One look at the Kia K2500 and it’s probably the last thing you’d expect to get technology updates. Known as the Kia Bongo in its home market, it has been largely unchanged appearance-wise for nearly 20 years.
Think of this then as Kia’s take on the Mitsubishi L300. It’s not quite as old, but they have the same purpose in life, to serve businesses that need a reasonably priced hauler whether for people or cargo.
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Over the years, it has gained powertrain changes. In South Korea, the diesel has been replaced by an LPG-powered version. There's even an EV model if the Bongo over there. But for decades, the driving environment has remained mostly the same.
Well, that changes in 2025 with the addition of more standard equipment and some creature comforts you’d expect in a, well, modern car. For starters, there’s a new steering wheel with (gasp) buttons for audio controls and cruise control. But that’s not the only thing new with it.
Stuck right on the dashboard’s top bit is a floating infotainment screen. Yes, it packs Kia’s latest software, bringing this workhorse bang up to date. You might have spotted the gear selector, too. Yes, for the first time ever, this model is available with an automatic transmission.
You might be surprised to learn that ventilated seats and a stop-start button. But more significantly, this seemingly basic utility vehicle also comes with some advanced driver assist systems. We’re not kidding as it packs autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, to name a few. Of course, it doesn’t have semi-autonomous driving capabilities as it still has a mechanical power steering system.
That said, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever get this version of the Bongo/K2500 in the country. But it would be nice if this hauler would get updates that would bring it to the more modern age. We’re almost certain that the drivers will appreciate it.
Hey, even workhorses deserve a tech update, too.
