Is Kia Bringing Pickup Trucks to America?

August 31st, 2026 by

 

 

Photo Credit: Kia

 

Does Kia Make a Truck?

If you’ve spent any time scouring auto forums lately, you’ve probably asked: does Kia make trucks? The short answer is yes—just not where U.S. buyers can easily buy one yet. Overseas, Kia launched the Kia Tasman, a tough mid-size pickup engineered to take on global heavyweights like the Toyota Hilux. Built on a rigid body-on-frame chassis, the Tasman packs solid towing power and off-road chops for markets like Australia and South Korea. So, does Kia make trucks? Absolutely. But stateside buyers are left waiting due to steep import tariffs (namely the heavy “Chicken Tax”) and local production logistics.

Will There Be a Kia Pickup Truck for US Buyers?

American drivers looking for a native Kia pickup won’t have to wait forever. Kia confirmed plans to enter the North American truck market before the end of the decade, tapping into the massive domestic demand for utility vehicles. While full specs are still under wraps, the brand’s U.S. strategy points to a few key moves:

  • Electric & Hybrid Powertrains: Expect an all-electric U.S. truck, alongside potential range-extended hybrid setups built for long-haul utility.
  • A Mid-Size Contender: Patent filings suggest a mid-size platform designed to go toe-to-toe with established U.S. mid-size trucks.
  • Stateside Assembly: To dodge import taxes and keep pricing competitive, any U.S.-bound truck will almost certainly be assembled in North American facilities.

The Telluride Transformed

Without a dedicated bed on the lot today, buyers turn to the Telluride transformed into a practical truck alternative. As Kia’s flagship crossover, the Telluride pulls double duty. Trims like the X-Pro add all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, upgraded cooling systems, and towing capabilities up to 5,500 pounds. For drivers who need to haul boats or utility trailers without sacrificing passenger comfort, it checks off most of the same boxes as a light-duty pickup.

Finding Utility 

While you won’t spot a new factory-built Kia truck sitting on the lot today, shoppers heading to Southern Kia Greenbrier aren’t out of luck. The Greenbrier dealership carries a broad lineup of pre-owned pickup trucks alongside new, high-capacity Kia SUVs like the Telluride. Local buyers can easily test drive pre-owned trucks or explore high-towing crossovers under one roof.

 

Posted in Kia