The 2026 Kia Electric Truck: Everything You Need to Know

Kia is likely hoping it’ll turn out to be the Telluride of EV pickups.

Published November 22, 2023

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Kia has undergone a renaissance over the past half-decade or so. The brand has redefined itself, confidently entering new segments with vehicles like the Telluride three-row SUV — and earning both sales and critical success in the process.

Now, Kia has not tried to force its way into the American truck segment yet. But that could be about to change, with at least one future electric truck being bound for America.

Here’s what you need to know about Kia’s electric truck plans.

Kia has confirmed an electric truck is coming to America

Kia unveiled its EV roadmap in 2022. It called for a lineup of 14 electric vehicles globally by 2027. The plan mentioned two new electric pickup trucks, a “dedicated electric pickup truck” and a “strategic model for emerging markets.”

Kia also confirmed that electric truck will be built in America

Kia’s PR release noted, “in the United States, where mid-sized SUVs and pickups are popular, electric versions of these models will be produced locally from 2024.”

Building the truck in America would allow Kia to avoid the chicken tax for the truck and let it to be eligible for the federal EV tax credit.

Kia’s new electric truck may look a lot like the EV9

Kia’s new EVs, including the EV6, the EV9 and new smaller EV concepts, have all followed a similar design language. We expect the electric pickup truck to follow suit. We wouldn’t be surprised if the new truck shared the EV9’s 215-horsepower single-motor and 379=horsepower dual-motor EV powertrains.

When will Kia’s electric pickup arrive?

Kia has not altered its EV roadmap since the initial announcement. So, we can still presume the electric pickup will arrive by 2027. However, Kia has not confirmed an official timeline. There have been few rumblings or spy shots, so we expect it will come toward the later end of the window in 2026 or 2027.

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