Rumors of a long-awaited Kia pickup model went into overdrive as a camouflaged test mule was spotted being driven on Korea’s roads.
Kia's pickup test mule shares design elements with the Mohave SUV [Image: bobaedream.co.kr]
Australian website Car Expert reports that the unit sports the front end of Kia’s Mohave midsize SUV, with the same pair of quad LED headlamp arrays flanking the large tiger nose grille accompanied by the Kia corporate logo. The plastic cladding is missing on the fenders while a dual cab body is evident, along with a pair of tail lamps surrounding the boxy cargo bed.
There is no confirmation so far if the Kia midsize pickup is indeed based on its ladder-frame SUV sibling that runs on a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine, working with an 8-speed automatic and a four-wheel drivetrain. The setup puts it in an ideal position to challenge segment stalwarts such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
A rear differential can be seen just under the body [Image: bobaedream.co.kr]
However, there is some skepticism. While the test mule’s ground clearance reveals a rear differential that indicates the pickup’s connection to the Mohave, the latter is believed to be too old of a platform to use, having been around since 2008 with only two facelifts to its name.
Another point is Kia’s announcement during its Investor Day event last March that it will launch 14 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2027. Among these are two electric pickups, one described as a “dedicated model” and the other as a “strategic model for emerging markets.”
The Mohave SUV has been sold as a single generation since 2008
These will join the current EV6 crossover and confirmed EV9 off-roader, alongside an array of unnamed electric sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. If an electric Kia pickup is indeed in the works, the vehicle spied on Korean roads is likely a development mule, using Mohave-sourced body panels to disguise its nature as an EV while testing the platform's viability.
Kia announced in March that it is working on at least two electric pickup models
Kia fans who have clamored for the automaker’s own pickup model will have to wait a little longer for more details. This is especially true in Australia, where there is strong demand in the segment. Kia is reportedly negotiating for at least seven electric models to arrive in the Australian market, following the EV6 and Niro crossovers.
Keep your eyes open for more industry updates at Philkotse.com.