Kia K2500 Karga is a flexible hauler that can also fit 19 passengers

Updated Jun 15, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Who says commercial vehicles are too spartan?

While the majority of the Philippines is now under the less strict general community quarantine, the state of public transport, as well as logistics for businesses is far from what it was before the pandemic.

As a result, people and businesses are looking for ways to solve that, and thankfully, Kia Philippines has given us one option to do just that; the Kia K2500 Karga.

The Kia K2500 Karga: Utilitarian, but it has its flairs

If you’re familiar with light duty commercial vehicles, then you’ll know that most of these have boxy exterior styling, and very Spartan interiors. The Kia K2500 Karga however noticeably comes with a more refined, even stylish look that departs from the typical workhorse vehicle.

Up front, it’s got the Kia’s signature tiger nose grille, and the interior is equipped with vinyl seats for 19 passengers. It also has a front center armrest with cup holders for the front cabin, as well as power windows, and a rear air-conditioning system.

A picture of the front of the Kia K2500 Karga

The tiger-nose grille on the K2500 Karga is small, but it's "Kia-ness" is definitely there

>>> Related: Find more commercial vehicles for sale at the best price

On top of that, the rear seats can be folded into different configurations. This makes it the perfect vehicle for implementing “social distancing” measures.

Under its hood, the Kia K2500 Karga is propelled by a Euro-IV compliant 2.5-liter diesel engine which can produce up to 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. With this layout, the K2500 Kargo can haul as much as 835 kilograms.

The Kia K2500 Karga: Pricing

Kia K2500 Karga Variants
Price
4x2 Karga
P1,110,000
4x4 Karga
P1,215,000

>>> Let's update the latest changes in Kia Philippine price

Kia Philippines is also offering the “Deals Designed for You” promo, which enables you to purchase a K2500 for as low as P61,000 all-in downpayment for the 4x4 Karga, and P53,000 for the 4x2 version.

If you want to pay in cash, you can also avail of a P35,000 discount. The said promo is valid during the month of June, so if you’re looking for a utility vehicle, then it might be the best time to get a Kia K2500 Karga.

A picture of the interior of the Kia K2500 Karga

While it isn't that fancy, it does have air-conditioning, which is a must these days

On top of its affordable prices, the Kia K2500 Karga is also backed by a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

For the latest car releases here in the Philippines, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Kia K2500 2024

Kia K2500

The K2500 is a commercial vehicle from Korean car brand Kia Motors Philippines. It is built to cater to business requirements such as transporting passengers and moving cargo. In the Philippines, the K2500 is offered with a wide range of variants to choose from. It includes the K2500 4x4 Single Cab and Chassis, K2500 4x4 Single Cab dropside, K2500 Kargo Plus 4x2, K2500 Karga Plus 4x2, K2500 4x4 doube-cab dropside, K2500 Kargo 4x4, and K2500 Karga 4x4.

>>> New and used Kia K2500 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Kia K2500 Launch

The Kia K series has been catering to businesses worldwide since its successful introduction in 1980. In other parts of the world, it is known as the Kia Bongo, Kia Big-Up, the Kia Travello, the Kia Kaon, Forland K1, and the Kia Frontier.

The first generation, the Kia Ceres, one of its first models, was made available in the Philippines. This agricultural workhorse was used extensively to carry big loads on urban and rural highways.

The Kia Bongo III was launched locally as the company’s fourth-generation vehicle renamed the K2700. The model was sold in our market from May 2005 to August 2018. In the same year, Kia Motors Philippines launched the K2500 Karga series.

More recently in 2021, Kia updated the K2500, with its Karga and Kargo variants having a cargo capacity of 1,235 kg.

Kia K2500 Exterior

The all-new Kia K2500 was built with performance and utility in mind. It measures 4,825mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 2,105mm tall on a 2,415mm wheelbase. 

Its front bears a wide windshield that provides a clear view of the road. The large halogen headlights illuminate the road ahead in low-light conditions, flanking Kia's trademark tiger-nose grille.

