[VIDEO] First Look at the Kia Tasman Pickup Truck – Powerful Design, Unmatched Versatility

The Korean automaker is planning to introduce its all-new pickup truck model called Tasman. This is the first joint venture of the Hyundai Motor Group to produce a pickup truck in Korea. According to the plan, the Kia Tasman will begin commercial production in February 2025, with an estimated annual output of 120,000 to 130,000 units.

The Kia Tasman will be sold not only domestically but also in major foreign markets such as North America and Australia. According to The Korean Car Blog, Kia has filed trademark applications for Tasman in several countries, including Korea and Australia.

Recently, a test version of the car was spotted in a tightly disguised parking lot in Korea at the end of January. However, with close-up shots, car enthusiasts can imagine the design of the car to some extent.

Codenamed “TK,” the Kia Tasman pickup truck is being developed on a separate frame. Tasman is predicted to apply Kia’s latest design language, Opposites United, with vertically positioned Star Map headlights, similar to the EV9 and EV5 models. Overall, the exterior of the Kia Tasman will be square-shaped and rugged.

Kia plans to introduce multiple configurations of the truck, with the first version expected to have a dual-cab configuration equipped with a diesel engine. This dual-cab version is estimated to have a loading capacity of about 1,000 kg and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

In terms of powertrain, the Kia Tasman is expected to combine a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, previously used in the Mohave model, with a four-wheel drive system.

There is information that the Korean automaker is also considering equipping the Tasman with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine, previously used in the Stinger model, to compete with the Ford Ranger in some markets. Kia also plans to introduce an electric version of the Tasman in the future.

The Tasman is expected to be equipped with off-road support features such as driver assistance systems, four-wheel drive, 2H, 4H, 4L locking differential, and various terrain modes.

When it arrives on the global market, the Tasman will compete with the KGM Rexton Sports, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and others.

TT (Tuoitrethudo)

Reference: The Korean Car Blog