Kia’s Tasman Truck: A Game Changer or A Risky Bet?

The Kia Tasman, a midsize pickup truck with a likely early release next year, has heightened expectations after confirming its model name and releasing a teaser video on the 11th. Unlike the small pickup truck Santa Cruz that Hyundai previously introduced to the North American market, the Tasman is expected to have a traditional pickup truck configuration.

Given its development tailored to the Australian market, which has a high proportion of off-road terrain, there’s considerable anticipation for its powerful off-road capabilities and design. A rendering based on spy shots was released, sparking heated reactions.

Hints Hidden in camouflage

On the 14th, YouTube car rendering expert NYMammoth unveiled a predicted rendering of the Kia Tasman. He had previously created a rendering of the vehicle earlier this year. This latest rendering, based on the most recent spy shots, reflects as much as possible the contours revealed on the surface of the camouflage. Therefore, the discrepancy between the actual car design and the rendering is expected to be significantly reduced.

The front of the Tasman in the rendering features a unique structure not seen in previous Kia vehicles or the pickup truck market. The extensive grill contour influenced the bonnet parting line, embodying Kia’s signature tiger nose design. The grill interior is composed of a dual frame, emphasizing depth and maximizing the tough image unique to pickup trucks.

Unique headlamp positioning

The bold vertical pins inside the grill protrude forward, adding an aggressive impression. The headlamps feature a unique structure connecting to the front fender garnish. The top of the grill is expected to feature a dotted daytime running light (DRL). Below that, the tiger nose garnish is applied, naturally connecting the dual grill frame.

The bumper garnish also appears quite robust, leading to speculation that it might be detachable. This could satisfy enthusiasts who wish to attach larger tires. On the 2nd, YouTube creator ‘stuBio’ also predicted a similar front layout for the Tasman. A spacious dual-frame grill and integrated wheel arch cladding headlamps are standard features.

It is likely to be Released in February Next Year

Kia plans to unveil the Tasman as early as the end of this year and start mass production in February of next year. The powertrain will likely consist of a 2.5L gasoline turbo engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. An electric model will also be added starting in July next year. With a large-capacity 123kWh battery pack, it is projected to travel 450km (279.6 miles) on a single charge.