2025 Kia Soul Review

Ever since it was introduced, the Soul has stood out among its rivals. The classic shape is recognizable, even from a distance. For those who ride in its backseat, the interesting exterior translates into excellent headroom.

As a budget buy, many people expect the Soul to hold things back. However, the exterior standards list is the same as you’d find on much higher priced cars. This includes power-adjustable mirrors, high beam assist, and automatic light control. 

For dark nights or very early mornings, the headlights have an escort function.  The Smart Key has a special sleep mode that starts 40 seconds after you lock the doors. That prevents hackers from finding the frequency.

Soul interiors are a blend of comforts, technologies, and amenities. There’s a definite spaciousness that surprises many who expect it to be small inside.

Second row legroom is 38.8 inches. That’s more than many bigger SUVs.  Headroom is 39.5 inches. To keep things cool on our hot summer days, the second row has dedicated AC vents.  Adding it up, the back row is just as welcoming to adults as the front row.

Automatic climate controls let you rely on the crossover to regulate the air and fan. Assisting you with our hot summers, solar glass helps block the sun coming through the windshield or front windows. If it’s the cool winter months in Phoenix, you will like the sunroof standard on the GT Line and EX trim levels.

There’s a more utilitarian nature to this crossover than many would expect. For one thing, it claims 6.7 inches of ground clearance. For another, it has standard mounting points where you can install roof racks. 

Plus the 2025 Kia Soul has a good-sized cargo hold. Even better, that hold has organizational features to help you make the most of it. Best of all, it can get better with an adjustable floor.

Standard cargo space is 18.7 cubic feet. To make it as useful as possible, Kia engineers devised a floor that can be altered to provide more space. This grows the space to 23.4 or 24.2 cubes. 

When the seats are folded, the space is one of the best in the subcompact class. You can fit a bike or a pile of boxes in the remarkable 62.1-cu ft open area.

Kia equips the Soul LX with its multimedia system. This includes Bluetooth, HD Radio, and an excellent 8-inch touchscreen.  You can access music and map apps right on the screen with the help of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity tools.

If you want the best dash tech at the best price point, you only have to choose the Kia Soul S.  This second-tier trim has built-in navigation on its 10.25-inch touchscreen. Kia also adds push button start and its Smart Key. 

We think the most fun item on the Soul’s long list of standards and options is its premium audio system.  You can opt for a Harmon Kardon system that lets you synchronize the front door lights to the beat of the music.

Equipped as if it costs much more, the Soul LX comes packed with high tech driving aids. The most essential is the forward collision avoidance system with the assistance of an emergency autobrake. In a similar way, the system will warn about cyclist or pedestrian detection and apply the brakes if danger is imminent.

Additional standards watch the sides, providing a lane departure warning and lane keeping assist. Other standard features include a driver attention warning and, for parents, a rear occupant alert.

Stepping up to the Soul S immediately adds equipment that rounds out the list. For watching the sides, there’s a blind spot avoidance assist and a lane change assist. For parking maneuvers, there’s a rear cross traffic alert with an avoidance assist.

Additional upgrades include Smart Cruise Control-Curve. This brand-exclusive adaptive cruise control uses navigation to regulate speed on curves. You can also get junction turning assistance as part of an upgraded forward collision system.

Kia has supplied an engine that blends energy and efficiency. Peppy and confident, the powertrain creates 147 horsepower.  A torque converter harnesses the engine’s 132 lb-ft outlay. 

Fuel economy is excellent, saving you money at the pump:

• Standard MPG: 27 City; 33 Highway

• EX MPG: 29 City, 35 Highway

Soul drivers can choose the Eco mode to reduce fuel waste. To help with drive-throughs and redlights, the 2025 Kia Soul has idle stop-and-go. 

To get the trim level you want is easy. You can get a loan from Earnhardt Peoria Kia.  

It all starts with this simple pre-approval application.   

At an MSRP of $20,090, the Soul price is still one of the least expensive in the marketplace. For most trims, there’s only a $300 difference from last year, although there are more benefits to your purchase.

The S Soul price starts at $22,790 MSRP.  This trim level is packed with comforts, including a 10-way power chair, dual-zone climate controls, and a wireless charging pad. 

With red accents for spice, the GT-Line wears SynTex-fabric combination. Other favorite details include a wireless charger and a special D-shaped steering wheel. All this GT-Line fun starts at $23,890 MSRP. 

Still under $25,000, the EX Soul price starts at $24,590 MSRP. Stylish and refined, this Soul trim level wears premium upholstery and a sunroof. EX drivers have a leather-clad steering wheel.  Despite its elevated style, it’s more utilitarian with its 12-volt power outlet, cargo cover, and interior LED lighting.

Between its remarkable fuel efficiency and long-term warranty, the Soul promises low ownership costs as well the fun of a stylish contemporary ride.

Why not schedule a test drive of the 2025 Kia Soul?  We’ve always got a good selection at Earnhardt Kia dealer Peoria AZ.