Hold onto your hats, ute enthusiasts! Kia might be cooking up a new pickup truck, and it's got the US market in its sights. Following the recent launch of the Tasman dual-cab ute, the South Korean automaker could be expanding its ute lineup. But why the focus on the US?
The answer lies in the hefty tariffs that make selling the Tasman there a challenge. This means Kia needs a ute specifically designed for one of its biggest markets.
But here's where it gets interesting: sister brand Hyundai is also developing a ute. This could mean a whole new workhorse, possibly shared between Hyundai and Kia. Digital artist @Theottle on YouTube has even created some renders, envisioning a Telluride-inspired pickup. The Telluride, a popular SUV in the US, provides a design blueprint with its boxy silhouette, bold front grille, and striking vertical headlights.
The big question is, what will power this new ute? It's likely to be petrol or hybrid, catering to US preferences, rather than the diesel engines favored in Australia. Initially, there were plans for a fully electric version, but the waning demand for electric utes, especially in the US, has put those plans on hold. Kia isn't alone; Ford, GM, and Ram have also adjusted their EV ute strategies.
Could this new Kia ute be a large, American-style pickup? More likely, it will be a mid-size ute, similar to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. The Kia Tasman already fills that role in Australia and could potentially offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and even electric options in the future.
Hyundai's ute plans are already well underway. Hyundai Australia's boss, Don Romano, has promised a ute by the end of 2028. He's aiming for something groundbreaking, incorporating new technology to stand out in the market.
What do you think? Will Kia's new ute be a game-changer? Do you think it will be successful in the US market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