The K2500 is offered in either single-cab or double-cab configurations, with cab and chassis models able to be outfitted according to the customer's requirements. A sturdy dropside bed and closed van options are available for hauling cargo. Meanwhile, the single-cab Kargo variant with sliding windows is fitted with padded benches for passenger use, featuring a folding function when cargo storage space is needed.

Supporting the gross weight of 2,980kg for the Single Cab Karga, 2,112kg for the Single Cab 4x4 dropside, and 2,156kg for the Double Cab 4x4 dropside is a set of 15-inch steel wheels.

Kia K2500 Interior

The Kia 2500's cockpit area features basic yet necessary features, with an analog instrument panel behind the steering wheel. Power windows are standard on the front, as well as manual air-conditioning vents accompanied by additional ones at the rear for the Karga variant.

The default capacity for the Kia K2500's cab is three passengers, with the Karga variant able to accommodate between 10 and 16 passengers.

Technology & Safety Features

The Kia K2500's dashboard features a blank space where customers can install a 2-DIN audio head unit or even a touchscreen monitor. These can be patched to two speakers which come standard, accompanied by a USB port and AUX IN jack that also come by default. The light commercial vehicle comes with basic safety features, namely a pair of 3-pt. ELR seatbelts for the front. Stopping power comes in the form of front disc and rear drum brakes. 

Platform & Chassis

To ensure its durability during operation, the Kia 2500 uses torsion bar springs in front and multi-leaf springs at the back.

Engine & Drivetrain

The Kia 2500 runs on a 2.5-liter common-rail direct-injection diesel engine that produces 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Single-cab variants are offered with either a rear-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain, while double-cab variants come exclusively with four-wheel drive.   

The Kia K2500 squares off against a handful of competitors in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) category, which includes the Mitsbushi L300, Suzuki Carry, Hyundai H-100, and the Isuzu Traviz. Compared to its rivals, the K2500 features the most variants, affording flexible choices for customers. Its engine output is identical to that of the H-100, the highest in its class. The K2500 matches the Traviz in terms of its 200mm ground clearance and is second to the H-100 in terms of length and height while matching the Hyundai's width. However, the Suzuki Carry surpasses it with a maximum height of 2,030mm. 

Kia K2500 2024 Price List

 Variants Price
Kia K2500 4X2 Close Van MT ₱1,198,000
Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x4 Double Cab Dropside ₱1,210,000
Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x2 Single Cab and Chassis ₱1,216,000
Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x2 Utility Van ₱1,216,000
Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x2 Utility Van w/ Dual Aircon ₱1,233,000
Kia K2500 Kargo 4x2 MT w/ Dual AC & Rear seats ₱1,295,000
Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x4 Single Cab and Chassis ₱1,307,000
Kia K2500 2.5 MT 4x4 Utility Van ₱1,307,000
Kia K2500 Kargo 4x4 MT w/ Dual AC & Rear seats ₱1,395,000

Kia K2500 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Wide range of variants 
  • Powerful engine 
  • Spacious cab interior  
  • Available with 6-speed manual and four-wheel-drive 
  • Good visibility   

Cons

  • No head unit included
  • Spartan interior amenities
  • Bouncy ride on account of unrefined suspension

Kia K2500 FAQs

1. What is the engine of K2500?

The Kia K2500 gives users a 2.5-liter common-rail direct injection diesel engine capable of generating 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.

2. What is the ground clearance of the Kia K2500?

The ground clearance of K2500 is 200mm.

3. How much is a brand new 2024 Kia K2500?

The price of the new brand 2024 K2500 ranges from 1,198,000 Php to 1,395,000 Php, depending on the versions.

4. Does the Kia K2500 have remote start?

No, it does not.

5. What type of car is the Kia K2500?

The KIA K2500 is a light commercial car.

 

₱ 1,010,000 - ₱ 1,280,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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