Multiple sources conveyed the information that the 2023 Kia Telluride truck is going to be the company’s first pickup. After so many guesses, this is another rumor. Already, we analyzed the old Mojave concept, as well as the models based on the Mohave SUV, and totally new architecture. Plus, Kia shares a lot of things with Hyundai. Of course, this means the Kia truck will probably take the same architecture as the Santa Cruz. But, the new nameplate swam out.
Maybe the arrival of the 2023 Kia Telluride truck is not just a rumor. Just take a look – Hyundai launched a unibody pickup, the only one next to Honda Ridgeline in the US market. Building the truck on the SUV architecture would save a lot of money for the Korean company. Still, income is also questionable, since body-on-frame models are way more popular. All in all, there are a lot of pros and cons in this case.
2023 Kia Telluride Truck Specs and Towing Capacity
Since it shares the name with the SUV, the first thought is that the pickup is going to take the entire platform from the sibling. That means the same powertrain. A 3.8-liter V6 mill is good for 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That is exactly what the enthusiasts are looking for from the small truck. Rivals are at a similar level. Still, the unibody platform is going to make the 2023 Kia Telluride truck sportier than others. The towing capacity won’t be more than 5,000 pounds. That is another downside.
Another option is to use a ladder frame. Kia Mojave is the SUV that is being sold in a limited number of markets. But, with some modifications, it can be the base for the US truck. It will definitely improve the chances of the vehicle. However, in that case, a different nameplate would be used.
2023 Kia Telluride Truck Release Date, Prices
We won’t talk about the design of the 2023 Kia Telluride Truck since it is obvious. If the pickup takes the same name as the SUV, the styling is going to be very similar, with some modifications. Kia will have to work faster on the project if they want to launch the truck as the 2023 YM. The price will be similar to the Honda Ridgeline, and it is even higher than for body-on-frame models. It is another reason why truckers are not so keen on such pickups – more expenses for a weaker potential. The Telluride truck will start from $35,000.
Verdict
There are a lot of rumors about the intentions of the Korean company. Definitely, bosses are interested in the pickup segment, but the way to the markets is tough. So, before the launch of the 2023 Kia Telluride truck, the manufacturer will have to weigh all the options. For now, it seems like impossible to see the pickup in the production. On the other hand, Kia has a lot of potential to build at least a prototype and show intentions of building a pickup truck in the foreseeable future.