For now, little is known about this new product.
The turbodiesel drivetrain of the Mojave SUV makes it difficult for a North American introduction.
The EV option is more plausible.
The pickup truck segment is set to evolve in the coming years. Not only will the electric shift bring new options from new companies – or “startups” if you prefer the appropriate expression – but let’s not forget the manufacturers who already have experience in automotive development.
From Kia, a prototype of a mid-size pickup truck was spotted in South Korea. In fact, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this pickup with a four-door crew cab, a format that is very common in the mid-size segment.
For now, the vehicle is entirely covered with panels to hide the details of this bodywork, which is still unknown to the public. However, we do know that the front end of this truck should have the same snout as the Mojave SUV. For those who follow automotive news, the Mojave is a close cousin of the Kia Borrego, which was introduced at the end of the first decade. When the big SUV was first introduced in Canada (in 2008 as a 2009 model year), it had to contend with economic crisis conditions, which hindered its deployment in North America.
Kia Mojave KCV-4 concept 2004 Photo: Kia
For now, the automaker is keeping quiet about this prototype gasoline-powered pickup, but it’s clear that it’s not the only pickup truck Kia engineers are working on. In fact, last year, the Korean brand’s strategists confirmed the development of an all-electric pickup truck, which, not surprisingly, will be based on the platform dedicated to electric propulsion, the so-called E-GMP.
However, with the presence of Hyundai’s Santa Cruz mid-size pickup in North America, it’s not clear that this other Kia truck if this one will reach our shores. The electric option seems more plausible, especially with the arrival of all these new players and the interest of North American consumers for vehicles equipped with cargo boxes.
As for the little detail about what currently powers the Mojave SUV, let’s just say that a turbodiesel engine has no place in North America, at least not in a brand new model. So, it would be more logical to think that this pickup, which is likely to be based on a ladder chassis, will be reserved for markets outside North America.
We should know more in the next few months.
