The announcement was made during the automaker’s annual investor day, where broader electrification and sales targets were also outlined. The strategy reflects Kia’s effort to strengthen its position in key segments, including pickups and electric vehicles, while expanding its hybrid lineup. The company is aiming to grow its global volume and diversify its offerings across multiple powertrains.
The new pickup and SUV are part of a wider plan that includes increasing hybrid models, refining EV architecture, and reaching over one million annual vehicle sales in the coming years.
A Mid-Size Pickup Tailored for the US Market
Kia confirmed it is developing a mid-size pickup with a body-on-frame architecture, a format commonly used for durability and off-road capability. According to Motor1, the truck is expected to share its platform with Hyundai’s upcoming pickup, suggesting a coordinated approach within the group.
The model will be offered with either a fully electric powertrain or a range-extended hybrid setup. This dual approach highlights Kia’s intention to appeal to a broader range of customers in the competitive US truck market.
Sales ambitions are clearly defined. According to Automotive News, Kia plans to sell 90,000 trucks annually in the United States by 2034. The company is entering a segment already dominated by models such as the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, where differentiation through powertrain options could play a role.
Expansion of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Lineup
Kia’s roadmap includes a significant expansion of its electrified offerings. The automaker plans to double its hybrid lineup from four to eight models, aligning with a broader industry shift toward electrification.
At the same time, Kia aims to increase its total EV lineup from 11 to 14 models. Among these, nine will be SUVs and three will be commercial vehicles. One of the upcoming additions is the compact EV1, which will contribute to the brand’s entry-level electric offering.
Despite this expansion, Kia has revised its EV sales expectations. The company now targets 1 million EVs sold annually, a reduction from a previous projection of 1.3 million. The adjustment reflects changing market conditions while maintaining a strong commitment to electrification.
A New Global Flagship Electric SUV in Development
Alongside the pickup, Kia is preparing a new electric SUV described as a “flagship volume EV model.” According to Autocar, the vehicle will be one of three new global models planned by the automaker, although its availability in the United States has not been confirmed.
Currently, the EV9 holds the position of Kia’s flagship electric SUV. It is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, which supports several models across the brand’s lineup.
Kia also indicated that a next-generation EV architecture is in development and expected before the end of the decade. This future platform is intended to support the company’s growing electric portfolio and improve overall performance and scalability.
Beyond vehicles, Kia’s broader strategy includes operational changes. Hyundai, part of the same group, plans to deploy Atlas robots at two factories in the United States by 2029, signaling continued investment in automation and production efficiency.
Kia reported 852,155 vehicle sales in the United States last year and is targeting 1.02 million annual sales by 2030, underscoring the scale of its ambitions as it reshapes its lineup.
