New Kia Tasman Pickup Truck Filmed Up Shut As We Edge Nearer To Debut

Considered one of two pick-up vans being developed by Kia, the Tasman relies on a body-on-frame platform

Kia confirmed final 12 months that it’s creating a body-on-frame pickup truck to compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux in markets equivalent to Asia, Australia, and others worldwide. Nonetheless, its availability within the U.S. stays unsure, relying on whether or not they can set up native manufacturing to bypass the so-called Hen Tax. Now, we’re getting an eyeful of it, caught lurking in a car parking zone in Korea.

Sadly, the mid-size truck, which is anticipated to be known as the Tasman, remains to be beneath a major quantity of camouflage. Nonetheless, as a result of the host of a video posted by the Woopa TV YouTube channel was capable of get proper up near it, there’s lots to see.

For starters, it’s clear that the truck shall be very boxy wanting. Not solely does it seem to have fairly a straight hood and a vertical entrance and rear fascias, the wheel arches, facet mirrors, and the passenger cabin are additionally fairly squared off, giving it an analogous vibe to the Jeep Gladiator.

Whereas the mattress may seem on the shorter facet, Kia is actually going the additional mile to make sure it’s sensible. They’ve added a useful step proper into the rear bumper, making it a breeze for house owners to achieve over and snatch their gear from the mattress.

Learn: This Is What Kia’s New Mid-Dimension Pickup Truck Might Look Like

It seems that the lighting design will play a job in tying this pickup to the broader Kia household. These vertical daytime operating lights (DRLs) up entrance appear to bear a resemblance to those on the up to date Sorento and the EV9. Moreover, the upward curve on the backside of the Tasman’s rear window carries echoes of the electrical SUV’s styling.

Kia has a two-pronged method in its pickup technique. They’ve confirmed the event of each an inner combustion model (as seen right here) and a unique, all-electric truck, which might be supplied within the States. The EV variant is anticipated to be constructed on the E-GMP platform, whereas the Tasman, as seen in these spy photographs, may share the body-on-frame platform with the Borrego (often known as the Mohave).

Kia Australia beforehand confirmed that the mannequin will characteristic a diesel powertrain of their market. Probably the most possible engine to seek out its place beneath the Tasman’s hood is Kia’s 2.2-liter CRDi four-cylinder turbocharged unit, though the potential of a bigger engine can’t be dominated out. If the persistent rumors concerning the truck’s potential availability (and manufacturing) in North America grow to be true, it could absolutely contain becoming it with a gasoline engine as an alternative of a diesel one, aligning with regional preferences.

Anticipated to be unveiled someday this 12 months, and to go on sale in 2025, it will likely be fascinating to see if Kia can break into the worldwide pickup market with the brand new Tasman.