If you’re looking for a new Kia on a budget, you have the following options: you can buy the Forte sedan now for $19,990, wait until the 2025 model year when the Forte is replaced by the K4, or spend your hard-earned money on the Soul. The Soulmate is the biggest change compared to the 2024 model year, with a price increase of $100.
The Kia Soulmate is a limited edition that’s better described as an upgrade package; it’s not available on the GT-Line, the better-equipped S, or the entry-level LX. It’s exclusive to the EX and upgrades this grade with an attractive mix of features and fashion, starting with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Additional Kia upgrades include fabric and synthetics on the seats, a two-tone roof, lower body cladding, and premium audio from the Harman Kardon team at Amber. Sadly, Kia neglected to specify the additional cost of this item in the EX’s MSRP.
The EX is priced higher than the GT-Line ($23,890 for the GT-Line), starting at $24,590 excluding the $1,375 destination charge. Customers interested in the S will have to pay $22,790 plus freight, while the generously equipped LX starts at $20,290. For the price quoted above, what are you getting? For the lowest-level LX trim, expect 16-inch alloys, remote keyless entry, an immobilizer and rear-view monitor, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and auto emergency braking.
Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning complete the list. The Kia Soul is a useful crossover with rear seats that can be folded from 60 to 40 percent and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated I4 engine produces 147 mechanical horsepower at 4,500 revolutions per minute and 132 pound-feet (179 Nm) of torque that powers all grades.
With port injection instead of direct fuel injection, the 2.0L MPI can achieve combined test cycle fuel economy of 31 or 30 miles per gallon. In metric terms, that’s 7.8 or 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers. Reasonably economical for a compact crossover, especially considering that port fuel injection uses less petrol than direct injectors.
If you’re willing to spend a little extra money on the S trim, the Kia Soul is better, with the ability to travel up to 443 miles (713 kilometers) on a single charge. Highlights include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone auto climate control, power lumbar support for the power driver seat, wireless phone charger, smart key with push-button start and remote start, integrated navigation, and alloys instead of steelies with plastic covers.
As the name suggests, the GT-Line is the most aggressive specification available. Along with unique cosmetic enhancements like 18-inch alloy wheels, it also gets a motorized sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather gearshift knob. An extremely refined version of the Soul is the EX. It differentiates itself from the GT-Line trim level with heated front seats, heated mirrors, premium tricot fabric seat trim, and dual-level cargo boards.
The Soul sold 28,465 units domestically in the first half of 2024, compared to 34,747 Souls shipped in the first half of 2023. The Sportage is the brand’s most popular car in this region of the world, with 79,853 and 71,889 deliveries respectively.