Farewell, Hamsters: The Kia Soul is No More

      A side-by-side comparison of the first- and second-generation Kia Soul. Kia

      The current Kia is vastly different from the Kia of 15 years ago, and even more so from the Kia of the ’90s. However, it wouldn’t have achieved its current status without the distinctive and quirky Soul, which established the brand's unique identity for the first time. Kia was no longer just a cost-effective but lower-quality alternative to Toyota and Honda; with the Soul, it offered something uniquely different. As a result, the boxy hatchback, commonly associated with hamsters and Stormtroopers, will discontinue after the 2025 model year.

      Indeed, Kia has confirmed the Soul will be phased out once the existing stock is sold. This nameplate debuted in 2008, during a period that rekindled enthusiasm for small cars in this country for the first time in years. This shift was largely influenced by the aftermath of economic downturns, but the Soul resonated with consumers as it proved that affordable transportation does not have to be dull, unattractive, or cramped.

      Similar to the Honda Fit, the Soul could accommodate more cargo than expected. Additionally, the advertising campaigns significantly contributed to the car's optimistic image in the American consciousness, supported by a group of cool hamsters. It’s hard to decide what’s more surprising in a 2010 commercial: the CGI hamsters playing basketball like they’re in NBA Street or the first-generation model's starting price of under $14,000.

      The 2025 Kia Soul. Kia

      The Soul also marked a significant design improvement for Kia (and Hyundai) in the late 2000s, being one of the initial products influenced by Peter Schreyer, who moved from the Volkswagen Group to the South Korean automakers in 2006. From that point, the brand only continued to improve.

      The Soul is now exiting the market with its third generation. In a farewell announcement today, Kia noted that over the years, the Soul's appeal extended beyond its original target demographic of younger buyers, drawing in “an older demographic that Kia soon recognized shared the same adventurous spirit.” Much like the Honda Element, the Soul demonstrated that innovative design can transcend age groups. Its exit leaves the K4 as the brand’s most affordable model, priced at $23,185.

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