Hyundai and Kia Motor group has evolved to serious contender on the market with the launch of its sophisticated new models. The carmaker covers some of the most profitable segments in the industry and in recent years the models with those badges have become credible rivals to already established names in the industry. Hyundai and Kia expanded recently their lineup with the all-new and redesigned SUV models but both brands might soon enter another lucrative market.
The pickup trucks have become a huge hit worldwide and more brands show the interest of entering the market. It’s not the news that Hyundai is working on the pickup truck model and the latest reports indicate its arrival in 2020. Hyundai previewed the Santa Cruz Concept at 2015 Detroit Auto Show and model was expected to appear already but after delays, we should see the Hyundai pickup sometime in 2020 and it shouldn’t share much with the mentioned concept as the recent reports suggest.
However, alongside the new Hyundai Pickup truck, Kia might also join the game. Kia hasn’t confirmed the arrival of the truck yet but admitted that there is a lot potential for the brand to make a small pickup truck. While we are waiting for Kia to make a decision it already appeared on the internet how the recently introduced Kia Telluride could be transformed to the 2020 Kia Pickup Truck.
2020 Kia Pickup Truck: Design
The pickup truck from Kia is still far down the road but the Telluride-based truck model might make sense. It’s not clear yet how the new Hyundai Pickup Truck would look but it will be another unibody design model alongside the Pilot-based Honda Ridgeline. The 2020 Kia Pickup Truck based on the three-row Kia Telluride SUV wouldn’t need much time and money to enter the production but could prove successful amid the growing demand for the pickups.
Like the Honda Pilot-based Ridgeline, the Telluride-based model would share the same exterior design and running gear. The front section of the model would look identical to the SUV version with the modern “tiger nose” grille design and wide headlights. The profile would also have the same upright body panels as the Telluride SUV and the small cargo bed would be attached behind the third pillar.
The tailgate would also have the same design of the taillights as the SUV version while the model would likely get lifted suspension and base 18-inch wheels.
Interior, Equipment:
If Kia would decide to launch the SUV-based pickup truck, two models would also share the same interior design which would reduce the cost of development and the same case is with Honda’s Pilot SUV and derived truck version.
The Telluride has a car-like dash style with the large screen in the middle and more controls spread below. Kia offers the base Telluride with the 8.0-inch center display and a 10.3-inch screen in upper grades. The large SUV can be equipped with leather, heated and ventilated seats, three-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging. The model has also a long list of active safety systems available from the base version. The list covers forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
If the truck version would appear based on the Telluride SUV, two models would also share similar equipment list.
2020 Kia Pickup Truck: Powertrain
If Kia would be to launch the 2020 Kia Pickup Truck based on the Telluride SUV, under the hood of the model would likely be a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The engine makes 291 horsepower and torque of 262 pound-feet in the Telluride SUV. Kia would use an 8-speed automatic transmission in the combination with the V-6 engine and offer both two- and all-wheel drive. The pickup truck version could also get the diesel engine option which could be the case with the Hyundai Santa Cruz truck as well.
With the Telluride-based underpinning, the Kia truck would provide superior handling and driving quality compared to the traditional body-on-chassis trucks. The cargo bed would also provide additional utility compared to the SUV form. The model would be capable of towing in the 5,000-pound range.
2020 Kia Pickup Truck: Arrival, Price
The 2020 Kia Pickup Truck hasn’t been confirmed by the carmaker but Kia admitted that the truck model isn’t ruled out. If Kia decides to go with the truck version, the model is likely several model years from the launch.
In the form of the Telluride-based truck, the model would likely cost from around mid-$30,000.
PLEASE ADVISE DIMENSIONS OF KIA TRUCKS WITH AN D WITHOUT SIDE VIEW MIRRORS PLUS LENGTH/WIDTH ON 4 DOORS