Rumours of a pickup truck from Kia have been circulating for some time, but Professional Pickup has seen documents that suggest a mid-size model will arrive as early as 2023.

While its Korean sibling, Hyundai, is working on its lifestyle-market Santa Cruz pickup, Kia’s effort is expected to use a rugged body-on-frame chassis. The so-called Ladder Frame Architecture will allow the manufacturer to create a mid-size pickup to rival European models such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

What’s It Based On?

It’s unlikely to be based on any current model. There is no way of using the basics of the Kia Telluride SUV that is available in the US, and using a similar monocoque design to the UK’s Sorento would not allow for a dual-cab pickup that would meet the demands of commercial users.

While the Kia Mohave uses a suitable ladder-frame base, it’s understood that an entirely new platform is in the works to allow for multiple different products in the future. As well as a pickup, this could include a full-size 4×4 to rival a Toyota Land Cruiser and a larger US-friendly pickup.

Kia Telluride won't be pickup base
US market Kia Telluride
Powertrains?

Hyundai and Kia have a large number of options available, including a 2.0-litre diesel unit that produces 184hp with 400Nm of torque. A more powerful 2.2-litre engine, as found in the Sorento, is also available, as is an impressive 3.0-litre V6 model. The latter produces up to 206hp and 560Nm of torque.

The company also has a huge range of other options, from plug-in hybrid and pure electric power to hydrogen fuel cell systems.

When’s It Due?

The Kia pickup truck is expected to be announced late in 2022, with production slated to run for eight years with a mid-term facelift. However, the model is being designed primarily with Australia in mind, where ‘utes’ dominate the market, and there is no confirmation that the truck will see markets outside of the island.

Phil Huff
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