A few months ago we shared spy shots of New Kia Tasmanthe brand’s first pickup truck. Designed primarily for AustraliaAfrica and the Middle East to fight with trucks like Ford Ranger And Toyota Hilux, the mid-size body-on-frame Tasman is quickly approaching its launch date, and Kia has just released its first official teaser image. Despite the wrap designed by New Zealand artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop, we can see the Tasman will have the strangest styling of any pick-up on sale – and I think it’s a good thing.
The Tasman has super blocky, upright proportions with a blunt face that reminds me of a hippopotamus. The small headlights are pushed to the corners and feature an open snout-shaped grille above the prominent front bumper. The black plastic fender flares look pretty cool, and the Tasman has rugged off-road tires.
We can also see the raised C-pillar, some nice sharp lines along the sides, a step into the rear bumper, and taillights protruding from the rear corners. Overall, it’s something special so far, certainly more than just a reinterpretation of any existing truck. Kia has been taking extremely bold styling risks with new models such as EV6, EV9 And K4and the risks paid off – 2023 was the brand’s best sales year ever. If Kia really wants to compete in such a competitive market it needs to stand out, and it looks like the Tasman will do exactly that.
However, we don’t know many details about the Tasman’s mechanicals or powertrain, which are clearly of huge importance to truck buyers. Previous reports have suggested the Tasman will have a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with an automatic or manual transmission and could also get Kia’s twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6. Here’s what Kia’s press release had to say about the Tasman’s positioning:
‘The Path Never Taken’ concept embodies the adventurous spirit of the Kia Tasman, which will inspire customers to embark on journeys full of discovery and adventure in a vehicle that prioritizes reliability and performance. Through this theme, Kia Tasman will lead people to beautiful and unknown landscapes. In addition to easily fulfilling the role of a work-oriented pick-up truck, the Tasman is also designed to meet customers’ diverse individual needs. Fit for a demanding 24/7 lifestyle, Kia’s versatile truck will support even the most rigorous recreational activities.
While the truck is essentially ready, Kia says the Tasman won’t launch until 2025. Tasman prototypes have been spotted testing in the US, and while that doesn’t necessarily mean the trucks will be sold here. Kia has previously talked about developing trucks for the US market, and strong rumors have indicated that the Tasman will be offered in the US. As long as Kia continues to produce trucks, the brand’s combination of unique design and great value could make it a winner.
