Kia Soul Review for 2025
The Kia Soul review for 2025 highlights everything buyers love about this unique and value-packed subcompact crossover. With a starting price below that of other Kia crossovers like the Seltos, Niro, and Sportage, the Soul continues to provide standout utility, surprising tech features, and strong value for budget-conscious shoppers.
Despite lacking all-wheel drive (AWD), the Kia Soul competes closely with affordable small SUVs like the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Venue, and Nissan Kicks. For 2025, Kia introduces the new “Soulmate” special-edition package, adding premium flair to an already well-equipped car.
In this in-depth Kia Soul review, we’ll explore performance, comfort, design, technology, fuel economy, storage, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
1. Performance and Driving Experience
- The 2025 Kia Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower.
- It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimics traditional automatic shifts.
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 8.5 seconds, which is solid for this class.
Key Driving Characteristics
- Responsive Around Town: The Soul feels agile and light in city driving.
- Smooth Steering: Light steering effort that builds naturally, offering decent road feedback.
- Confident Cornering: Comparable to sportier rivals like the Mazda CX-30.
- Touchy Brakes at Low Speeds: Braking may feel overly sensitive at first but improves with familiarity.
Note: The Soul does not offer AWD, which limits its appeal in snowy climates.
2. Interior Comfort and Seating
- Front Seats: Cushioned and supportive, even for long drives.
- Rear Seats: Fixed seatback angle, but it’s set for optimal comfort.
- Ride Quality: Firm yet controlled, avoiding the harshness typical in subcompacts.
Noise Levels
- Minimal wind noise from the upright windshield.
- Slight tire noise at highway speeds, but not enough to disturb conversations.
3. Interior Layout and Design
- Ergonomics: Simple layout with intuitive touchscreen and physical controls.
- Spacious Cabin: Surprising roominess for both front and rear passengers.
- Entry and Exit: Tall roofline and wide doors make getting in and out easy.
Visibility
- Tall windows provide excellent outward visibility.
- Slight blind spot due to the upturned rear-quarter window.
Design Touches
- Textured trim adds visual interest.
- Synthetic leather on armrests and a leather-wrapped steering wheel elevate cabin quality.
4. Technology and Infotainment
- Standard Features:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rearview camera
- Available Features:
- 10.2-inch touchscreen (standard on all but base trim)
- Harman Kardon premium audio
- Wireless phone charging
Driver Assistance Tech
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
All systems performed well during testing, with minimal false alerts.
5. Storage and Cargo Space
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cargo Volume (seats up) | 24.2 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (seats down) | 62.1 cu ft |
- Deep Cargo Well: Helps with loading tall items.
- Fold-Down Seats: Create a large flat surface, although a hump behind the seats may obstruct long objects.
Interior Storage
- Numerous small bins and cupholders in front.
- Rear seats offer average storage, though car seat installation is tricky due to deep anchor placement.
6. Fuel Economy
- EPA Estimate: 30–31 mpg combined (city/highway)
- Real-World Testing: May fall short of estimates, especially with heavy city driving.
Comparison Table:
| Vehicle | EPA Combined MPG |
|---|---|
| Kia Soul | 30–31 |
| Nissan Kicks | 33 |
| Hyundai Venue | 31 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 30 |
7. Trims and Features
Trim Levels:
- LX (Base)
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Basic audio system
- No blind-spot warning
- S
- 10.2-inch touchscreen
- Wireless phone charger
- Blind-spot monitoring
- EX
- Upgraded interior materials
- Dual-zone climate control
- Optional Harman Kardon system
- Soulmate Edition (New for 2025)
- 18-inch wheels
- Two-tone roof
- Unique cloth/synthetic leather seats
- Upgraded audio system
8. Safety and Driver Assistance
- Standard Safety Features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rearview Camera
- Available Advanced Features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
Crash Test Ratings: Not yet rated for 2025, but past models have received top marks from IIHS and NHTSA.
9. Value and Warranty Coverage
- Base Price: Starting under $21,000
- Fully Loaded: Around $25,000 with premium features
Warranty Coverage
| Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
- Interior Quality: No soft-touch dash, but armrests and wheel feel premium.
- Materials: Durable and well-finished for the price point.
- Long-Term Ownership: Strong value backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.
10. Competitors to Consider
- Chevrolet Trax: Similar price and size, but less interior space.
- Hyundai Venue: Close cousin, comparable tech, better MPG.
- Nissan Kicks: More efficient but slower and less refined.
- Kia Seltos: For buyers needing AWD and more upscale features.
- Kia Niro: Hybrid efficiency for eco-minded buyers.
11. Kia Soul review
The Kia Soul review reveals a subcompact crossover that punches above its weight. From its versatile cargo space and user-friendly tech to its low starting price and generous warranty, the 2025 Soul continues to be a smart choice for practical drivers. It’s not an SUV in the traditional sense — lacking AWD — but it provides most of the utility drivers need in urban and suburban settings.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, efficient, and spacious vehicle with personality, the Kia Soul deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
