Kia is on the verge of introducing its inaugural light-commercial vehicle, a midsize pickup named the Tasman, anticipated to hit the market in 2025. The company offered a glimpse into the future with the release of the Tasman’s first official image this week.
The revealed photo showcases the vehicle adorned with a unique wrap created by Australian artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop. The video below includes Boyd-Dunlop discussing the creative process behind the distinctive wrap.
Despite the presence of prototypes with heavier camouflage being tested, including on U.S. soil, Kia has not confirmed the Tasman’s availability in the U.S. market. Nonetheless, Kia has announced plans for an electric truck to be sold in the U.S. by 2027.
Kia has specifically mentioned countries such as Australia, Korea, and various regions in Africa and West Asia as initial markets for the upcoming Tasman pickup.
Design-wise, the Tasman boasts a modern crew cab configuration and a robust aesthetic reminiscent of Kia’s Telluride and EV9 SUVs. The pickup introduces a distinctive grille design characterized by five vertical bars, complemented by vertical headlights akin to the Telluride’s. With flared wheel arches and all-terrain tires, the Tasman hints at a competent off-road performance.
While not officially confirmed, it’s speculated that the Tasman will be built on a body-on-frame platform, similar to the one used for the latest iteration of the Mohave SUV available in select international markets. The presence of six-lug wheels on the Tasman implies durable off-road and heavy-duty capabilities, aligning with industry norms.
Speculations suggest the Tasman could have a payload of roughly 2,200 pounds with a towing capacity nearing 8,000 pounds, placing it on par with its rivals. Initially, the Tasman is expected to feature a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine found in other international Kia offerings, delivering approximately 200 horsepower. Consumers can anticipate the choice between an automatic or manual transmission, and there are plans for an electric powertrain option in the future.
FAQ Section
- When is Kia releasing the Tasman?
- Kia plans to release the Tasman pickup in 2025.
- Will the Kia Tasman be sold in the United States?
- It is currently unclear whether the Kia Tasman will be available for purchase in the United States.
- What markets are confirmed for the Kia Tasman?
- Kia has confirmed that the Tasman will be available in Australia, Korea, and certain countries in Africa and West Asia.
- What kind of design and capability does the Tasman have?
- The Tasman will have a crew cab design with a boxy look, all-terrain tires, and flared wheel arches indicating strong off-road capability.
- What platform will the Tasman use?
- While not officially confirmed, it is expected that the Tasman may use a body-on-frame platform similar to the Mohave SUV’s.
- What will be the powertrain options for the Tasman?
- The Tasman is likely to launch with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine, with the possibility of an electric powertrain being introduced later on.
Conclusion
The Kia Tasman is shaping up to be a significant addition to the midsize pickup market with its focus on rugged design and sufficient towing and payload capabilities. The unique approach to its unveiling, with the inclusion of artwork by Richard Boyd-Dunlop, positions the Tasman as a vehicle that combines functionality with design innovation. As Kia expands its vehicle lineup, the automotive community eagerly anticipates further details on the Tasman’s specifications and its potential entrance into various markets, including the possibility of it reaching U.S. shores.
