{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"March 8, 2026 | Bonus Episode: Farewell to the Kia Soul, the quirky hatchback that defied the odds","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-8-2026-bonus-episode-farewell-to-the-kia-soul-the-quirky-hatchback-that-defied-the-odds","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18804171-march-8-2026-bonus-episode-farewell-to-the-kia-soul-the-quirky-hatchback-that-defied-the-odds.mp3","description":"After 17 years and 1.5 million units sold, Kia is ending production of the Soul, its all-time bestselling vehicle in the U.S. Reporter Richard Truett joins Jake Neher to discuss why the quirky, affordable hatchback earned such devoted fans across all demographics, what went wrong with competitors such as the Scion xB and Honda Element, and whether we’re losing the era of affordable, personality-driven cars as automakers move upmarket."},"annotations":[{"startTime":32.08,"endTime":38.12,"type":"car","title":"Kia Soul","url":"/cars/kia/soul","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/2012_Kia_Soul_1_1.6_%28Front%29.jpg","quote":"...hard Truett had a story about the end of the Kia  Soul. For a certain number of people, it was one of th...","canonicalId":"car:kia:soul","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Soul is a distinctive compact crossover known for its boxy shape and youthful appeal. It has developed a dedicated following due to its unique style and practicality. The mention of its 'end' likely refers to a significant change or discontinuation, marking the close of an era for some fans.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Soul is a small car that looks different from most others because it’s box-shaped. People like it because it’s fun and useful, but it sounds like they might stop making it soon.","imageAttribution":"DieselFordMondeo (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":220.3,"endTime":226.7,"type":"term","title":"CVT","url":"/glossary/cvt","quote":"over the years, there have been bigger engines and manual transmissions and EV versions and CVTs and there's a special edition when in 2018, when they sold a million, they made a one millionth edition.","canonicalId":"term:cvt","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and can improve fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A CVT is a kind of car transmission that changes gears smoothly without you noticing steps. It helps the car use fuel better and makes driving easier."}},{"startTime":226.7,"endTime":238.9,"type":"concept","title":"special edition","url":"/glossary/special-edition","quote":"CVTs and there's a special edition when in 2018, when they sold a million, they made a one millionth edition. And so, you know, they worked to keep it fresh too. It's not like they just, you know, didn't change it. They worked to keep it fresh.","canonicalId":"concept:special-edition","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A special edition is a limited production version of a car that often includes unique features, styling, or badges to celebrate milestones or events. These editions can be more collectible or have added value.","simplifiedExplanation":"A special edition car is a version made in smaller numbers with some extra cool features or designs to celebrate something special, like selling a million cars."}},{"startTime":254.54,"endTime":259.96,"type":"car","title":"Scion Xb","url":"/cars/scion/xb","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/2005_Scion_xB_RS_2.0_Solar_Yellow.jpg","quote":"I hope that's not too demeaning of a term, but, you know, like the Scion XB, the Honda element, you know, those ones sort of failed.","canonicalId":"car:scion:xb","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Scion xB is a boxy compact car produced by Toyota's Scion brand, known for its unique styling and appeal to younger buyers. Despite its distinct design, it did not achieve the same commercial success as some competitors.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Scion xB is a small car that looks like a box and was made for young people. It was different but didn't sell as well as some other cars.","imageAttribution":"BTRand1 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":254.54,"endTime":259.96,"type":"car","title":"Honda Element","url":"/cars/honda/element","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2003-2006_Honda_Element_--_08-28-2011.jpg","quote":"I hope that's not too demeaning of a term, but, you know, like the Scion XB, the Honda element, you know, those ones sort of failed.","canonicalId":"car:honda:element","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV known for its boxy shape, versatile interior, and practical features. It was marketed as a lifestyle vehicle but was discontinued due to limited sales.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Element is a small SUV that looks like a box and has a flexible inside space. It was made for people with active lifestyles but didn't sell enough to keep making it.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":324.1,"endTime":329.16,"type":"car","title":"Honda Crv","url":"/cars/honda/cr-v","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/2018_Honda_CR-V_%28RW_MY18%29_%2BSport_2WD_wagon_%282018-10-22%29_01.jpg","quote":"... then they had competition from this at their own CRV and whatnot. And that kind of just faded  away. T...","canonicalId":"car:honda:cr-v","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It has been a significant player in the SUV market, often setting standards for competitors. The mention suggests it was a strong competitor in its segment, influencing market dynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda CR-V is a popular small SUV that many people like because it’s easy to drive, doesn’t use too much gas, and has plenty of room inside. It’s often talked about because it’s one of the best-selling cars in its category.","imageAttribution":"EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":329.2,"endTime":334.7,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Cube","url":"/cars/nissan/cube","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/2002_Nissan_Cube_light_blue_front.jpg","quote":"The Nissan Cube was always going to be one of those cars that was really out there. I mean, it was designed for the Japanese market and cars over there tend to be really, really wacky.","canonicalId":"car:nissan:cube","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Cube is a uniquely styled compact car with a boxy shape, originally designed for the Japanese market. Its unconventional looks made it less popular in mainstream markets.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Cube is a small car that looks very different from most cars because it is shaped like a box. It was made in Japan and not many people in other countries liked its unusual look.","imageAttribution":"Throwawayacc222 (CC0)"}},{"startTime":387.5,"endTime":393.2,"type":"concept","title":"entry-level economy car","url":"/glossary/entry-level-economy-car","quote":"What do you think is driving that kind of loyalty to an entry-level economy car? This isn't like a car that is way up the chain here.","canonicalId":"concept:entry-level-economy-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An entry-level economy car is a basic, affordable vehicle designed primarily for practical transportation rather than luxury or performance. These cars often appeal to younger buyers or those on a budget.","simplifiedExplanation":"An entry-level economy car is a simple and cheap car that is good for getting around but doesn't have fancy features. It's often bought by people who want a car that doesn't cost too much."