2025 Kia Soul EX: The Most Affordable New SUV?

The Enduring Kia Soul

• 💡 The 2025 Kia Soul is highlighted as the most affordable new SUV, outlasting competitors like the Honda Element, Nissan Cube, and Scion XB.
• ⚠️ Its continued production is attributed to current economic situations and vehicle pricing, keeping the Soul relevant.

Exterior Design and Features

• 🎨 The "Surfer Blue" exterior is discussed, with comparisons to other blues and its unique appeal.
• 💡 The front features a unique, angular headlight design using traditional incandescent bulbs to maintain a lower price point.
• ⚙️ The EX trim includes 18-inch machine aluminum wheels with a gunmetal metallic gray finish and 235/45R18 tires.
• 🖤 A two-tone design with a black roof and gloss black mirror caps is noted, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic.

Powertrain and Performance

• 🚀 The sole engine option is a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-four producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT.
• 💨 Performance figures include 0-60 mph in approximately 8 seconds and a 1/4 mile in 16.3 seconds, with a top speed of 120 mph.
• ⛽ Excellent fuel economy is a key selling point: 27 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, with front-wheel drive only.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior features soft-touch materials, a unique design on the door panels with a "Babe Ruth baseball glove" colored armrest, and Harman Kardon sound system.
• 📱 A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is integrated into the dash, featuring familiar Kia apps, a clear backup camera with trajectory lines, and physical knobs for audio controls.
• 🔌 Dual climate control, wireless charging, a 12V outlet, USB-A, and USB-C ports are included.
• 💺 Seats are described as comfortable and classy with grippy cloth, bolstering, and manual adjustments for the passenger, with electric assist for the driver.
• 📊 The digital gauge cluster can change color (red for sport, purple for normal) and offers plenty of headroom due to the boxy shape.

Rear Seat and Cargo Space

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The rear seat offers ample room for a subcompact, with soft-touch materials, a pocket, two USB-C ports, and a comfortable armrest.
• 📦 The cargo area provides 24 cubic feet of space, expandable to 51 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down, offering a relatively flat loading floor.
• 🛠️ A spare tire is located under the cargo floor.

Driving Experience and Value

• ✅ The 2025 Kia Soul EX is praised for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and impressive features for its price point, including dual climate control and heated seats.
• ⚠️ Acceleration is noted as a weak point, and the manual shifting via the shifter is functional but counter-intuitive (backwards gear selection).
• 🌟 Overall, the vehicle is considered a surprising and impressive option for those seeking an affordable, versatile small crossover SUV, offering good space and features in a compact package.