Kia Corporation plans to expand its model portfolio by introducing nine new internal combustion engine (ICE) models, as well as expand its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) lineup to 13 models by 2030. The Korean automaker said that it is targeting 1.98 million annual sales of ICE models and annual sales of 1.15 million xHEV models, including HEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs).
Among the confirmed new HEV models is a new pickup truck, which is set to be launched by 2030. Kia said during its CEO Investor Day event that its new hybrid pickup truck will further strengthen its entry into global emerging markets. Of note, the new Kia pickup truck HEV will be sold alongside the Tasman once it is introduced by 2030.
Kia added that its new pickup truck will be integrated with a body-on-frame platform, and reports state that the Korean automaker will be launching it as a midsize pickup truck, targeting core markets in North America. This means that the upcoming and new Kia pickup truck will go up against the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger in the U.S. market.
The Korean car brand also shared that its new pickup truck will come with HEV and EREV variants by 2023. EREV is a hybrid system that uses an engine as a generator to charge the battery to provide electric power.
Speaking of HEV models, Kia is targeting to yield 1.1 million units per year by 2023. It will maximize its production facilities in Korea, China, India, and Mexico as key supply hubs, further enhancing its flexible global manufacturing operations.
Kia’s plan to introduce a new pickup truck with a body-on-frame platform is a similar approach to what Hyundai announced earlier this month. Hyundai, which is the parent company of Kia, said that it intends to compete in the midsize pickup truck segment.
“We intend to compete in the midsize pickup segment with everything we have. The body-on-frame truck is one of 36 new Hyundai vehicles coming to North America by 2030. We are entering segments we have never competed in before,” Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz said.
It previewed its body-on-frame platform through the Boulder concept, which Hyundai unveiled at the 2026 New York International Auto Show.
Autocar’s Take
Kia wants to venture into the midsize pickup truck segment by introducing a new hybrid truck by 2030. This is significant since Kia has yet to prove itself when it comes to developing pickup trucks, especially since it will be going up against segment regulars such as the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger in the U.S. market.
But it seems that both Kia and Hyundai are serious about perfecting their respective new body-on-frame pickup trucks. Both Korean automakers are also putting a significant early marketing push for their respective trucks; marketing in such a way as to officially announce their launch, which it hopes to create anticipation.
