The Kia Soul has always been a quirky and fun-loving compact crossover, known for its boxy design, vibrant personality, and impressive value. For 2025, Kia is spicing things up with the introduction of the Soulmate Special Edition, a new trim level that adds a touch of sophistication and premium features to the Soul lineup. Let’s delve deeper into what this new edition brings to the table and how it enhances the Soul’s appeal.
Exterior Design: A Bold and Distinctive Presence
The Soulmate Special Edition builds upon the Soul’s already eye-catching design with a few exclusive touches that make it stand out from the crowd.
- Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels: The Soulmate rolls on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with a design exclusive to this trim level, adding a touch of sportiness and flair to the exterior.
- Two-Tone Roof: A black roof complements the Soulmate’s vibrant body colors, creating a visually striking contrast that enhances its unique character.
- Lower Body Cladding: The Soulmate features additional lower body cladding, which not only adds to its rugged appeal but also provides extra protection against minor bumps and scratches.
- Umber Interior Color Scheme: Step inside the Soulmate, and you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting umber interior color scheme. This rich brown hue adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to the cabin, creating a more premium feel compared to the standard Soul’s interior.
Interior Design and Features: A Comfortable and Tech-Savvy Haven
The interior of the Soulmate Special Edition is designed to be both comfortable and tech-savvy, offering a range of features that enhance the driving experience.
- SynTex and Cloth Seating: The Soulmate features a unique combination of SynTex (Kia’s synthetic leather) and cloth seating. This not only adds to the interior’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a comfortable and supportive seating experience.
- Harman Kardon Premium Audio System: Music lovers will appreciate the Soulmate’s standard Harman Kardon premium audio system. This audio system delivers crisp, clear sound with a wide range of frequencies, making every drive a more enjoyable experience.
- Infotainment and Connectivity: The Soulmate comes standard with Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Available upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a wireless charging pad.
- Driver Assistance Technologies: The Soulmate comes standard with a suite of driver assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Available upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Performance and Efficiency: A Spirited and Fuel-Efficient Powertrain
The Soulmate Special Edition, like the rest of the 2025 Soul lineup, is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth and efficient power delivery.
While the Soulmate isn’t the quickest car on the road, it offers a peppy and engaging driving experience thanks to its light weight and responsive handling. The Soulmate’s fuel economy is also impressive, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Trim Levels and Pricing: A Variety of Options to Suit Your Needs
The 2025 Kia Soul is available in four trim levels: LX, S, GT-Line, and EX. The Soulmate Special Edition is available exclusively on the EX trim level.
Here’s a breakdown of the starting MSRP for each trim level:
- LX: $21,665
- S: $24,165
- GT-Line: $25,265
- EX: $25,965 (Soulmate Special Edition adds $1,000)
As you can see, the Soulmate Special Edition adds a premium of $1,000 to the price of the EX trim level. However, considering the additional features and styling upgrades that come with it, it’s a reasonable price to pay for those who want a more upscale Soul experience.
Driving Impressions: Fun and Functional
Behind the wheel, the 2025 Kia Soul Soulmate Special Edition delivers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, and the CVT transmission ensures smooth and efficient shifts.
The Soulmate’s handling is nimble and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections with ease. However, the Soulmate isn’t the sportiest car in its class, and its steering could use a bit more feedback.
The Soulmate’s interior is a pleasant place to spend time. The umber color scheme is warm and inviting, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. The Harman Kardon audio system is a real treat, delivering crisp and clear sound that’s perfect for listening to music or podcasts.
The infotainment system is easy to use, and the touchscreen display is responsive and intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, making it easy to connect your smartphone to the car.
Overall, the 2025 Kia Soul Soulmate Special Edition is a fun and functional car that’s perfect for city dwellers and young families. It’s stylish, comfortable, and efficient, and it comes with a long list of standard features. The Soulmate Special Edition adds a touch of sophistication and premium features that make it an even more appealing option.
Conclusion: An Urban Crossover with Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul Soulmate Special Edition is a testament to Kia’s commitment to providing value and style in the compact crossover segment. With its unique blend of quirky design, practical features, and efficient performance, the Soul has always been a popular choice among young and young-at-heart drivers.
The Soulmate Special Edition takes the Soul’s appeal to the next level with its exclusive styling upgrades, premium interior features, and advanced technology. Whether you’re looking for a stylish city car or a practical family vehicle, the Soulmate Special Edition is a worthy contender.
