ArabGT

Kia Bongo Gets Modernized for 2025

Kia Bongo Gets Modernized for 2025

Many believe that the upcoming Tasman will mark Kia’s debut in the truck market, but this overlooks the long-standing presence of the lesser-known Bongo, which has been around since 1980. The fourth generation of this truck, launched in 2005, continues to be available, receiving a series of updates in South Korea despite its somewhat dated design. This revamped 2025 model features both two- and four-door variants, now equipped with more standard features like power folding mirrors and cruise control. Higher trims are upgraded with additional amenities such as tweeters, chrome door handles, and a redesigned parking brake lever. Regardless of the trim, all Bongos come standard with a fire extinguisher.

Kia Bongo Gets Modernized for 2025

Targeted at small businesses, the Bongo is also offered as a driver-training vehicle with an automatic transmission, a new option previously available only with a manual transmission. Customers can choose between two- and four-wheel drive, and the truck boasts a payload capacity of up to 2,645 pounds. Its bed measures 112.5 inches in length and 64.1 inches in width, making the vehicle slightly longer than the Ford Maverick at 203 inches.

Over the years, the Bongo has been modernized with features like a ventilated driver’s seat, a start/stop button, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. Kia has also incorporated various safety technologies, including forward collision avoidance assist and lane departure warning.

Kia Bongo Gets Modernized for 2025

Powering the Bongo is a 2.5-liter engine running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), delivering 157 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque through an automatic transmission. Opting for the manual transmission reduces the output to 136 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, Kia offers a fully electric version of the Bongo, which generates 181 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, equipped with a 58.8 kWh battery that provides a range of 131 miles. This EV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 47 minutes using a 100 kW charger.

The starting price for the base model is an affordable $14,700, though this variant has a lower payload capacity of 2,200 pounds. Even the most advanced version with the highest payload capacity is priced reasonably at $18,500. For those preferring an electric option, the two-wheel-drive-only Bongo EV starts at $31,700 and goes up to $33,000.

Kia Bongo Gets Modernized for 2025

The Bongo stands out as a straightforward pickup truck, free from unnecessary features that would increase its price. Similarly, Toyota’s new Hilux Champ adopts this no-frills approach, maintaining an affordable price of around $13,000 in Thailand.

Trending Now