The Gas-Powered Kia Soul Bows Out

Despite the harsh criticism it faced upon its arrival, the Kia Soul managed to build a solid reputation and carve out a career many would envy. With its box-on-wheels look and compact size, the small SUV from the Korean automaker won over many hearts and eventually became a true icon in its own right.

That’s exactly why the Korean manufacturer chose it to carry the electric banner—its cheerful design and name had already made it a crowd favorite. The EV version enjoyed several good years, but Kia decided to retire it in 2023, as the popularity of its broader EV lineup took over.

Now, the Kia Soul is about to take another major step in its history by phasing out the gas-powered version. 2025 will mark the final production year for the Kia Soul.

A Story with an End

Maybe it’s because I’m from a different generation, but I feel a little tug at my heart every time a vehicle as emblematic as the Kia Soul is pulled from the market. Sadly, the arrival of new models in the Kia lineup has caused Soul sales to decline, and that’s the main reason why the small SUV is being retired.

The Kia Soul hit the market 15 years ago. At the time, we had just emerged from the U.S. financial crisis, and some cars were still equipped with cassette players. In short, launching a model like the Soul was a bold move for Kia. Many predicted a short lifespan for the quirky SUV—but they were all wrong. The Kia Soul enjoyed a great run and will remain one of the most memorable vehicles of its era.

There’s no official word on a replacement just yet, but who knows—Kia might have a pleasant surprise in store for us in the years to come.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier