2022 Kia Pickup Truck Confirmed!

After news that Kia is building a pickup truck based on the Mohave SUV, we investigated this possibility. First of all, this has nothing to do with an old Mojave concept that never turned into production. Still, it showed that the Korean carmaker is serious about the appearance in the new segment. Since Mohave SUV is not available in the US market, we were looking for other possibilities for the 2022 Kia pickup truck.

There are various sources speaking of different outcomes and we sorted out the most likely options for the carmaker. We already analyzed the possibility of the Mohave-based model. Now, we can hear that Telluride SUV is also an option to borrow many solutions for the upcoming vehicle which will be called Telluride truck. Finally, some experts are pointing to Kia’s partner, Hyundai, and its Santa Cruz. The partnership could expand to the new market.

2022 Kia Pickup Truck Based on the Mohave SUV

One of the main reasons why we are still considering this move is the ladder frame the SUV is using. The 2022 Kia pickup truck will benefit from this move since the body-on-frame models are far more interesting. If you just check the market, you will see that all mid-size trucks are using such an architecture, except Honda Ridgeline. Now try to find sales records for previous seasons, and you will see where the only unibody pickup is. Spoiler alert – rock bottom. So, the BoF platform is the biggest thing the Mohave SUV can offer to the pickup truck.

On the other hand, we see rugged off-road SUVs as well, but Kia is not one of them. Mohave is not ready to debut in the US yet, since many requirements are to be met. It is easier to make a new model and the Korean company did it. But, we haven’t got an SUV with the ladder frame, but unibody architecture.

2022 Kia Telluride Truck

This is the model we are talking about. We saw it coming, but Kia surprised everyone when they actually brought the new mid-size three-row SUV. It is the largest model in the family, but the carmaker wants to expand the range to the full-size class as well. Until then, the Telluride SUV can be used as the base for the 2022 Kia Pickup Truck. Well, we already mentioned some of the pros and cons.

Still, turning the existing SUV into a truck seems easier than to build a new vehicle from scratch. Plus, buyers in the US are already familiar with the Telluride nameplate. Furthermore, Kia made an impression with a new 3.8-liter unit that can provide 290 hp and 260 lb-ft. This should be enough for the mid-size market, where most models rely on six-cylinder engines. But, the major downside stays – truckers are keener on ladder frames.

Kia Telluride SUV

2022 Kia Pickup Truck vs Hyundai Santa Cruz

We saw the results of the partnership of two Korean carmakers several times. The last example is two mid-size SUVs, Hyundai Palisade, and the above-mentioned Kia Telluride. However, it seems that Hyundai is a step ahead. It also offers a premium Genesis GV80 SUV. Plus, Santa Cruz is an attractive pickup truck concept that is near production. The cooperation could be extended and the 2022 Kia Pickup Truck might find a lot of inspiration on the Santa Cruz platform. Nevertheless, this is a big bite for Hyundai as well and the platform is on the stand-by for a few years. We are not sure why it is not in production yet, but fans would definitely like to see the truck on the streets as soon as possible.

Kia Mojave Pickup Truck

2005 Kia Mojave Truck Concept

This is not the first time Kia is trying to get into the new market. Back in 2004 and 2005, the company was pretty active and it even presented the Mojave concept, that was supposed to become the company’s first pickup truck. Nevertheless, bosses gave up on this idea, since the market was more than crowded.

Now, the mid-size truck segment is reviving. We can see new models, the return of old vehicles, and now it is a turn for new manufacturers to take a slice of the profit pie. Kia and Hyundai made a strong impact to the crossover and SUV segments. Innovations were the key and the interest in truck class is definitely not a surprise. Nevertheless, there are a lot of questions and the results are uncertain.

The 2022 Kia Pickup Truck will have to make a breakthrough with Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and a few other well-known names on its path. Plus, Americans love their products. Only Japanese carmakers managed to spoil the dominance of Ford, GM, and FCA in the mid-size pickup segment. Is it time for Kia to shine?

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