2027 Kia Soul EV Release Date: Key Updates – There is no confirmed 2027 Kia Soul EV planned for the United States (or any major market). Kia discontinued the gas-powered Soul after the 2025 model year, with production ending in late 2025. The earlier Soul EV (also known as e-Soul in some markets) was phased out years earlier and never returned as a dedicated electric model in the U.S. lineup.
Kia has shifted focus to its dedicated “EV” series of battery-electric vehicles built on the E-GMP platform. For U.S. shoppers seeking a compact, practical, and relatively affordable electric crossover in the spirit of the quirky boxy Soul, the closest and most relevant new model is the 2027 Kia EV3.
No Official 2027 Kia Soul EV Release Date
As of August 2026, Kia has issued no announcements, concepts, or production plans for a new Soul EV under that nameplate. The original Soul EV helped introduce Kia to electric vehicles but faced limited U.S. availability in later generations. Supply constraints, stronger demand for more conventional crossovers, and Kia’s broader electrification strategy led to its quiet exit.
The conventional Soul, once a volume seller and brand-defining model with more than 1.5 million U.S. sales, was retired after 2025. Kia cited a strategic shift toward SUVs, hybrids, and dedicated EVs. Remaining 2025 inventory was limited, and no successor using the Soul name is scheduled.
The Closest Alternative: 2027 Kia EV3 Release Date and Details
Kia positions the all-new 2027 EV3 as its entry-level electric SUV for the U.S. market. It fills the gap left by the outgoing Niro EV and the discontinued gas-powered Soul. Unveiled for North America at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, the EV3 is a compact, “right-sized” electric crossover that adopts the bold, angular design language of the larger EV9.
Expected U.S. on-sale date: Late 2026 (as a 2027 model year vehicle). Production for the North American market is ramping up at Kia’s plant in Mexico.
Key expected specifications (Kia estimates; official EPA ratings pending closer to launch):
- Two battery options: 58.3 kWh (standard range, exclusive to base Light trim) and 81.4 kWh (long range).
- Estimated range: Up to 220 miles (standard) and up to 320 miles (long-range front-wheel-drive models).
- Power: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel-drive models produce 261 hp; GT trim reaches 288 hp.
- Charging: 400-volt architecture; 10–80% charge in approximately 29–31 minutes on a DC fast charger. Native NACS port for compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and other networks.
- Trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT (plus a U.S.-exclusive Nightfall appearance package on some versions).
- Pricing: Expected to start in the mid-$30,000 range (official figures to be announced closer to launch).
The EV3 offers a spacious cabin with dual 12.3-inch screens, available advanced driver-assistance systems, and practical cargo space suitable for everyday U.S. driving needs.
What About the Kia EV2?
In Europe, the boxy EV2 (launched in 2026) serves as the direct spiritual successor to the Soul EV/e-Soul. It shares a similar upright, compact hatch/crossover proportions and is built on the same 400-volt E-GMP architecture. However, Kia has confirmed no plans to bring the EV2 to the United States.
Why the Shift Away from the Soul Name?
Kia’s strategy emphasizes a clear EV naming hierarchy (EV3, EV6, EV9, etc.) and prioritizes SUVs that better match American buyer preferences. The EV3 delivers modern range, faster charging, and more contemporary styling while remaining compact and potentially more affordable than larger Kia EVs. This approach aligns with Kia’s goal of expanding its electric lineup and competing effectively in the growing U.S. compact EV segment.
What U.S. Buyers Should Do Next?
If you were hoping for a 2027 Kia Soul EV, the practical next step is to follow the 2027 Kia EV3 closely. Official pricing, final EPA range figures, and exact dealership arrival timing will be released later in 2026. In the meantime, current Kia EV options such as the EV6 remain available, and the hybrid Niro continues as a more efficient non-full-EV alternative.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check Kia’s official U.S. website or contact a local dealer as the late-2026 launch approaches. The EV3 represents Kia’s clearest answer to demand for an accessible, stylish, and capable compact electric vehicle in the post-Soul era.