Kia plans body-on-frame SUV and hydrogen-powered MPV
Two surprises have emerged from Kia’s model plans for the coming years: a body-on-frame SUV based on the Tasman pickup and a hydrogen fuel-cell Carnival. The South Korean carmaker is also preparing a new electric EV7 and the next-generation Sorento. The plans reportedly come from internal company production documents, so Kia has not yet officially confirmed all the new models.
Tasman could spawn a Toyota Land Cruiser rival
According to a production plan reported by The Korean Car Blog, Kia is considering expanding the Tasman model family with new body styles. The most interesting possibility is an SUV with a separate ladder frame, sharing its mechanical underpinnings with the pickup.
The Tasman’s body-on-frame construction provides a suitable starting point. Unlike the unibody Sportage and Sorento, the new model would allow a focus on more demanding off-road driving and greater towing capability.
Potential rivals would include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Tasman sales have so far fallen short of expectations in several markets. An SUV version would help spread platform development costs across a larger production volume. However, Kia has not confirmed a production decision, powertrains or an unveiling date for the new SUV.
Carnival to get hydrogen power in 2029
An even more unusual plan concerns the Kia Carnival.
According to South Korean newspaper Dong-A Ilbo, a production plan agreed between Kia and employee representatives calls for a new-generation Carnival to arrive in 2028. Production of a hydrogen fuel-cell version is expected to begin at the Gwangmyeong plant a year later.
It would be Kia’s first hydrogen car to enter series production.
The Carnival would probably use a powertrain based on Hyundai Nexo technology. A fuel cell would generate electricity from hydrogen to power the drive motor. Unlike a battery-electric car, the system would allow its energy supply to be replenished with a refuelling stop lasting a few minutes.
Kia has not disclosed the hydrogen version’s power output, tank capacity or range.
New Sorento and EV7 to expand the line-up
The leaked documents also feature the fifth-generation Sorento, which is expected to enter production in 2028. The model will get an updated hybrid powertrain and, probably, a substantially revised electronic architecture.
The Kia EV7 would expand the electric car range, slotting between the EV5 and the larger EV9. The documents name the Gwangju plant as the production site for the new SUV.
The expansion of Kia’s electric car range is no surprise. The company’s official strategy calls for 14 electric models and annual sales of one million electric cars by 2030.
Hydrogen is the biggest question mark for Europe
An SUV developed from the Tasman could offer an alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser in Europe, but its launch would depend on pricing, emissions requirements and demand.
The hydrogen Carnival’s prospects are more complicated. Europe’s hydrogen refuelling network remains sparse, and the high cost of the fuel makes such a vehicle impractical for many buyers.
Hydrogen power’s biggest advantage could be in fleets where vehicles follow fixed routes and can refuel at their base. For a conventional family car, battery-electric and hybrid options currently offer a simpler ownership experience.
The real significance of Kia’s plans lies in powertrain diversification. The company is developing electric cars, hybrids, traditional body-on-frame SUVs and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles simultaneously. This strategy allows it to adapt to the needs of different markets, but also increases development costs.
Success depends on whether Kia can make all these technologies profitable at sufficient production volumes.
