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The Kia KCV-IV Mojave Concept, introduced at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show, was Kia's first-ever pickup truck concept, designed specifically for the North American market. The Mojave aimed to compete with U.S. automakers by offering a midsize truck that combined ruggedness with innovative design features.
Design and Features
The Mojave features a powerful 280-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine and an automatic, five-speed transmission with all-wheel drive. Its body-on-frame construction includes a fully boxed ladder frame and advanced suspension systems, ensuring durability and off-road capability. The truck’s spacious cabin offers a sporty two-plus-two seating arrangement, with rear-facing seats accessible through four center-opening doors, providing easy ingress and egress without a B-pillar.
The interior is designed with functionality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments and aircraft-inspired instrumentation. It also includes controls for entertainment systems like onboard navigation and DVD. The rear wall of the cabin can be moved forward or backward to either expand the cargo area or create more seating space, making it versatile for different needs.
Legacy
Although the Mojave Concept was never put into production, it signaled Kia’s ambition to enter the competitive pickup truck segment in North America. Kia's plans to build a manufacturing facility in California, along with the truck's desert-inspired name, pointed to future possibilities for a Kia production truck. While the concept didn’t immediately result in production, it marked a significant step in Kia’s expansion into new vehicle categories.
