New Kia Tasman Pickup Truck Filmed Up Close As We Edge Closer To Debut

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Kia confirmed last year that it’s developing a body-on-frame pickup truck to compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux in markets such as Asia, Australia, and others worldwide. However, its availability in the U.S. remains uncertain, depending on whether they can establish local production to bypass the so-called Chicken Tax. Now, we’re getting an eyeful of it, caught lurking in a parking lot in Korea.

Unfortunately, the mid-size truck, which is expected to be called the Tasman, is still under a significant amount of camouflage. However, because the host of a video posted by the Woopa TV YouTube channel was able to get right up close to it, there’s a lot to see.

For starters, it’s clear that the truck will be very boxy looking. Not only does it appear to have quite a straight hood and a vertical front and rear fascias, the wheel arches, side mirrors, and the passenger cabin are also quite squared off, giving it a similar vibe to the Jeep Gladiator.

While the bed might appear on the shorter side, Kia is certainly going the extra mile to ensure it’s practical. They’ve added a handy step right into the rear bumper, making it a breeze for owners to reach over and snatch their gear from the bed.

Read: This Is What Kia’s New Mid-Size Pickup Truck Could Look Like

It appears that the lighting design will play a role in tying this pickup to the broader Kia family. Those vertical daytime running lights (DRLs) up front seem to bear a resemblance to the ones on the updated Sorento and the EV9. Additionally, the upward curve at the bottom of the Tasman’s rear window carries echoes of the electric SUV’s styling.

Kia has a two-pronged approach in its pickup strategy. They’ve confirmed the development of both an internal combustion version (as seen here) and a different, all-electric truck, which would be offered in the States. The EV variant is anticipated to be built on the E-GMP platform, while the Tasman, as seen in these spy shots, might share the body-on-frame platform with the Borrego (also known as the Mohave).

Kia Australia previously confirmed that the model will feature a diesel powertrain in their market. The most probable engine to find its place under the Tasman’s hood is Kia’s 2.2-liter CRDi four-cylinder turbocharged unit, although the possibility of a larger engine cannot be ruled out. If the persistent rumors about the truck’s potential availability (and production) in North America turn out to be true, it would surely involve fitting it with a gasoline engine instead of a diesel one, aligning with regional preferences.

Expected to be unveiled sometime this year, and to go on sale in 2025, it will be interesting to see if Kia can break into the global pickup market with the new Tasman.