Kia steps up its efforts in EVs. With a target to increase the lineup to 14 BEVs by 2027, the business will begin releasing at least two new battery-electric models (BEVs) every year beginning of the following year.
The plan includes “an entry-level BEV model” in addition to the Kia EV6 – debuted in 2021 – and its impending GT version. The Kia EV9 flagship SUV is scheduled to launch in 2023.
The South Korean manufacturer really revealed two electric pickup trucks, one for developed markets and the other for emerging countries:
- a completely electric pickup truck
- “an emerging markets strategic model”
Kia will add two electric pickup trucks, a specialized electric pickup truck, a strategic model for new markets, as well as an entry-level BEV model, to its prior goal to release 11 models by 2026.
According to one of the presentation’s slides, pickup trucks won’t debut until 2026, or in about 4 years:
It’s interesting to note that there is also one “Pick-up/commercial” model listed for 2021, which most likely refers to the South Korean Bongo 3 EV (see Kia’s website here).
Kia withholds all information regarding the pickup trucks. There is still plenty of time to create those new models, after all.
There is currently no information available, but it will be intriguing to see whether the Hyundai brand (both are a member of the Hyundai Motor Group) also releases an electric pickup truck.
Kia may choose to manufacture its all-electric pickup trucks in the US whenever they are ready to be released. The presentation on the expansion of EV manufacturing contains a hint regarding that.
The South Korean automaker announced that beginning in 2024, American factories will start making electrified versions of mid-sized SUVs and pickup trucks:
“For instance, starting in 2025, small and medium-sized EVs will be manufactured in Europe. Mid-sized SUVs and pickup trucks are popular in the United States, and starting in 2024, electric versions of these vehicles will be made here. In China, Kia expects to release mid-size EV cars starting in 2019, while India plans to start making entry- and mid-size EV models in 2025.”
If electric pickup trucks are anticipated in 2026, the 2024 deadline must apply to new mid-sized SUVs.
Rivian (R1T) and GMC have already introduced the first contemporary all-electric pickups (Hummer EV Pickup). Ford will start giving the F-150 Lightning to customers this Spring, and several other companies have indicated intentions to do the same (including Tesla, Chevrolet and Toyota).
In This Article...
Kia produces pickup trucks, right?
Kia has made the unexpected revelation that it is creating two new electric pickup trucks. However, as you’ll see, this has been in the works for a while. By 2027, it intends to introduce a total of 14 new EVs at a rate of two each year.
Do Hyundai trucks exist?
The Santa Cruz, a brand-new addition to the range for the Korean carmaker this year, is Hyundai’s first pickup for the US market. The Ford Maverick, which is essentially its only direct rival, has a starting price of $23,990 before fees, which is very similar to the Santa Cruz’s.
That applies to the base SE grade, which has front-wheel drive and a 191 horsepower four-cylinder engine. There are a total of four trim levels, the top two of which, the SEL Premium and Limited, come standard with all-wheel drive and a more potent turbocharged engine. Last month, Hyundai lent me a fully loaded Limited model for a short period of time. The whole cost, with destination charges included, was slightly over $41,000.
There are several SUV-based trucks, but none compare to the Santa Cruz. Hyundai’s latest entry is less of a normal midsize truck than Honda’s Ridgeline, which has boxy dimensions, a longer bed, and a larger overall footprint. Similar to the Santa Cruz, Ford’s recently released Maverick is about the same size but resembles the F-150 more than it does anything else.
Will Kia or Hyundai produce a truck?
By 2027, Kia intends to release 14 new electric vehicles (EVs), including its first pickup truck. The proposal was unveiled by the Korean manufacturer, which is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, this week as part of its “roadmap to 2030” event.
Do Hyundai or Kia produce trucks?
Although Kia doesn’t sell pickup trucks in the United States, it has sold the Bongo in various other nations since 1980. A commercial vehicle with a variety of configurations is the Bongo.
Do Kia trucks get made in the US?
The Kia Bongo, which has been manufactured since 1980, is the only Kia truck that have found success on the market. The Bongo is a light commercial vehicle with standard, super, and double cabin options that is assembled in facilities in South Korea, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Algeria. A 130-hp 2.5L turbo, an 80-hp 2.7L, or an 85-hp 3.0L engine are all options, depending on the configuration. A 6-speed gearbox and the more efficient Euro IV requirements are other features of the latest engines. The Kia Bongo also goes by the names Kia K-Series, Kia Frontier, and Kia Kaon.
What is the appeal of Telluride?
The Telluride from Kia is a brand-new SUV in a popular market that has received high marks from both the media and customers. The SUV won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year title for 2020 from the North American Car of the Year jury, and it is MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year for that year.
These accolades undoubtedly suggest excellence, but do the sales figures support these awards? Absolutely, they do. Kia refers to the Telluride as the “Sell-u-ride” because the model is so well-liked, according to Automobile Magazine. What will it mean for the Kia brand and is it really as excellent as many people seem to think?
