If you're in the market for a brand-new Kia on a budget, you can go Forte sedan at $19,990 from the outset, wait for the Forte-replacing K4 to launch for the 2025 model year, or spend your hard-earned money on the Soul. Pricing went up $100 for the 2025 model year, whose biggest change over 2024 is the Soulmate.
A special edition that's better described as an upgrade package, Soulmate cannot be had on the entry-level LX, the better-equipped S, or the GT-Line. It’s exclusive to the EX, elevating this grade with a rather tempting combination of style and features, beginning with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrades further include Umber for the interior colors, a two-tone roof, lower body cladding, premium audio from the folks at Harman Kardon, as well as cloth and SynTex on the seats. Unfortunately, Kia didn't bother mentioning how much this package adds to the MSRP of the EX.
EX slots above the GT-Line, kicking off at $24,590 excluding the $1,375 destination charge as opposed to $23,890 for the GT-Line. Customers eyeing the S need to shell out $22,790 plus freight, whereas $20,290 is the starting price of the nicely-equipped LX. What are you getting for the aforementioned prices? Think 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, an immobilizer, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Rear-View Monitor, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Auto Emergency Braking for the entry-level LX trim.
The list continues with Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. A practical crossover with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, the Soul comes with a continuously variable transmission across the board. All grades rely on a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated I4 with 147 mechanical ponies and 132 pound-feet (179 Nm) of torque to its name at 4,500 revolutions per minute.
Photo: Kia
Gifted with port injection rather than direct fuel injection, the 2.0L MPI drinks fuel to the tune of either 31 or 30 miles to the gallon on the combined test cycle. That's 7.8 or 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers in the metric system. Adequately frugal for a small crossover, especially when you remember that port fuel injection is inferior to direct injectors when it comes to fuel economy.
Theoretically capable of up to 443 miles (713 kilometers) on a full tank, the Soul gets better if you're willing to pony up a few more bucks on the S trim. Alloys instead of steelies with plastic covers, dual-zone auto climate control, 10.25 inches for the touchscreen infotainment system, built-in navigation, smart key with push-button start and remote start, a wireless phone charger, power lumbar support for the power driver's seat, and more driver-assist goodies are the highlights.
As implied, GT-Line is the sportiest specification of the bunch. Not only does it feature specific styling upgrades that include 18-inch alloys, but also rocks a power sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather gearshift knob. EX is a more elegant take on the Soul. A dual-level cargo board, premium tricot cloth seat trim, heated front seats, and heated mirrors help this fellow stand out from the GT-Line trim level.
The Soul moved 28,465 units in the first half of 2024 stateside, which is a downturn from the 34,747 examples delivered in the first six months of 2023. The brand's most popular vehicle in this part of the world is the Sportage, which clocked 79,853 and 71,889 deliveries, respectively.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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