD)
Noticeable road noise at highway speeds

Car Specifications

Trim
Engine Type
Horsepower
MPG (Hwy)
Seating
Cargo Capacity
Transmission
MSRP (Starting)
Car Type
About Image

About The 2025 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a compact car with big personality and SUV-like versatility. Its bold, upright design offers a roomy interior and flexible cargo space, ideal for city driving.

With vibrant colors, available two-tone roof, a tech-savvy cabin, and mood-lighting speakers, the Soul adds fun to every ride. It also delivers peace of mind with smart safety features and Kia’s trusted reliability.

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What It Costs to Drive
The 2025 Kia Soul's annual ownership costs:
Yearly
Monthly
Avg. Yearly Cost
~$3,400 – $4,300
Fuel
~$1,400 – $1,600
Insurance
~$1,500 – $1,800
Maintenance
~$300 – $500
Avg. Yearly Cost
~$3,400 – $4,300
Fuel
~$1,400 – $1,600
Insurance
~$1,500 – $1,800
Maintenance
~$300 – $500
Assumptions: These estimates are based on the average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, regular gas at ~$3.75/gal, a “good” driving record for insurance, and following Kia’s recommended maintenance schedule)

Trims, Features & Pricing

LX

  • Entry-Level Essentials
  • $20,500

This base model is all about value. The LX is a solid pick if you need a practical daily driver on a tight budget. Despite its low price, it doesn’t skimp on basics: you get the same 147-hp engine, a smooth CVT automatic, and seating for five. Key features include 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (so you can connect your smartphone maps and music easily).

S

  • Most Popular Package
  • $23,000

The S trim hits the sweet spot for many. With the S, you upgrade to 16-inch alloy wheels (instead of steel), get premium touches like a 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and Kia Connect services, and enjoy comforts such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Importantly, the S includes more of Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite: blind-spot collision avoidance, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance are standard from S upward (whereas they were optional on LX). The S trim also features keyless entry and push-button start with a Smart Key, plus dual-zone automatic climate control.

GT-Line

  • Sporty Style
  • $24,000

The GT-Line is the trendier trim that gives this car a sport-inspired makeover. It doesn’t add more horsepower, but it looks the part – you’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive design, a sportier body kit with gloss black and red accents, and unique GT-Line badging. The front fascia is tweaked to appear more aggressive, and fog lights and LED daytime running lights are included for a premium touch. Inside, the GT-Line gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and sport cloth seats with red stitching for flair. It comes with the same large 10.25-inch infotainment system as the S, and you can opt for a GT-Line Technology Package to really load it up with a power sunroof, heated front seats, the Harman Kardon premium sound system, and full LED headlights/taillights.

EX

  • Premium Comfort & Convenience
  • $24,800

The EX is the top regular trim and comes fully equipped for a comfortable ride. It’s arguably the best value because it bundles almost every feature the Soul offers. On the outside, the EX is a bit more understated than the GT-Line (17-inch wheels and chrome/black grille), but it adds plenty of substance: power sunroof, heated side mirrors with turn signals, and roof rails are standard. Inside is where the EX shines—you get SynTex leatherette & cloth combination seats, a power driver’s seat (with 2-way lumbar), and heated front seats for those cold mornings. The EX is loaded with tech: the 10.25-inch display with navigation, Kia’s UVO/Connect services, and every driver assist (blind-spot, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping, etc.) all included. It even has ambient LED interior lighting to set the mood. For audio, you can opt for the Harman Kardon system with center speaker and subwoofer (via the EX Designer Package, or by adding the Soulmate package). The cargo area in the EX also comes with a dual-level floor and cargo cover for extra utility.

A Review From Every Angle

Good

4.5/5

1. Exterior

4.0 / 5.0

Funky and Iconic

The Kia Soul’s boxy, upright design stands out while maximizing interior space. Bold LED lights, a floating grille, and boomerang tail lights add flair, while available 18-inch wheels and black trim give it a mature look.

  • Distinctive boxy silhouette that’s both stylish and practical (improves visibility and cargo room)
  • Two-tone roof options and bold color choices let you personalize the Soul’s look
  • LED lighting on upper trims (headlights, DRLs, tail lamps) adds a modern, high-tech flair to its funky design

2. Interior

4.0 / 5.0

Spacious & User-Friendly

The Soul’s tall, boxy shape gives adults roomy seating and tons of cargo space. Fun trims add LED lights, SynTex seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

  • Exceptional space for a subcompact: upright seating and clever design give a small car big-car roominess
  • Large 10.25″ infotainment screen (on most trims) + straightforward controls = very user-friendly cockpit
  • Fun design elements like available speaker mood lights and two-tone upholstery add personality to the cabin

3. Safety

4.0 / 5.0

Packed with Features

All Soul models come with auto emergency braking, lane keeping, and driver attention alerts. Higher trims add blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, and even smart cruise with turn collision assist.