Is It As Good as People Say?
In a recent review, I found the Kia Telluride to be almost as good as the segment leaders, but I felt it fell short in a few crucial areas.
The inside materials looked beautiful but lacked the feel I desired from them, and I had problems with the fit and finish inside the cabin. The materials on the A-pillars were not well fitted in my tester, and the center console compartment doors felt cheap and occasionally refused to close. The region around the rearview mirror was also a little loose. The Telluride felt large on the road, and the drive also didn’t feel as as polished as I’d hoped.
Despite all of these issues, it was still a competent SUV. It is somewhat larger than the competitors, quite comfortable, and safe, but I was a little surprised by what I discovered given how highly the car is regarded by other journalists I know and trust.
However, I thought the car was a strong contender in a competitive market. The three-row midsize SUV is challenging to get right, but Kia has succeeded. The model is deserving of some acclaim, but I’m not sure if it lives up to everyone’s high expectations. Even if they are only marginally superior, there are better models out there.
The fact that the Telluride is a new model and that it was produced by Kia is part of the reason it is receiving so much acclaim and appreciation. Currently, Kia is a company whose reputation is booming. In 2018, the business unveiled the Stinger GT sports sedan, and it now offers the Telluride for families. These products are assisting in reshaping the Kia brand in the perspective of many individuals.
How Well Is It Selling?
There were 58,595 Tellurides sold in the year they were originally sold. That’s a significant amount, and the Telluride pretty much right away established itself as a major participant in the Midsize SUV market. Although the Kia continues to sell far less than the class leaders, such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, it is obvious that the business may make significant strides with this model.
The obvious truth is that Kia is dealing with a genuine winner. It has been successful in garnering the media’s admiration, which has led to customers visiting dealers to learn more about this new Kia SUV. The dealers work their magic once they arrive, and then bing! The money pours down like rain. The Telluride is unquestionably a wise investment.
What Is the Importance of the Telluride?
The Telluride is significant for several reasons, the first and most crucial of which is how well it is selling. Kia could always use more money to reinvest in the company, grow its operations, and conduct research and development for new goods. From a financial standpoint, the Telluride is a contender. Now, it matters to Kia.
But the situation is more complicated than that. For the past two decades, Kia has been working hard to dispel the notion that its cars are unattractive and inexpensive. The business intends to elevate the brand’s aspirational status.
I would say that the Telluride is another step in that direction, just as the Stinger GT was and is. No, it’s not some expensive, sporty car, but it capitalizes on the Stinger’s brand equity by using part of it. The Telluride is also helping the corporation better develop its brand. Almost everyone, both customers and detractors, agrees that the model is an improvement over the company’s earlier products. I anticipate positive developments for both Telluride and Kia as a whole if the firm can maintain the trend.
How much does a 2022 Kia Telluride come equipped?
The 2022 Kia Telluride SX is the top trim level available for this vehicle. The SX includes a motorized liftgate and sound-absorbing front door window glass, just like the EX.
Reverse tilt-down exterior mirrors are also included with the Kia Telluride SX in 2022. Just the SX has dual sunroofs, allowing even more light into the Telluride’s cabin whereas the S and EX only have a motorized sunroof. Along with LED Projector Beam headlamps, High Beam Assist, and LED Front Fog Lights, the 2022 Kia Telluride also has these.
The 2022 Kia Telluride SX’s wheels make it obvious that this is not your standard Telluride. The 20-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Kia Telluride SX have a black sport finish. Additionally, only the SX has 10 speakers, whereas other variants only have six. The Telluride SX cost, at $42,690, is the most expensive.
Is the Kia Telluride SX a good investment?
The Kia Telluride appears to combine the greatest elements from each world. Although it is inexpensive, there are some available upgrades. The Telluride has a large interior and seating for seven or eight people.
The SUV also has a lot of security features. The Telluride won the Best Buy award from Kelley Blue Book for overall value. It received top marks from consumers in every category, including comfort, safety, dependability, and value.
The front-wheel-drive LX variant has a starting price of about $31,990. The engine in the Kia Telluride is a 3.8L V6. It has a city fuel economy of around 20 mpg and a highway fuel economy of about 26 mpg. For family road vacations, the 18.8 gallon gasoline tank is more than plenty.
The Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds, although the curb weight is 4,112 pounds. The Telluride has 87 cubic feet of space in the cargo area.
For less than $50,000, you can transform the Telluride into the SUV of your dreams using the various trim options and upgrades.
What’s the name of the Hyundai truck?
The new Hyundai vehicle was just released in 2021, so it does now. The Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup is what it is named. It aspires to combine the utility and comfort of an open-bed truck with the room and comfort of an SUV. Whether traveling for a weekend road trip or a daily commute, the Santa Cruz performs admirably.