After 16 years, the Kia Soul bids farewell

Kia says goodbye to the funky Soul crossover

Fans of Kia's funky crossover will only have until this year to buy one or pay their respects. That's because the Korean automaker has officially announced that the Kia Soul is set to retire for the 2025 model year.

First launched back in 2009, the first-generation Soul featured a boxy yet stylish design that made it stand out from other crossovers. With its hatchback-like proportions, funky exterior, and peppy powertrain options, the Kia Soul not only looked good but was also a practical and stylish vehicle.

The Kia Soul made its Philippine debut in 2009 and was an immediate standout choice for new car buyers at the time. However, it was also quite expensive, as the top-of-the-line 2.0L EX had a price tag of PHP 1.32 million. Kia then introduced a semi-base model via the 1.6L in 2011, which was priced at a more budget-friendly PHP 875,000.

Kia Philippines then followed it up with the second-generation model that was launched in 2014 as a 2015 model year. Instead of having gasoline-powered engines, Kia decided to bring the turbo-diesel 1.6L, which made a respectable 128 PS with 260 Nm of torque. Gone is the four-speed automatic, as it was replaced with a new 6-speed automatic transmission.

Unfortunately for us, Kia Philippines discontinued the Soul after the second-generation model. That meant we didn't get our hands on the third-generation Soul, which was launched in the US in late 2018. It still comes with a funky design but trades its cutesy looks for sporty aesthetics.

The Soul then received a facelift in 2022 for the 2023 model year, resulting in a sleeker and more dynamic appearance. For its last iteration, the Soul was only offered with a 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-four that makes 149 PS with 179 Nm of torque. It is then paired to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) that drives the front wheels. It used to be available with a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder that made 201 PS with 264 Nm of torque, but Kia dropped it from the lineup.

Production of the Kia Soul is expected to end in October 2025, with just a few thousand units remaining at US dealerships, where the crossover continues to be quite popular. Do you have fond memories of the Kia Soul? Let us know in the comments.