Kia Soul Bids Farewell as Production Concludes in 2025

Kia ends production of the Soul after 16 years and 1.5 million U.S. sales, marking the close of an era that reshaped the brand and pop culture.

Kia is bringing an end to one of its most recognizable models — the Soul. After sixteen years and more than 1.5 million units sold in the U.S., the car that defined individuality and urban character is reaching the end of its production in October 2025, with only a few thousand vehicles remaining at dealerships.

The Soul was born from an unconventional idea at Kia Design Center America, where designer Mike Torpey was inspired by a documentary about wild boars. His sketch of a “boar with a backpack” became the foundation for the 2006 concept, whose bold spirit carried into the first production model and marked the beginning of Kia’s design-led transformation.

Marketing played an equally crucial role in the Soul’s legacy. The campaign featuring the hip-hop “Ham-stars,” created by David&Goliath, turned the model into a cultural phenomenon. Dancing hamsters to songs by Black Sheep and LMFAO earned Kia awards like the Effie and the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame’s “Rookie of the Year.” The Soul became an example of how clever storytelling can elevate a compact car into a pop icon.

Over the years, the model inspired creative concepts such as the Soul’ster, Track’ster, and Trail’ster. While an all-wheel-drive version never materialized, its design language and customer demand helped shape the Kia Seltos crossover. The Soul was also a frequent highlight at SEMA, appearing as a mobile DJ booth or even an all-electric ice cream truck.

Now Kia’s focus shifts toward electrification. Upcoming models like the EV3, EV9, and the new K4 hatchback will carry forward the brand’s urban-friendly spirit. The end of the Soul’s production feels less like a farewell and more like the natural closing of a chapter that reshaped Kia’s identity and set the stage for its electric future.