Once a beloved first car for young professionals and an icon that captured the hearts of the youth with its distinctive personality, Kia’s Soul will finally fade into history after 17 years.
Kia recently announced that it will discontinue production of the Soul after the 2025 model year.
A design icon that sold 2.33 million units worldwide
When it first launched in 2008, the Soul quickly became a must-have for young professionals with its groundbreaking design that blurred the lines between sedans and SUVs.
Its unique boxy shape and practical interior perfectly resonated with younger buyers’ desire to express their individuality.
Over the past 17 years, it sold an impressive 2.33 million units globally, significantly boosting Kia’s brand recognition in the U.S. market.
Why axe a strong seller? Kia shifts focus to more profitable models
Surprisingly, the Soul still enjoys high popularity overseas.
Last year alone, it exported tens of thousands of units, particularly to the North American market, showcasing its continued relevance. However, Kia made the difficult decision to discontinue the model due to harsh business realities.
Kia decided to concentrate its efforts on producing the Sportage, Seltos, and the next-generation electric vehicle, EV3, instead of the lower-margin, small box car segment.
The production line at the Gwangju Plant, where the Soul was manufactured, will now be converted to produce higher-value models.
Unmatched personality at its price point… A symbol of youth disappears
Consumers feel particularly nostalgic about the Soul’s discontinuation due to its unmatched value and practicality.
Many praised it as the most rational choice available in the 20 million KRW (15,000 USD) range, noting, “It may look small, but it carries an enormous amount of cargo.” Its high roof and excellent visibility made it an ideal option for new drivers, but now more expensive SUVs will take its place.
After hearing the news, netizens reacted passionately, saying, “I can’t believe my first car is disappearing,” “I really wanted this car in my 20s; it’s disappointing,” “It’s sad to see affordable, unique cars vanish because they don’t make enough profit,” and “Will I only see the boxy Soul as a used car now?”
Editor’s Take: A 17-year run comes to an end as the youthful legend hits the wall of ‘efficiency.’ The Soul’s distinctive boxy charm will now live on as a cherished memory for those who once owned it as their first car.
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