There is a misconception that Tasman language will be Kia’s first truck, even though the little-known Bongo has been around since 1980. Despite being launched in 2005, the fourth-generation model is still going strong. Not only that, but the somewhat lesser-known pickup is even getting a few updates in South Korea. The design may be dated, but this is a 2025 vehicle.
Available with two and four doors, the Kia Bongo now has more standard equipment, including power-folding mirrors and cruise control. Upper trim levels also get a few changes inside, including a twitter, chrome door handles and a new parking brake lever. Regardless of version, all trucks come with a fire extinguisher.
Designed specifically for small businesses, the Bongo is also available as a driver training vehicle with an automatic transmission. Previously, the truck was only offered with a manual transmission. Customers can get the Kia truck with two- and four-wheel drive and a payload capacity of up to 2,645 pounds. The truck's bed measures 112.5 inches long and 64.1 inches wide. In terms of size, the truck is slightly longer than the Ford Mavericks Carat 203 inches.
This utility vehicle has been updated over the years, so it has modern amenities such as a ventilated driver's seat, start/stop button, and 10.25-inch infotainment. Kia also gives it a range of safety technologies, from forward collision avoidance assist to lane departure warning.
Power is provided by a 2.5-liter engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and produces 157 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque that is channeled to the road through an automatic transmission. Stick with the manual transmission and output drops to 136 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. Kia also sells Full electric bongo with 181 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. The EV uses a 58.8 kWh battery with enough power to travel 131 miles. The car charges at a maximum of 100 kW, which means it takes 47 minutes to recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent.
Pricing starts at a very affordable $14,700, but that’s for the base model with a lower payload capacity of 2,200 lbs instead of 2,645 lbs. Even the more powerful model in its highest trim level doesn’t cost more than $18,500. If you want to skip the combustion engine, the two-wheel-drive Bongo EV starts at $31,700 and goes up to $33,000.
The Bongo is a rare breed of car because it is an honest pickup truck without any frills that can drive up the price. Toyota does the same with its new cars Hilux Championa work truck without any fancy features to keep the price around $13,000 in Thailand.
