The Hamsters Have Exited: Kia Ceases Production of the Soul After 16 Years | Carscoops

      Only a few thousand examples remain at dealerships across the U.S.

      Kia has announced that production of the Soul will conclude in October 2025, following 1.5 million sales in the U.S.

      The Soul's famous hamster commercials played a significant role in establishing Kia as a well-known brand.

      Once considered an unusual choice, this small crossover leaves behind a remarkable legacy.

      It marks the conclusion of an era for one of Kia’s most significant creations. After 16 years and over 1.5 million units sold, production of the Soul will cease at the end of this month. What started as a small, boxy oddity became a key model that helped redefine Kia’s image. Without it, the brand may not have achieved its current success.

      A Distinctive Design

      Launched in 2009, the Soul featured a design that departed from the norm. Compared to other compact cars of the time, which tended to have rounded shapes, the squared-off Soul stood out, with few exceptions like the Scion xB and Nissan Cube.

      The Kia design team in the U.S. drew inspiration from a ‘boar with a backpack’ to craft a vehicle that was rugged and practical yet not overly large. Upon reaching production, this distinctive shape remained and turned out to be very successful.

      Additionally, the introduction of unconventional advertising contributed to its popularity. Animated hamsters depicted the Soul as the trendiest vehicle on wheels, dancing to music from Black Sheep and LMFAO, creating a viral campaign before the term "viral" was ever widely used.

      Throughout its life, the Soul has been a canvas for innovative designs, featuring concepts like convertible versions and track-oriented models. Although these never went into production, they maintained the essence of the Soul.

      “The Soul was essential in establishing Kia's presence in the U.S., and the unique nature of this vehicle—along with its marketing—has helped Kia reach its current position,” stated Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales at Kia America.

      “Kia is on course to achieve its third consecutive annual sales record and reach an all-time high in market share, thanks to the foundation laid by the Soul. While we are proud of the legacy it leaves as it exits our lineup, we are also eager for the bright future of Kia’s diverse and award-winning utility vehicle range.”

      It's important to mention that sales are not what they used to be. They peaked in 2015 and have not regained those levels since. However, there are still several thousand Souls available at dealerships across the U.S., and these vehicles continue to offer something unique.

      These models combine practicality, style, efficiency, and individuality into an affordable package. If this aligns with what you're looking for, consider purchasing one while you can, as such cars are becoming increasingly rare.