At this point, many people are aware that Kia Motors is working on not one but two new all-electric pickup trucks. The South Korean brand’s entry into the ute segment may not come as a surprise, especially after Hyundai launched the Santa Cruz in 2021.
Related: Kia to build two new electric pickup trucks by 2027
While Kia spoke of building battery-electric pickups during its 2022 Investor Day, reports have now emerged that at least one of those models could come with a diesel powertrain option.
The reports indicate that it’s the mid-size truck that’s getting the diesel treatment, meaning the model could go up against the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50, and others.
Kia is allegedly exploring a body-on-frame architecture with several powertrain options for the new mid-size pickup. The automaker could also use an internal combustion engine platform for the vehicle before adapting it to fit an electric powertrain. The concept image used here is expertly rendered by KooKiSung Studio.
Kia’s new mid-size pickup truck could come in diesel and electric variants
One of Kia’s new trucks could feature a ladder frame architecture and diesel powertrain.
Autodeal on Mar 14, 2022You are here:HomeLatest StoriesNewsKia’s new mid-size pickup truck could come in diesel and electric variants
At this point, many people are aware that Kia Motors is working on not one but two new all-electric pickup trucks. The South Korean brand’s entry into the ute segment may not come as a surprise, especially after Hyundai launched the Santa Cruz in 2021.
Related: Kia to build two new electric pickup trucks by 2027
While Kia spoke of building battery-electric pickups during its 2022 Investor Day, reports have now emerged that at least one of those models could come with a diesel powertrain option.
The reports indicate that it’s the mid-size truck that’s getting the diesel treatment, meaning the model could go up against the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50, and others.
Kia is allegedly exploring a body-on-frame architecture with several powertrain options for the new mid-size pickup. The automaker could also use an internal combustion engine platform for the vehicle before adapting it to fit an electric powertrain. The concept image used here is expertly rendered by KooKiSung Studio.
This move would allow Kia to appease diesel fans in emerging markets, including South Africa and Southeast Asia. It would also let Kia establish a new model that could become relatively simple to introduce as a fully-fledged electric vehicle (EV) down the line. So, if the reports prove true, it may not be out of the question for Kia Philippines to bring in an appealing pickup truck like this one.
Be that as it may, we still don’t know when the new model will launch globally—though Kia says the electric versions could come as late as 2027. The diesel version could come sooner, but there’s no confirmation of that so far.
Kia has also yet to launch an EV in the country, but its management has assured us in the past that things will change soon. Could launching this upcoming mid-size pickup truck pave the way for the first Kia EV in the Philippines? Only time will tell, but the brand could still go any number of routes in its quest for electrification. Kia also has the EV9 in the pipeline. That’s another exciting model to watch. For now, though, diesel engines are still king in many markets, and Kia just might get the best of both worlds with its new truck.
Related Articles
Kia reminds car owners to book PMS ahead of holiday tripsKia drives the first Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge with EJ ObienaHongqi unveils its updated lineup of flagship models with the E-QM5 Plus and E-HS9The BYD Shark 6 earns five-star safety rating from ANCAPKia Philippines leads industry with 71 percent sales growth
Latest News
- Nissan teases its future product line at the Japan Mobility Show / NewsShaynah Miranda · Oct 14, 2025Nissan gives a look at what’s coming with the all-new LEAF and other future-ready vehicles at this year’s show.
- JETOUR Auto Philippines joins UAAGI brand portfolio / NewsAutodeal · Oct 13, 2025Renowned automotive powerhouse UAAGI continues to expand its lineup as it officially welcomes JETOUR Auto Philippines to its portfolio.
- Isuzu Philippines provides aid to earthquake-stricken San Remigio, Cebu / NewsJerome Tresvalles · Oct 13, 2025Isuzu Philippines and its partner Iconidc Dealership Inc. deliver relief goods to 200 families in San Remigio, Cebu.
Popular Articles
- Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the PhilippinesJerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
- First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beatJun 18, 2021
- Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to knowEarl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
- Most fuel efficient family cars in the PhilippinesBryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
- 2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to knowJoey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
- Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunksSep 20, 2023
- Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
- Why oil changes are important for your carEarl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
- 2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about itJoey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
- Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the PhilippinesJoey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020
