Revolutionizing the Mid-Size Electric Truck Market: Kia’s Ambitious Venture in the US

This will mark the first time the South Korean brand ventures into the competitive pickup truck segment in the US, one of the most demanding and challenging automotive markets globally.

While Kia has already introduced the Tasman pickup in Australia, the company confirmed that this model will not be heading to the US shores. Instead, they are developing an entirely new, dedicated electric pickup tailored to the needs and preferences of American consumers.

Based on the leaked images, the front-end design showcases a strong Kia design language and is likely to be built on a body-on-frame platform rather than a unibody construction.

Although official dimensions have not been disclosed, Kia’s global CEO has expressed intentions to bring a mid-size pickup to the US market, positioning it as a rival to the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. To circumvent import taxes, particularly the infamous “chicken tax” and newer tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, this vehicle is expected to be manufactured at the Hyundai plant in Georgia, USA.

According to Kia, their upcoming pickup truck will be built on an all-new platform, offering agile urban maneuverability and robust off-road capabilities. They assert that the vehicle will boast “the best-in-class interior and cargo space,” robust towing capabilities, dependable off-road performance, and cutting-edge infotainment and safety technologies.

Kia has set a long-term sales target of 90,000 units per year in the US, equivalent to approximately 7% market share in the pickup truck segment, which is an ambitious goal considering the established competitors.

While there is no precise timeline, industry experts speculate that Kia’s electric pickup could arrive in 2026 or 2027, based on the current development pace. If Kia can expedite the process, they stand a chance to dominate the mid-size electric pickup segment, which currently lacks a clear market leader.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)