Kia is making a bold entrance into the American truck market with its first all-electric pickup, a big step that could change how people see the brand in the U.S. While Kia’s diesel-powered Tasman pickup is sold only in places like Australia, the company has decided not to use gas or diesel engines for its U.S. truck. Instead, it will launch a mid-size electric pickup aimed at competing with popular models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. Here’s everything we know so far.
1. A New Look for City Life and Outdoor Fun
Kia’s electric truck will use a brand-new electric vehicle (EV) design, different from the one used in models like the EV6 and EV9. The company claims the truck will have “more space inside and in the truck bed than any rival,” along with strong towing power and features for off-road driving. Spy photos of early test models show a boxy, modern design similar to Kia’s EV9 SUV, but with a truck bed and tougher looks.
Key details include:
Easy-to-use tech: Likely a dual-screen setup like the one in Kia’s Sportage SUV.
Safety upgrades: Features like automatic lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.
Power options: Experts think there might be choices between single- or dual-motor systems, with up to 379 horsepower.
2. Power, Towing, and Battery Range
While Kia hasn’t shared exact numbers, the truck is built to handle both city roads and rough trails. Its off-road skills are expected to beat smaller trucks like Hyundai’s Santa Cruz. Towing power should match other mid-size trucks, though Kia hasn’t confirmed specifics. The battery range might be around 300 miles per charge, similar to the EV9 SUV.
3. Made in the U.S. and Affordable Pricing
To keep costs down and qualify for U.S. government EV discounts, Kia will likely build the truck in America. Factories in Georgia are possible candidates. This strategy could help Kia hit its yearly sales goal of 90,000 trucks—a big target, especially since Ford sold only 33,510 electric F-150 Lightnings in 2024.
Experts believe a starting price under $50,000 could make Kia’s truck stand out, as few mid-size electric trucks exist today.
4. When Will It Launch?
Kia hasn’t announced a release date, but test models spotted in 2024 suggest the truck might arrive in 2026 or 2027. This is part of Kia’s larger plan to sell 1.26 million EVs worldwide by 2030.
The U.S. market offers both opportunities and challenges:
No competition yet: No other electric mid-size trucks are available, so Kia could be the first.
Winning over buyers: Truck fans often stick to trusted brands, but Kia’s recent hits (like the Telluride SUV) might help.
5. What Could Go Wrong?
Kia’s 90,000-unit sales goal is ambitious. Experts say the truck must be affordable and powerful to succeed. Liz Najman of Recurrent notes that popular EVs like Tesla’s Model Y and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E won buyers by balancing price and performance—something Kia needs to copy. Issues like supply chain problems or changing government rules could also affect plans.
The Takeaway
Kia’s electric pickup is a risky but exciting bet to win over American truck lovers. With smart tech, good pricing, and a focus on practicality, it could follow the Telluride’s path to success—if Kia delivers on its promises. As more drivers switch to electric cars, Kia’s truck might become one of the most-watched new vehicles of 2026.
For more details, check out the full stories at CNET and Car and Driver.