Generation history
Kia Soul generations and next redesign.
The Kia Soul has been through 3 generations, starting in 2008, 2013 and 2019. The gaps were 5, 6 years, an average of 5.5. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2019. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2024 through 2026, centered on 2025. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: Kia unveiled the third-generation Soul and second-generation Soul EV (e-Soul in some markets) at the 2018 LA Auto Show. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Kia Soul model page.
Every generation
The Kia Soul, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|
| First generation | AM | 2008–2013 | Once in production, the Soul's interior plastics and a harsh ride became points of criticism, and both were upgraded during the first year of production. |
|---|
| Second generation | PS | 2013–2019 | Unveiled at the 2013 New York and Frankfurt auto shows, the second generation Soul is based on Kia's Track'ster concept, and offers an increase in torsional rigidity of 28.7%, wheelbase increased to 2,570 mm (101.2 in), width increased to 1,800 mm (70.9 in) and the same overall height of 1,600 mm (63.0 in). |
|---|
| Third generation | SK3 | 2019–present | Kia unveiled the third-generation Soul and second-generation Soul EV (e-Soul in some markets) at the 2018 LA Auto Show. |
|---|
The Kia Soul spent 5.5 years per generation on average. The current one is 7 years old. Treat 2024 to 2026 as a range, not a date.
Source: Kia Soul (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Kia Soul model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Kia Soul generation changed.
Second generation, 2013 to 2019
Unveiled at the 2013 New York and Frankfurt auto shows, the second generation Soul is based on Kia's Track'ster concept, and offers an increase in torsional rigidity of 28.7%, wheelbase increased to 2,570 mm (101.2 in), width increased to 1,800 mm (70.9 in) and the same overall height of 1,600 mm (63.0 in). The redesign features a wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted taillights, a large trapezoidal lower air intake, and a "floating" body color panel set into the liftgate.
Third generation, 2019 to today
Kia unveiled the third-generation Soul and second-generation Soul EV (e-Soul in some markets) at the 2018 LA Auto Show. Unlike earlier models, it has thin lights as headlights, with the large grille remaining. An X-Line trim became optional. Initial models in the US include two engine options, a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine or a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.
Generation notes adapted from Kia Soul (Wikipedia).
Today's Kia Soul
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Kia Soul at a glance
- Production
- 2008–2025
- Model years
- 2009–2025
- Class
- Subcompact crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door hatchback
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
NHTSA rated the 2025 Kia Soul overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (4 campaigns across the latest model years)
- February 2025, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage. Consequence: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- December 2023, Air Bags. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly. Consequence: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- July 2023, Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Fluid/Lubricant:Pump. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat. Consequence: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Soul, most often about exterior lighting (4), unknown or other (3), lane departure (2).