Kia Announces First Midsize Pickup Truck for the U.S. Market | Carscoops

      Kia has announced that it is working on a dedicated midsize pickup truck for the U.S. market.

      This truck will focus on the midsize pickup segment, and there are speculations that it may be an electric vehicle.

      Further information about this new truck will be shared during Kia’s Investor Day on April 9.

      To succeed in the competitive U.S. auto industry, having a pickup truck is essential, a fact recognized by Kia. The CEO has reiterated the company's intent to break into the North American midsize pickup market with a new offering that is distinct from the Tasman, which is aimed at different international markets.

      Kia CEO Ho Sung Song provided an update on Thursday, hinting at what lies ahead: “We’ll offer more details next week about the U.S. pickup. In general terms… we are currently studying this.” A formal announcement is anticipated on Kia’s Investor Day, set for April 9.

      Kia has a Pickup for the U.S., Just Not That One

      This update was shared during the Seoul Mobility Show in Korea, where Kia revealed a rugged “Weekender” variant of the Tasman. To clarify any misunderstandings, Song emphasized that the Tasman will not be sold in the U.S.

      “We’re not developing that vehicle [the Tasman] for the American market,” Song commented to Autonews during the show. “However, we are actively exploring how to enter the pickup truck market in the U.S. with a different model that is not the Tasman.”

      Electric? Possibly. Produced in the USA? Absolutely.

      While specifics about the future pickup’s powertrain were not disclosed, previous sources have indicated that it could be electric. Industry speculation suggests a potential launch between 2026 and 2029, possibly alongside a Hyundai-branded counterpart. Both vehicles are expected to be manufactured in Georgia at Hyundai’s Metaplant America facility, not only to navigate ongoing trade issues but also to avoid the significant Chicken Tax, which imposes a 25 percent tariff on imported trucks.

      Another possibility still being considered is a partnership with GM, allowing Kia and Hyundai to provide their own internal combustion models of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. It is likely that both approaches are under consideration. More details will be revealed on April 9.

      Currently, the U.S. midsize pickup market is led by traditional internal combustion vehicles such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and Jeep Gladiator. Fully electric pickups—including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck—exist in a broader category, which may create an opportunity for Kia to launch a smaller, EV-friendly option.

      Kia’s Broader Plans for Commercial Electric Vehicles

      Meanwhile, the Tasman is set to be launched in regions such as South Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, featuring conventional gas and diesel engines. It remains unclear whether Kia’s U.S.-bound pickup will incorporate any design or utility features from the divisive Tasman or follow a completely different direction.

      Looking beyond pickups, Kia is preparing to broaden its electric light commercial vehicle lineup, starting with the PV5 van, followed by the PV7 and PV9. CEO Song described the move into new segments, including light commercial vehicles and pickups, as “an opportunity” for the brand rather than a risk.