}},{"startTime":604.5,"endTime":611.8,"type":"concept","title":"tariffs","url":"/glossary/tariffs","quote":"The sole was made in Korea and it does have a 15% tariff at this point in time. But really, if you look at where Kia was in late 2009 when the sole came out and where they are today...","canonicalId":"concept:tariffs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, including cars, which can increase the cost of vehicles made outside the country. The Kia Soul, made in Korea, faces a 15% tariff in the US, affecting its pricing and competitiveness.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tariffs are extra taxes that make cars made in other countries more expensive when they are sold here. For example, the Kia Soul from Korea has a tax added to its price."}},{"startTime":663.1,"endTime":671.4,"type":"term","title":"MSRP","url":"/glossary/msrp","quote":"It had an MSRP of 21,000, which is, you know, it's pretty low compared to where the rest of the market is today. I mean, that's an entry-level car.","canonicalId":"term:msrp","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price a car manufacturer recommends dealers charge for a vehicle. It is often used as a baseline for pricing but dealers may sell above or below this price.","simplifiedExplanation":"MSRP is the price the car company thinks the car should cost when you buy it from a dealer. Sometimes the dealer might sell it for more or less."}},{"startTime":671.4,"endTime":675.4,"type":"concept","title":"entry-level car","url":"/glossary/entry-level-car","quote":"I mean, that's an entry-level car. There's not going to be a lot of money in it. And so, I think for Kia, they thought maybe it's time to move on.","canonicalId":"concept:entry-level-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An entry-level car is a vehicle priced and equipped to appeal to first-time buyers or those with a limited budget. These cars usually have fewer features and a lower price point.","simplifiedExplanation":"An entry-level car is a basic and affordable car that many people buy when they want something new but don't want to spend a lot of money."}},{"startTime":681.1,"endTime":687.1,"type":"car","title":"Kia K4","url":"/cars/kia/k4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/2018_Kia_K4_Cachet_front_8.16.18.jpg","quote":"Now there's another hatchback in their lineup called the K4, which I asked, is that the natural successor to the sole and the jury's out on that? We don't know. No, it doesn't have the same kind of looks.","canonicalId":"car:kia:k4","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia K4 is a hatchback model positioned as a potential successor to the Kia Soul. It is larger and more expensive, with a different styling approach, and represents Kia's move towards more upscale vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia K4 is a newer car that is a bit bigger and costs more than the Kia Soul. It is a hatchback, which means it has a rear door that opens upwards for easy access to the back.","imageAttribution":"Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":730.0,"endTime":735.9,"type":"car","title":"Kia Seltos","url":"/cars/kia/seltos","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Kia_Seltos_001.jpg","quote":"Well, I spoke to a salesman in Illinois and he told me that some sole owners, when they outgrow their cars, they have been successful into moving them into a Celtos or a Sportage.","canonicalId":"car:kia:seltos","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover SUV positioned slightly above the Soul in Kia's lineup. It offers more space and a more traditional SUV styling, appealing to buyers looking to move up from smaller vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Seltos is a small SUV that is a bit bigger than the Soul. People who want more space or a more typical SUV look might choose it.","imageAttribution":"JustAnotherCarDesigner (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":735.88,"endTime":740.28,"type":"car","title":"Kia Sportage","url":"/cars/kia/sportage","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/2018_Kia_Sportage_GT-Line_ISG_1.6.jpg","quote":"...en successful into moving them into a Celtos or a Sportage.  And so, it's possible that they could do that. ...","canonicalId":"car:kia:sportage","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its modern design, good value, and improved quality over the years. It competes well in the crowded SUV market, often appealing to buyers looking for a stylish and affordable option. The context implies it’s part of a strategy to move customers within Kia’s SUV lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that many people like because it looks nice and doesn’t cost too much. It’s a good choice if you want a car that’s easy to use and has enough space for your stuff.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":776.22,"endTime":780.46,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV3","url":"/cars/kia/ev3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Kia_EV3_Auto_Zuerich_2024_DSC_6374.jpg","quote":"And there's a car that they don't sell here called the EV3, which is a good looking hatchback. But if you look at the front of it, it's not unlike the current sole.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev3","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV3 is an electric hatchback model sold in some markets but not currently in the U.S. It shares styling cues with the Kia Soul and represents Kia's move toward electrification.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV3 is a small electric car that looks like a hatchback. It is not sold in the U.S. yet but shows how Kia is making more electric vehicles.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":838.3,"endTime":843.8,"type":"concept","title":"electrified vehicles","url":"/glossary/electrified-vehicles","quote":"Now, automakers are moving more upmarket. I mean, Kia and Hyundai are great examples. They're moving toward more electrified vehicles.","canonicalId":"concept:electrified-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Electrified vehicles include electric cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids that use electric powertrains either fully or partially to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrified vehicles are cars that use electricity to help them run, either all the time or part of the time. This helps them pollute less and use less gas."}},{"startTime":889.6,"endTime":897.7,"type":"car","title":"BYD Dolphin","url":"/cars/byd/dolphin","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/BYD_Atto_2_DSC_8763.jpg","quote":"...some of them like the BYD Dolphin are kind of pretty cool. So, it may be that if there is a void in the market...","canonicalId":"car:byd:dolphin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BYD Dolphin is an electric hatchback produced by Chinese automaker BYD. It features modern styling and is part of China's growing electric vehicle market, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car made in China. It looks modern and is part of the new wave of electric cars that are becoming popular there.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/march-8-2026-bonus-episode-farewell-to-the-kia-soul-the-quirky-hatchback-that-defied-the-odds/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}