The official premiere is set to take place this year, likely next month
Rather than simply placing its badge on the back of a Hyundai Santa Cruz, Kia is creating its own pickup truck. The two models won’t share any mechanical components, as the Tasman will utilize a body-on-frame architecture instead of a unibody design. A new teaser video showcases the practical vehicle navigating the deserts of Al Qudra in the United Arab Emirates.
While still covered in its colorful, funky wrap, the square wheel arches with plastic cladding are now visible. The video also reveals Telluride-inspired vertical headlights and steps at the corners of the rear bumper for easier access to the cargo bed. The Tasman zooms over the dunes and even performs a few donuts towards the end of the clip.
Kia reports that it has performed no fewer than 1,777 different tests, with over 18,000 rounds completed so far. While the footage was shared on the Kia Worldwide YouTube channel, don’t expect the Tasman to be available globally. It has been seen undergoing tests in California, but the company is remaining tight-lipped about its availability in the U.S.
Assuming it comes to the U.S., we anticipate that it will be pricey due to the Chicken Tax, which would increase the asking price by 25% unless Kia plans to produce the truck at its factory in Georgia. It’s worth noting that the company has been spotted testing a fully electric pickup in the U.S., so at least one of the two models might be available here.
In terms of power, the Tasman, which will compete with the Ford Ranger, is expected to feature a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine from the Sorento. Other unconfirmed details suggest it may offer both 4×4 and 4×2 configurations, a maximum payload capacity of 2,200 pounds, and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. There’s currently no information about V-6 engines or plug-in hybrid options, which are available in the Blue Oval’s truck. It’s also unclear whether there will be additional body configurations beyond the double cab shown in all teasers, as well as in spy photos and videos.
According to the South Korean Maeil Business Newspaper (Maekyung or MK), the domestically assembled Tasman will be available in the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. Its world premiere is reportedly set for late next month at the Jeddah International Motor Show, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from October 29 to November 2.
The Tasman won’t be Kia’s first-ever truck, as the Bongo has been on sale in South Korea since 1980. The current fourth-generation model debuted in 2005 and, after several facelifts, is still available, including an electric version.
