Cars.com just released its newest list of the Best New Cars for $30,000 or Less, and the 2025 Kia Soul made the rankings, proving once again that great value doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort or exciting features.
At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we see why the Soul wins over buyers every day. It’s efficient, reliable, surprisingly roomy, and has its own personality. And with pricing well below $30k, it hits that rare balance of being both cheap and providing excellent value.
How the Soul Earned a Place on the List
The 2025 Kia Soul delivers the things real drivers care about. Cars.com highlighted several strengths that help it stand out in an increasingly crowded compact segment:
- More interior space than you’d expect
- Practical hatchback cargo room with tall vertical clearance
- A price range between $21,625–$25,868
- Strong reliability and low long-term ownership costs
- Safety tech that comes standard
- A distinctive design that turns heads
It’s the kind of vehicle that makes sense whether you’re buying your first car, looking for something fuel-efficient, or wanting the usefulness of an SUV without stretching your budget.
Affordable and Functional
Bentonville drivers often want the visibility and everyday versatility of an SUV without the growing price tag. That’s where the Soul comes in.
While it’s not a traditional SUV, the Soul delivers a lot of the same advantages:
- A taller seating position that feels confident in traffic
- Easy access and upright cabin ergonomics
- Cargo flexibility that works for shopping, gear, kids, or pets
- The maneuverability of a smaller vehicle (good for NWA traffic + parking)
It’s a smart choice for anyone comparing compact SUVs but hoping to keep their payments affordable.
Why This Matters for Bentonville Drivers
Cars.com’s list highlights vehicles that offer quality for cheaper, and the Soul ranks because it delivers:
- Advanced tech without inflated pricing
- Comfort for commutes and weekend trips
- A reputation for reliability
- Features that usually appear on more expensive models
Among cheap new cars, it stands out by feeling polished, modern, and fun to drive.
⭐ 2025 Kia Soul Features NWA Drivers Love
Flexible Cabin Layout
Generous headroom, easy entry, and cargo space that adjusts to your daily life.
Excellent Fuel Efficiency
Perfect for commutes across Northwest Arkansas or longer drives down I-49.
Kia Drive Wise Safety Technology
With features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and available Blind-Spot Collision Warning.
10.25-Inch Available Touchscreen
A crisp, intuitive display that elevates the interior feel.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
Stay connected without fighting with cables.
Iconic Styling
The Soul stands out for its memorable exterior, making driving it that much more exciting.
Experience the Soul at Crain Kia of Bentonville
If you’re looking for practicality, value, and personality all under $30k, the 2025 Kia Soul should be on your test-drive list. Our team will walk you through available trims, features, and current incentives to help you find the perfect fit!Stop by Crain Kia of Bentonville and experience what landed the Soul on Cars.com’s Best New Cars Under $30k list and discover why so many NWA drivers choose it every year.



Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.