So the hamster is finally retiring. After years of being the quirkiest box on wheels, the Kia Soul is officially driving into the sunset after the 2025 model year.
Let’s be real—nobody saw this car coming when it first hit the streets. It was square, it was funky, and it had those ads with dancing hamsters that made you either laugh or cringe. But you know what? It worked. In a world of lookalike crossovers and sedans, the Soul stood out like a neon sign in a foggy night.
It wasn’t just a car; it was a statement. It told the world you didn’t take yourself too seriously. You valued space, practicality, and a little bit of personality—all without breaking the bank. The Soul proved that you didn’t need a luxury badge or a six-figure price tag to stand out. You just needed the courage to be different.
But times change. The auto industry is sprinting toward electrification, SUVs are eating everything in sight, and even Kia’s design language has evolved into something sharper and more “mature.” In that context, the Soul’s retirement isn’t shocking—it was inevitable. Still, it stings.
We’re losing more than just a car. We’re losing a piece of automotive culture that celebrated individuality in an era of conformity. The Soul was for the artists, the students, the young families, the city dwellers—anyone who wanted a little flair without the fuss.
So here’s to you, Kia Soul. Thanks for making it cool to be different. Thanks for the spacious cabins, the punchy turbo options, and those ridiculous but lovable hamster commercials. The roads are going to feel a little less colorful without you.
What do you think—will there ever be another car like the Soul, or is the era of the funky, affordable hatchback officially over? Drop your thoughts below.
