Kia to offer a Ridgeline-like pickup
 A while back there were some rumblings about a possible Kia pickup. Now PickupTruck.com ( here) has some more info on this vehicle. Apparently it will be based on the next generation Kia Sorento, which will move to a FWD-based unibody. So it sounds like Kia is following the Honda Pilot/Ridgeline formula here. I know there are a lot of skeptics out there who think this direction wrong, but I disagree. I think that's where the smart money should be. With the ever-increasing price of fuel, and the ever-increasing pressure of making trucks more eco-friendly, the mid-size truck—that offers intelligent solutions to work-oriented tasks will come out the winner, I think. I really believe that Honda opened a new door here with the Ridgeline. I'll be very interested to see how Kia takes the Ridgeline idea and expands upon it—as they say, 'taking it to the next level.' As per the Ridgeline, this Kia pickup will be built in the USA, and should be on sale in 2011.
Posted by Bob Mar 18, 2008 4:00 am
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Categories: Honda | Kia | Trucks
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United States of America, loud'n'proud! |
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Now if they can just get the styling right. The biggest problem I have with Ridgeline isn't it's capabilities, which I find to be fine for most average Harry Homeowner types, but the oddball styling straight out of right field.
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I'm a bit surprised, given Kia is about to launch the full ladder frame Borrego. That would seem like a more natural platform choice.
This could be a good thing, though. Kias have traditionally been too heavy, and starting with a ladder frame likely would have resulted in another overweight entry that would have struggled to be competitive.
Their engines have improved a lot lately. They could even get the V8 from the Hyundai Genesis, tuned for truck duties. Toss in a lighter unibody, and it stands a chance to stand out from the crowd.
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Ellicott City MD United States of America |
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When they say "unibody" I'm sure it will also have a frame welded to the unibody, like the Ridgeline.
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mirth
- Mar 18, 2008 9:48 am
(#4 Total: 9)
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First a mid-size SUV, now a pickup truck. Kia's certainly on the razor-edge of trends, not.
Bob, I know you're a Ridgeline fan, but it's not the trend (and the market seems to confirm that). Now, a compact pickup truck might, might be a good idea. But the "mid-size" truck market is walking too thin a line - people either want to haul/tow a ton (F-150) or they want great gas mileage with some utility thrown in (Ranger, cause all the rest are, frankly, too big).
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Ellicott City MD United States of America |
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mirth
I think a well-engineered mid-size truck could become the "new" 1/2-ton. It will be a bit smaller than current 1/2-tons, should get better mileage and be cheaper, and will do 90% or more of what conventional 1/2-ton can do.
Both Honda and Kia have the incentive to build such trucks, as they don't offer larger trucks. Conversely, none of the truckmakers that currently offer traditional-type 1/2-tons have the incentive to build such a vehicle, as it would eat into the profits of the 1/2-tons they now make.
Now if Honda and Kia would also offer versions of their trucks with a regular cab, but, and with an 8' bed—that would be interesting!
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"Now if Honda and Kia would also offer versions of their trucks with a regular cab, but, and with an 8' bed—that would be interesting!"
I certainly see your point Rsholland but remember Honda markets the Ridgeline as a multi purpose vehicle which it is. A regular cab and the larger bed would kind of narrow its potential if you look at it from all directions.
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Ellicott City MD United States of America |
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That's how it's marketed now. No telling what they may do in a few years, when the next-generation model comes out...
By offering an 8' bed, along with the current crew cab model, would open it to a different customer. So, if anything, it would expand the potential customer base.
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I understand you post better now I was read the 1st post way too fast. I thought you said that Honda should ONLY offer the truck in the regular cab with an 8' bed. Using your logic I guess it could increase or expand potential customer base which is a good thing, gotcha!
I dont know if Honda sees it the same way or not as Honda being Honda thinks that the "one size fits all" mentality is best suited for the current Ridge.
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estreka
- Mar 18, 2008 4:25 pm
(#9 Total: 9)
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subarctic north - Great Falls, MT |
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I too would like to see a reduction in size of the regular 1/2 ton. I thought the Ford Lightning was a perfect truck (minus the s/cer) for the average truck buyer. It had most of the capabilities of a full size truck, yet it was lower to the ground, could get decent mileage (comparatively), and looks fashionable. I don't care for how much trucks have grown in the past 10 years, both in height and sheer mass.
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