  • Standard emergency braking and lane-keep assist on all trims, with more advanced aids (blind-spot, rear cross-traffic alerts) included on S and above
  • Strong crash test performance for its class (NHTSA: 4★ overall, 5★ side impact, etc.)
  • Long 10-yr/100K mi powertrain warranty and 5-yr/60K basic warranty provide additional safety net for repair costs
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4. Fuel Economy

4.0 / 5.0

Economical Urban Cruiser

The Soul gets 30–31 MPG combined with its 2.0L engine, matching or beating rivals. Expect 400+ miles of range from its 14-gallon tank.

  • Around 30 MPG combined in everyday driving
  • Up to 35 MPG highway, meaning fewer stops on long trips (over 400 miles range on a tank)

5. Tech & Infotainment

4.0 / 5.0

Big Screen, Big Features

The Soul offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional nav even on lower trims. EX adds UVO app access, wireless charging, rear USB ports, and Harman Kardon audio with LED speaker lights.

  • Standard Apple CarPlay & Android Auto on all trims (easy smartphone integration for music, maps, etc.)
  • Big 10.25″ touchscreen on most trims
  • Optional Harman Kardon sound system with center speaker & subwoofer + mood lighting brings premium flair to this affordable ride

6. Performance & Handling

3.5 / 5.0

Comfortable, Easy-Going Drive

The Soul’s 2.0L engine delivers 147 hp—enough for smooth, daily driving. Light steering, comfy suspension, and agile handling make it ideal for city use, not sporty performance.

  • Smooth ride and comfy suspension absorbs bumps better than many competitors
  • Light, tight steering provides excellent maneuverability when parking or navigating crowded streets
  • Adequate engine power for normal driving (147 hp), though not designed for thrill-seekers or towing heavy loads

What's New From Last Year?

  • New “Soulmate” Special Edition Package
  • An LX Technology Package now allows base LX buyers to add key safety aids like blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
  • New color options: Clear White/Surf Blue/Inferno Red w/ Fusion Black Roof is now available on EX models
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New from Last Year Image
Cars Similar to 2025 Kia Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul faces competition from other subcompact crossovers that offer funky style or budget-friendly practicality. Two of its closest rivals are the Nissan Kicks and the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Below is a quick comparison highlighting how the Soul stacks up against these alternatives:
2025 Kia Soul (FWD only)
2025 Nissan Kicks (FWD only)
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer (FWD/AWD)
Feature2025 Kia Soul (FWD only)2025 Nissan Kicks (FWD only)2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer (FWD/AWD)
Performance
147-hp 2.0L, Peppy, No AWD
141-hp 2.0L, Efficient City Performer
137–155 hp Turbo, AWD Available
Tech & Interior
High-Tech Vibe: Big Screen, LED Touches
Simple Cabin, 7–12.3″ Screen, Wireless CarPlay
Modern UI, 8″ Screen Option, Wireless CarPlay
Practicality
Boxy Shape, 62 cu ft Max Cargo
Compact Size, ~30 cu ft Cargo, City-Friendly
Split-Fold Seats, 54 cu ft, Light AWD Utility
Comfort & Space
Tall Roof, Roomy Cabin, Smooth City Ride
Adequate Front Room, Tighter Rear Seats
Comfortable ride, SUV-like seating, roomy
Who’s It For?
Tech-savvy style, space, budget-friendly ride
Fuel-efficient, basic, ideal for budget buyers
AWD-ready, compact SUV for all climates
Best Choice For
  • Bold styling & unique vibe
  • High-tech features for the money
  • Maximizing space and practicality
  • Excellent fuel efficiency
  • Lowest starting price in class
  • Easy to drive and park in dense areas
  • All-weather AWD capability
  • Zippy turbo power option
  • Slightly more rugged, SUV-like character
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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2025 Kia Soul have all-wheel drive?
No, the Kia Soul is front-wheel drive only in the U.S. market
How fuel-efficient is the Kia Soul?
The Soul is quite fuel-efficient with a mileage of about 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
How much cargo space does the 2025 Kia Soul offer?
In a word: plenty. Cargo space is actually one of the Soul’s superpowers. You get 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats (enough for multiple suitcases or a hefty grocery haul). Fold down the 60/40 split rear seats, and the space opens up to 62.1 cubic feet.