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I am Uniji, an automotive influencer.
These days, finding diesel vehicles in the automotive market is becoming increasingly difficult. This trend stems from stricter emissions regulations for internal combustion engine vehicles and the overall shift toward electrification in the automotive industry, leading to the discontinuation of diesel models. As a result, Hyundai's premium brand flagship mid-size SUV, the Genesis GV80, which features a 3.0 diesel engine, will also be discontinued just a few years after its launch. The pace of change in the automotive sector has been faster than anyone could have imagined.
Kia's Mohave, which has been a favorite among middle-aged men since its debut in 2008, has also faced the brunt of these changes. The Mohave, known for its frame body and six-cylinder diesel engine, has enjoyed a loyal following for 17 years. However, it couldn't adapt to the changing times and ultimately faced discontinuation, leaving behind many nostalgic customers.
The Mohave, often referred to as "the car of Chung Eui-sun," was the first vehicle developed under the leadership of Chung Eui-sun, the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, after he became president of Kia in 2005. The designer Peter Schreyer, who was recruited after a long search, also contributed to creating the Mohave's distinctive design. Thus, the Mohave holds a unique symbolic significance that sets it apart from ordinary vehicles.
The Mohave's birth is indeed special; it was the only vehicle in Korea's automotive history equipped with an eight-cylinder engine. Although it has since been replaced by a six-cylinder diesel engine, the powerful performance delivered by the V6 diesel engine remains unforgettable. With a maximum output of 260 horsepower and torque of 57.1 kg.m, the Mohave perfectly embodies masculinity, earning it the nickname "the G-Wagen of Korea." Additionally, it has maintained its frame body, unlike most SUVs that have shifted to a monocoque design to reduce production costs and improve fuel efficiency.
Despite its unique presence, the Mohave faced stiff competition from the Hyundai Palisade, which adopted a monocoque structure and emphasized gasoline engines. With a price tag in the upper range of 30 million won (approximately $22,500 USD), the Palisade proved to be more competitively priced than the Mohave. Following the launch of the Palisade, the Mohave saw a significant drop in sales. Additionally, the introduction of the Genesis GV80, equipped with a 3.0 inline diesel engine, further negatively impacted the Mohave's sales figures.
In response, Kia introduced the Gravity trim to enhance the Mohave's appeal. This new trim, positioned above the existing Platinum trim, features 20-inch black-painted wheels, a new black radiator grille, and extensive use of Alcantara material in the interior, receiving positive feedback from customers.
However, starting with the Stinger, Kia began restructuring its premium strategy by gradually removing domestic-only emblems. As a result, the Mohave also transitioned from its previous dedicated emblem to the new Kia logo. Due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, its maximum output was reduced by 3 horsepower to 257 horsepower.
As time passed, the automotive industry shifted its focus from developing new internal combustion vehicles to creating electric cars. Many internal combustion models faced discontinuation as their sales dwindled in the face of competition from electric vehicles. Kia has seen several models, including the Stinger and Mohave K3, heading toward discontinuation. However, as electric vehicle sales have recently slowed due to the EV chasm and EV phobia, more consumers are expressing nostalgia for discontinued internal combustion vehicles.
Meanwhile, following the discontinuation of the Kia Mohave in July, a new pickup truck is set to emerge. The Tasman, built on the Mohave's frame, will make its global debut at the Jeddah Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on the 29th.
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