Kia Pickup Confirmed For USA But Mysteries Remain

Kia is entering the rough and tumble world of the U.S. pickup market.

The South Korean automaker has confirmed that it will launch an “electrified” pickup, which leaves the door open to it being either a hybrid or fully electric model.

CEO Ho-Sung Song made the announcement during Kia’s investor day presentation in Seoul on Wednesday, but did not give an exact date for when it will go on sale.

Song said the innovative vehicle will feature “best-in-class interior space and cargo capacity” and built on a new EV platform, but did not clarify what size it will be.

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING NEWSLETTER

Prototypes of an electric Kia EV9 SUV converted into a pickup truck have been spotted being tested. The EV9 is now built at a new factory in Georgia, which is mostly likely where the pickup will be manufactured due to the new tariffs on imported vehicles and the old “chicken tax” on imported pickup trucks, not to mention eligibility for any tax incentives on electric vehicle purchases that might still exist when it goes on sale.

Song said it is being designed for urban and outdoor lifestyles and will have enhanced “off-road capability and driving performance.”

Read Also: FORD CEO SAYS ‘GAME-CHANGING’ CHEAP ELECTRIC PICKUP WILL MATCH CHINESE EVS

Kia is aiming to sell 90,000 annually. Assuming it is a midsize model, that would have made it the third-best seller in the segment last year behind the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado. In the compact segment, it would’ve slotted in second between the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Kia is new to pickups, having launched its first one this year. The Tasman is a midsize internal combustion engine truck that’s not slated for U.S. sale, but will be sold in South Korea, Australia and other emerging markets.