The tough pickup platform offers a solid foundation for a true off-road SUV
Kia debuted the Tasman—its first-ever pickup truck—last October, targeting markets like Asia and Australia. But the brand may already be looking to broaden the model’s reach.
Speaking with CarSales, Kia Australia’s Chief Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, revealed that an SUV based on the Tasman could arrive within three years. Supporting the idea, Dean Norbiato, Kia Australia’s General Manager of Marketing, said the Tasman’s success could “open many doors.”
While specific details remain scarce, the possibility of a Tasman-based SUV has been circulating for some time.
Built on a body-on-frame platform, the Tasman is engineered for rugged use, offering features like a locking differential and the ability to wade through up to 31.5 inches of water. It’s aimed squarely at established mid-size pickups such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
A potential SUV version would be a compelling addition to Kia’s lineup and a natural rival to the Toyota 4Runner. Demand for capable, off-road-ready SUVs remains strong in markets that value durability and utility. Repurposing the Tasman’s robust platform for an SUV would be a smart move to attract a wider range of adventure-seeking buyers.
However, U.S. buyers are out of luck. In April, Kia confirmed that the Tasman won’t be sold in the American market—likely ruling out any U.S. version of a future SUV built on the same platform. For now, the truck remains focused on Australia, Korea, and other emerging regions.
Still, Kia hasn’t given up on trucks for North America. The company is working on a separate all-electric pickup for the U.S., built on a new dedicated platform. While timing is unclear, Kia expects to produce up to 90,000 units annually once the model launches—possibly as early as next year.
