Kia’s first pickup truck, the Tasman, is rapidly approaching its debut, and the company has released the first official teaser image. Despite the camouflage, the image reveals a distinctly blocky and upright styling, with a blunt face reminiscent of a hippo. Small headlight pods are pushed to the corners, and there’s a snout-like grille opening above a prominent bumper. The headlights flow into black plastic boxed fender flares, and the Tasman has chunky all-terrain tires. A kicked-up C-pillar, crisp surfacing lines, steps in the rear bumper, and protruding taillights add to the Tasman’s distinctive appearance.
Kia has been taking bold styling risks with new models, and the Tasman follows suit. This strategy has paid off for the brand, with 2023 marking its best sales year ever. To compete in the competitive pickup market, Kia needs to stand out, and the Tasman’s unique design is poised to do just that.
Although mechanical details are yet to be released, previous reports suggest the Tasman may be equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine and an automatic or manual transmission. A twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine is also a possibility. Kia’s press release positions the Tasman as an adventurous vehicle that inspires discovery and prioritizes reliability and performance.
Designed to fulfill both work and leisure needs, the Tasman is expected to handle extreme activities. Despite appearing production-ready, Kia has announced a 2025 debut for the Tasman. Prototype sightings in the U.S. and strong rumors indicate the possibility of its availability in the American market. If Kia successfully combines its unconventional design with proven value, the Tasman has the potential to be a winning entry in the competitive pickup truck landscape.
