Kia has big plans when it comes to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). While electric vehicles (EVs) may be all the rage today, the Korean automaker believes self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) still have a place on today's roads, as well as internal combustion (ICE) models.

During the 2026 Kia CEO Investor Day, the automaker announced big plans to drive exponential growth and manufacturing innovation, as well as expand its electrified vehicle lineup to strengthen its future business capacities. This year's event focused on reviewing the five-year progress of Kia’s ‘Total Transformation’ initiative, following the company’s brand relaunch in 2021. Kia also outlined its mid- to long-term growth roadmap across all business sectors.

“Building on the achievements of innovation across all areas over the past five years, including brand, EVs, PBVs, and ESG — EVs, HEVs, autonomous driving, and robotics will serve as key drivers for Kia’s fastest growth to date. Even amid the evolving global environment, Kia will proactively respond to changing market conditions through differentiated strategies," said Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia Corporation.

For starters, Kia aims to pursue a strategy to accelerate exponential growth by targeting global sales of 4.13 million units by 2030 with a 4.5% market share. This compares with a sales goal of 3.35 million units with a 3.8% market share in 2026.

One of the key factors for this is to continue expanding its ICE and HEV models by 2030. Kia plans to launch 9 ICE models by 2030 and expand its HEV lineup to 13 models by 2030. Moreover, Kia is targeting to reach annual HEV sales of 1.1 million units (includes xHEV units like HEV, EREV, and PHEV).

But what really caught our attention was Kia's plan to launch a body-on-frame pickup truck with HEV and EREV (extended-range EV) variants by 2030. This comes as a surprise since the brand already sells the Tasman pickup truck. It's available with either a 2.2L turbo-diesel inline-four or a 2.5L turbo-gas four-cylinder.

No exact details have been revealed just yet, but we won't be surprised if it features the brand's next-generation hybrid system. Revealed last year, the electrified pickup truck could be powered by the new 2.5L turbo-hybrid powertrain shared with Hyundai, which was initially used for the Palisade Hybrid. It will also have an advanced transmission that will integrate a new electric motor for better energy generation and improved propulsion assistance. Last but not least, the new 2.5L turbo-hybrid will be available in both RWD and FWD applications.

Since body-on-frame pickups usually make use of RWD engines with part-time 4WD systems, the upcoming HEV or EREV pickup truck from Kia could benefit from such a system.

As for the rest of the ICE and HEV lineup, Kia will strengthen its lineup by introducing key models, including the Telluride and Seltos SUVs launched this year. In parallel, Kia will actively respond to market demand for HEVs, starting this year with the launch of the Telluride HEV and Seltos HEV, followed by the sequential introduction of additional hybrid models, such as the K4 HEV.

To support growing demand for ICE and HEV models through the years in emerging markets, Kia will leverage its production facilities in Korea, China, India, and Mexico as key supply hubs, further enhancing its flexible global manufacturing operations.

EVs may continue to become popular with customers, but Kia believes that hybrids and ICE models will continue to play a key role in the automaker's exponential growth and business capabilities for the long term.