If you want a compact ride that turns heads and gets you where you need to go—with more personality than your average commuter car—the 2025 Kia Soul brings the fun. Kia’s iconic box-shaped crossover is back, serving up a blend of cheeky style, serious versatility, and budget-friendly value. New year, same “don’t blend in” spirit, now with even more options to help your Soul stand out in a crowded segment.
Let’s break down why this subcompact crossover remains an urban favorite (and how it stacks up against the popular Honda HR-V).
Boxy Cool, Inside and Out
One thing the Soul refuses to do: hide in a parking lot. It’s got that unmistakable squared-off stance, bold grille, eye-catching LED lighting, and for 2025, a palette of vibrant colors (Surf Blue, Mars Orange, Gravity Gray, and more). Want extra flair? Check out the Soulmate special-edition, which adds 18-inch alloys, a two-tone roof, and upgraded audio for a splash of exclusivity.
The upright design isn’t just about style—it’s functional, too. Step inside and you’ll find room for five adults, with tall windows for killer visibility and rear seats that comfortably accommodate full-sized friends. The cargo hold is impressive for the class: 24.2cu.ft. behind the rear seats, up to 62.1cu.ft. with them folded. Thanks to the 60/40 split seats and a low load floor, the Soul swallows everything from college dorm supplies to thrift store finds.
Punchy Engine, Urban-Friendly Drive
Under the hood, Kia keeps it simple: one engine, one mission. The Soul packs a 2.0L 4-cylinder pushing out 147hp and 132lb-ft of torque, funneled through a smooth CVT and driving the front wheels only (no AWD here). Acceleration is more than peppy enough for city dashes and quick merges, and nimble steering makes weaving through tight traffic a breeze.
The ride is supple for a small crossover and handling is impressively tidy—just don’t expect sports car thrills. On the highway, some wind and tire noise sneak in, but around town or on weekend getaways, the Soul feels perfectly at home.
Fuel Economy That Goes the Distance
Practicality is at the heart of the Soul’s appeal, and the numbers don’t disappoint: EPA estimates hit up to 29mpg city, 35mpg highway (31mpg combined). That means less pain at the pump and more road trip range—plus a low cost of ownership that helps your wallet stay happy.
Tech, Comfort, and Safety
Kia stacks the Soul with tech—starting with an 8-inch touchscreen (or optional 10.25-inch with navigation), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and options like a Harman Kardon sound system and customizable mood lighting. The higher trims offer plush touches like synthetic leather, heated seats, and keyless entry.
Safety is serious business, too. Every Soul gets standard driver-assist features: forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and more. While crash scores aren’t segment-best, you get loads of helpful tech for peace of mind—a win for city dwellers and small families.
Pricing and Trims: Easy on the Bank Account
The 2025 Soul is built for value seekers: base LX models start around $20,500, while fully loaded trims like the GT-Line or Soulmate Edition land under $27,500[1][11]. That’s a steal given the standard equipment, warranty coverage, and resale value. Maintenance costs stay low, and with Kia’s famed 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, long-term worries are dialed way down.
Competitor Spotlight: 2025 Honda HR-V
Looking for another contender? The 2025 Honda HR-V is arguably the Soul’s toughest competitor. It’s got a sleeker design, available AWD, and a bit more horsepower (158hp versus the Soul’s 147hp). The HR-V wins for interior flexibility—its Magic Seat system gives it wild cargo versatility, and it gets higher marks for overall comfort and crash safety. However, it’s pricier (starting around $26,000), less reliable by some measures, and less quirky for those who love to stand out. The Soul undercuts the HR-V on price and offers a higher reliability rating, though the Honda holds its value longer at resale.
| 2025 Kia Soul | 2025 Honda HR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L I4, 147hp | 2.0L I4, 158hp |
| Drive | FWD only | FWD/AWD |
| MPG (city/hwy) | 29/35[8] | 26/32[8] |
| Cargo (max) | 62.1cu.ft.[3] | ~55.1cu.ft.[13] |
| Starting Price | ~$20,500[1] | ~$26,000[13][12] |
| Warranty | 10yr/100k mi powertrain | 5yr/60k mi powertrain |
| Reliability | Higher[13] | Lower[13] |
Final Thoughts: Still Soulful, Still Smart
The 2025 Kia Soul remains one of the best values in the city-car game. Between its unmistakable looks, spacious and flexible interior, frugal fuel use, and boatload of standard features, it’s easy to see why so many buyers return for a “new Soul.” It won’t win drag races or conquer backwoods trails, but for everyday commutes and urban adventures, it’s hard to beat.
If you crave something more conservative or need AWD, the Honda HR-V is a worthy option—but for those who want maximum personality, value, and daily-use brilliance, the Soul has exactly what you need. Time to crank up your style and let your next car show some attitude.