Pickup trucks remain a cornerstone of the American automotive landscape, with models like the Ford F-150 maintaining top-selling status for decades. Driven by high profit margins and consumer demand, automakers are preparing to launch a diverse array of new trucks. From minimalist electric models to high-performance off-roaders, here are five upcoming pickups that might be worth considering for your next vehicle purchase.
1. Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman marks the brand's debut in the pickup truck market. Designed to bridge the gap between work utility and lifestyle comfort, the truck features a spacious, tech-heavy cabin filled with multiple screens. While its boxy aesthetic has generated mixed reactions in regions where it has already launched, it aims to offer a unique alternative for U.S. buyers. Kia emphasizes its versatility, offering various accessories and chassis configurations. As Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia, noted: «Kia's first-ever pickup truck was created [...] to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features».
2. Slate Pickup Truck
Targeting a competitive entry price of $25,000, the Slate pickup is scheduled for a 2027 arrival. To achieve this low cost, the vehicle is designed as a basic utility platform; it arrives unpainted and lacks standard features like a sound system or center console, which customers can add via over 200 available accessories. However, simplicity comes with trade-offs. Early critiques suggest the cabin can be quite noisy due to the truck's skeletal architecture, with one reviewer noting: «Even at 40 mph there was a lot of wind audibly whipping right at my ear level, and I can imagine it would be a lot worse on the freeway».
3. Scout Terra
Volkswagen’s revived Scout brand is set to introduce the electric Terra pickup in 2028. Drawing design inspiration from the classic International Harvester Scout SUVs of the 1960s, the Terra aims to deliver serious performance. It features all-wheel drive, a 1,000 lb-ft of torque output, and a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. With 12 inches of ground clearance, it is clearly aimed at off-road enthusiasts. The truck is expected to offer a 350-mile electric range, expandable to 500 miles with an optional gasoline range extender.
4. Ram Dakota
Following its 2011 retirement, the beloved mid-size Dakota is poised for a comeback. With the mid-size segment gaining momentum, speculation surrounds the return of a high-performance powertrain, potentially featuring a Hurricane turbo inline-six engine. While details remain scarce, reports suggest a wide range of trims, including an off-road Rebel and a performance-oriented SRT version. Success for the new Dakota will likely hinge on its pricing, as the previous generation struggled when its cost began to overlap with the full-size Ram 1500.
5. Ford Fathom
Ford is preparing to expand its electric portfolio with the Fathom, a mid-size truck designed for affordability. Utilizing Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, the Fathom employs a simplified production process to keep costs down—targeting an entry price of approximately $28,350. While specific performance specs remain under wraps, the company has teased impressive acceleration, claiming the Fathom will be capable of reaching 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds. It represents a strategic pivot for Ford’s electrification efforts in the mid-size segment.