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CGI reimagines the Soul as Kia pushes a fresh small-car ethos
Kia and Hyundai closed 2025 on a high note in the US, posting record sales — approximately 852,000 units for Kia America and nearly 902,000 for Hyundai Motor America. Riding that momentum, Kia is expected to keep adding new models and refreshing existing nameplates. One digital concept that has caught the public eye imagines the 2027 Kia Soul following the styling direction introduced by the second-generation Seltos.
What the CGI render shows
Digital artist Dimas Ramadhan of Digimods DESIGN has released a detailed CGI render that proposes a bold redesign for the 2027 Kia Soul. The hypothetical Soul keeps the familiar boxy silhouette but borrows several cues from Kia's latest compact models.
Highlights from the render:
- A revamped front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights that frame the nose.
- Headlights appear integrated into a wider tiger-nose grille for a sleeker, modern look.
- The Soul's characteristic upright, almost playful profile remains largely intact, preserving its subcompact crossover identity.
- A distinctive rear treatment: a full-width LED light bar that also includes raised vertical elements flanking the tailgate for a unique signature at night.
These changes suggest a balancing act between retaining the Soul's recognizability and bringing it in line with Kia's current family styling language as exemplified by the second-gen Seltos.
Design inspiration and context
The current Soul generation, internally known as SK3, debuted in 2019 with a facelift in 2023. That lifecycle puts a generational update squarely on the table for the next few years. The CGI concept leverages the same geometric cues and surface treatments Kia has been applying to its smaller crossovers, which helps the Soul concept look plausible rather than far-fetched.
Market positioning and pricing perspective
With the Nissan Versa discontinued, Kia and Hyundai now offer some of the most affordable choices in the US subcompact segment. The 2026 Hyundai Venue starts around $20,550 (excluding destination), and the Kia Soul has been positioned even lower historically, with a 2025 MSRP listed at $20,490. That affordability is a major factor in keeping small crossovers like the Soul relevant in the volume market.
Performance, interior and powertrains
The CGI project focuses on exterior styling and offers no details about powertrains or interior layout. Kia may continue to offer gasoline engines, hybrid variants, or even electrified options depending on market strategy and regulations, but official specs remain speculative.
Why this matters for Kia and buyers
Kia is juggling strong sales and a broader product offensive that includes performance EVs, new family crossovers, and refreshed models across segments. Whether Kia revives the Soul with this design direction, keeps it in the US alongside a North American Seltos refresh, or shifts focus to other segments will affect buyers seeking affordable, characterful small crossovers.
Key takeaways:
- The CGI Soul blends boxy charm with modern Kia cues.
- Exterior tweaks modernize lighting and the fascia while protecting the Soul's identity.
- Powertrain and interior remain unknown; official confirmation from Kia is still pending.
Final thought
The Digimods DESIGN render is an intriguing preview of how Kia might evolve the Soul. It respects the model's quirky past while pushing for a premium, contemporary look. Would you welcome a Soul that mirrors the second-gen Seltos, or do you prefer the current Soul's unique character? Share your take.
Source: autoevolution
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