The Kia Truck Won’t Be Like the Hyundai Santa Cruz
Rumors of the elusive Kia truck have been swirling around for years. However, we’re starting to find tangible clues about what to expect. Also, the first Kia truck teaser could arrive soon. There’s new evidence to suggest that a rugged new option is on the way.
What to expect with the new Kia truck
Since the Kia Telluride debuted in 2019, the automotive industry has been rampant about Kia truck rumors. Clues suggest that two different Kia pickup truck models are in the works. The electric trucks may arrive by 2027.
However, the first Kia truck could be here faster than expected. During EV day in South Korea, Karim Habib, head of Kia Global Design, shared that the first Kia truck teaser is right around the corner.
The truck could use similar designs as the Kia EV3 and Kia EV5, which are sophisticated, bold, and perfect for both the city and nature.
Habib explained that their role as designers is to serve the brand and customers. They design products people use within the framework of the Kia brand. So, design has to use those attributes to automatically create a family look.
The new truck is also expected to go in a different direction from the Hyundai Santa Cruz with different goals in mind.
How will the Kia Tasman and Hyundai Santa Cruz be different?
The first new Kia truck is expected to be called the Kia Tasman because a trademark was recently filed for that name. The Tasman could be based on the rugged Kia Mohave SUV with a ladder frame and a transition body-on-frame build with 4×4.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a unibody design, which provides a smoother and more athletic ride. But because the body and frame are one piece, off-roading capabilities such as suspension travel and durability are a bit limited.
Plus, the Santa Cruz is based on the compact Hyundai Tucson. The Mohave is a mid-size SUV, and the first Kia truck is expected to have a double-cab. The second truck might be smaller.
Also, the Santa Cruz doesn’t exactly have an off-roading package or trim yet. But the Tasman is planning to battle the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton. It could have a trim like the Ford Ranger Raptor in the works.
While the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is the best-in-class towing capacity for its class, the Tasman will need a bit more muscle to compete in the mid-size class.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a sleek, curvy, and modern look, but the Kia Tasman is going more traditional with a boxy design.
How much power will the Kia Tasman have?
We don’t have the official specs for the new Kia truck or Kia Tasman yet. But both of the upcoming Kia pickup trucks will have an available electric powertrain. The first truck is also rumored to have other powertrain options as well.
It could debut with a diesel engine in other countries first. The Mohave has a 3.0-liter diesel engine with an emission-reduction device. It provides 253 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It may produce different figures in Tasman because it could be heavier.
We could see hybrid or PHEV engines as potential options. Currently, the Santa Cruz has two gas-powered engines available, but it might go hybrid in 2025.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue tracking the Kai truck and its progress. What do you want to see with the two new pickup trucks?
