Kia’s unnamed mid-sized truck has been spotted during test runs, leading many to speculate
what this global competitor has in store against its rivals including the Ford Ranger and the
Toyota Hilux.
While much is still unknown, sources close to the automaker have shared with popular
automotive outlet CarScoops that this new model will certainly be a worthy contender. Here’s
what you won’t find out at your local Kia dealer about this highly anticipated Kia pickup.
Kia Pickup a Familiar Face
Kia is a new face to the pickup truck market, but that hasn’t kept it from pulling out all the stops.
The released model mock-up shows a pickup that touts aggression and the aesthetics of a
modern electric pickup. The body boasts a boxy and geometric style with a commanding ‘tiger-
nose’ grill embodied by vertical stacked LED headlights. The equally eye-catching bumper touts
receded fog lights and offered more ground clearance than traditional pickups.
An angular truck bed, squared-off wheel arches, and flat fenders and siding give off a very
clean-cut look. Meanwhile, ridges on the base of the sides and an exaggerated footstep offer a
muted aggressive design. In all, the body style is reminiscent of a boxy Ford pickup with the
subtle aggression of a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator.
Get the Scoop on Powertrain
While nothing’s official yet, the source close to Kia has shared that this all-new pickup will likely
be equipped with both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric
powertrain.
The exact specs on what those powertrains will be are not clear and with no predecessor to go
off of, it’s safe to assume power will be compatible with the current inventory. CarScoop has
shared however that there are probably three powertrains on the table. They include a 2.2 L
‘Smartstream’ turbocharged diesel four that will put out an estimated 157kW/210hp, a petrol-
fueled 2.5 L turbo four putting out 206kW/276 hp, and a fully electric variant that could deliver a
whopping 410kW/550 hp with its dual motor arrangement. The fully electric variant is expectedly
highly regarded as the future of electric pickup trucks has never been hotter than now.
Expect the Tech You Want
It’s highly likely if not almost certain drivers can expect all the latest tech and safety integration
available in today’s competition. This includes the incorporation of wireless connectivity to
smartphone devices via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a 360°
Surround View camera, and a premium stereo system that connects to a premium infotainment
system are likely features.
Where Will the Kia Pickup Be Available?
Unfortunately, if you live in the US or Canada, you might not want to plan a visit to your local Kia
dealer anytime soon as this Kia pickup is not slated for North American consumers. Instead, this
model is expected to be unveiled in global markets with a possible intentional aim at South
Korea and Australia.
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