It is just a matter of time when will the Kia pickup become available. The company still keeps details under the radar, including the name for the upcoming vehicle. Today, we found out that the 2023 Kia Telluride truck is one of the possibilities. A logical choice, having in mind that two vehicles will probably share a lot of things in common – the architecture and drivetrains at the first place.
Why experts are so sure about the 2023 Telluride truck? The company is closely related to another Korean manufacturer. Hyundai Santa Cruz is finally out, meaning Kia will take the same path. We already saw similar moves in other segments. This is not the first time the company is thinking about the pickup. But, with the increased demand, more manufacturers will turn to the truck segment.
Roots
The first ever truck by the Korean company appeared more than 15 years ago. Nevertheless, Kia dropped the concept eventually. Bosses were not sure about the success of the project, especially since there was a tough competition during 2000s. Still, we remember the Mojave truck. It doesn’t have anything with the package the FCA is offering for the Gladiator. Also, the existing Kia Mohave SUV, available in some markets, is not based on the same architecture.
However, there is another theory available. Speculations say the SUV might be used as the base for the future pickup. Still, that is the body-on-frame platform, while most experts believe the upcoming 2023 Kia Telluride truck will ride on the unibody architecture.
2023 Kia Telluride Truck Rumors
The Telluride SUV is the latest addition to the lineup of big vehicles. The three-row model is the largest ride in the squad. Being related to the pickup segment is not a surprise. For example, Honda is doing the same with Ridgeline and Pilot SUV. So, the 2023 Kia Telluride truck is going to use the same unibody platform, while the conversion requires more work for designers. Still, it won’t be too hard for the company with such experience and ambitions.
The pickup truck is the next step in the evolution of the brand. Telluride is the first three-row SUV, that might get a full-size cousin in the future. Besides the truck, Kia is working on the premium segment. Hyundai already did it with Genesis, and first two SUVs with this badge are already out. Still, this move is not a top priority.
2023 Kia Telluride Truck Specs and Towing Capacity
Under the hood of the 2023 Kia Telluride truck will be the same engine like for the SUV. A 3.8-liter V6 is good for 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for the mid-size segment. The pickup will be built on the unibody platform, meaning the towing capacity can’t be impressive. Experts believe the Telluride truck is not going to exceed 6,000 lbs in the best case, but probably ending up with the towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. All these factors will determine the starting price of the pickup. It should be around $30,000.