Kia locks in another all-electric ute for the US

Kia has used its 2025 Kia Investor Day event to announce it will launch another all-new battery-electric ute for American buyers.

Already seen testing on US soil, the new zero-emission ute is unrelated to the Kia Tasman EV that is being readied for Australia, with the new pick-up based on an all-new EV platform developed for “both urban and outdoor use”.

The ‘urban’ reference has led some to suggest that instead of a full-size rival for the F-150 Lightning, the Kia will be at least a size smaller, with the firm targeting the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, and other plug-in mid-size SUVs like the Ford Ranger and US-specific Toyota Tacoma.

When it arrives the new ute will be innovative, says Kia, while delivering segment-leading space for people and cargo.

It’s also been promised that it will be capable off-road and feature a “robust towing system”, suggesting it will be based on a rugged ladder-frame chassis, rather than a car-like monocoque.

The promise of “advanced infotainment and safety features”, meanwhile, suggests that the Korean brand will be aiming squarely at lifestyle buyers, rather than those who will buy their truck for work.

Kia told investors that once introduced it intends to sell as many as 90,000 per year – volumes that suggest export markets might play a role in its success. However, if it’s not significantly bigger than the Tasman offered in Australia, it’s unlikely to ever be sold locally.

It’s thought to hedge against US tariffs the new ute will be made in America at an all-new Hyundai Group factory that has recently opened in Georgia.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au