---
title: "Kia Is Developing an Old-School Pickup That Might Make It to America"
description: "The Korean automaker won't try to steal marketshare in the full-size segment, but a mid-size truck is confirmed that might make it stateside."
date: "2023-05-26"
modified: "2023-05-26"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/kia-is-developing-an-old-school-pickup-that-might-make-it-to-america"
categories:
  - "Kia News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "Kia"
  - "pickup"
---

# Kia Is Developing an Old-School Pickup That Might Make It to America

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/26/kia-pickup-lead.jpg>)
*\<em\>Kia\</em\>*

Korean automaker [Kia](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/kia-news>) is developing a body-on-frame pickup truck that could make it in some form to the United States. According to reports by several Australian automotive publications, including *[Whichcar](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/44561/kia-promises-two-electric-pickup-trucks-in-the-next-five-years>),* the mid-size pickup is slated to hit the market in 2025, and the Korean automaker has already said two new pickups will be headed to America in that timeframe.

Reports indicate the truck was first mentioned at a Kia dealer conference, although attendees were not shown any sort of concept imagery or model. It is not related to Hyundai/Kia's only current pickup, the [Hyundai Santa Cruz](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/41906/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review-a-charming-small-pickup-thats-weird-for-the-better>), which is based on the unibody Tucson.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/26/image.png>)
**Peter Holderith**

Kia has [promised two electric pickups](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/44561/kia-promises-two-electric-pickup-trucks-in-the-next-five-years>) in the United States in the next five years, and it's plausible one of those could be based on what we're hearing about now. Kia already produces the [Niro](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-kia-niro-mixes-funky-styling-with-a-plethora-of-electrified-powertrains>) that has several drivetrain options, including a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a full EV. A ladder frame vehicle like the one Kia has announced is likely versatile enough to support several drivetrains.

To be clear, any pickups Kia decides to sell in the United States won't attempt to complete in the [full-size segment](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/heres-why-all-american-full-size-trucks-arent-entirely-made-in-the-us>). The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado 1500 are more or less untouchable, with the Toyota Tundra struggling to compete. All the Korean brand's entries will exist to fight small trucks like the [Ford Maverick](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/44365/2022-ford-maverick-hybrid-review-return-of-the-great-american-economy-car>), or the recently updated pack of mid-size trucks, the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger.

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: peter@thedrive.com*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)