Kia is gearing up to enter the mid-size truck arena with the Tasman, and the vehicle is undergoing a comprehensive testing program to ensure its readiness for various markets.
After battling the frigid Swedish winter, the Tasman is now braving the intense heat of Spain. This extensive testing across diverse European climates has sparked rumors of a possible European launch, potentially expanding Tasman’s reach beyond initial expectations.
Unlike Hyundai’s Santa Cruz, which leans towards car-like comfort with its unibody chassis, the Tasman adopts a traditional body-on-frame construction, making it a true workhorse. This positions it as a direct competitor against established players like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux in the ever-popular pickup truck segment.
Kia officially confirmed the Tasman name in April, following a trademark filing that foreshadowed its arrival. The chosen name, inspired by the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, hints at the truck’s significance in the Australian market, a region traditionally dominated by pickup trucks.
Kia Australia has even asserted its substantial involvement in the Tasman’s development, further solidifying the truck’s focus on this crucial market. This global testing regimen and the potential European launch suggest that the Kia Tasman might have a broader international presence than initially anticipated.
Kia throws its hat into the global mid-size pickup truck ring with the Tasman, a meticulously crafted challenger designed to go toe-to-toe with established names like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Understanding the need for a versatile vehicle, Kia has subjected Tasman prototypes to a grueling testing regimen, braving the icy grip of Northern Europe and the unrelenting heat of Spain. While the thick camouflage shrouds the truck’s full design, look reveal a resolutely utilitarian and imposing presence.
Expect ample ground clearance to conquer uneven terrain, substantial differentials for enhanced off-road capability, and a generously sized bed within the classic dual-cab configuration.
Rumors of an electric Tasman swirled in the early stages, but Kia appears to be placing its initial bet on a proven workhorse a 2.2-liter diesel engine, a popular choice for mid-size pickups in this segment.
While gasoline engines with some form of electrification are likely on the horizon, don’t expect to see any plug-in hybrid variants at launch. The Tasman marks a significant step for Kia, aiming to carve out a niche in the fiercely competitive global pickup truck market.
