Kia has stated that the Tasman will be its first worldwide truck, but the company has not stated if the model will be offered for sale in the US. Officially, it’s limited to South Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa—at least for the time being. It’s interesting to note that a recent spy video depicts the mid-size pickup being tested on US soil. A heavily camouflaged prototype, sporting Michigan plates, was spotted in California.
Automobile manufacturers frequently test-drive future models in nations where they have no plans to sell them. However, what if the Tasman is actually visiting the US? After accounting for the Chicken Tax, we project a high asking price if it is not built at the Georgia plant. Light truck imports into the US are subject to a 25 percent tariff. It dates back to the 1964 original imposition under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.
Another video that was posted on TikTok and is attached below depicts an alternative Tasman prototype that was created in Australia. Even though it’s camouflaged, someone managed to open the truck and get inside with the help of the key. Based on the abundance of equipment, including memory seats, a sunroof, dual screens, ambient lighting, and a wireless charging pad, the cabin is probably from an upper-spec version.
Even though Australia is a right-hand drive market, you’ll notice the left-hand drive layout and the gear selector on the steering column. The cabin seems to be modeled after the EV9’s, but with those large door handles, it seems a little more rugged. The dashboard’s black honeycomb mesh hides the air vents, which are operated by large knobs. There will be additional body styles available in addition to this double cab, such as a single cab and a chassis cab.
The Ford Ranger-rivaling truck was reportedly spotted in metropolitan Sydney, presumably to be shown behind closed doors to dealers ahead of next year’s launch. Kia intends to sell the workhorse in 4×4 and 4×2 configurations with a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rumor has it a GT derivative with a V-6 is under consideration as well. A fully electric Tasman is reportedly locked in for a late 2026 launch.
The upcoming Kia Tasman pickup, set to rival the Ford Ranger, was recently sighted in metropolitan Sydney for exclusive dealer previews before its anticipated launch next year. Kia plans to offer the truck in both 4×4 and 4×2 versions, featuring a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are speculations about a GT variant with a V-6 engine in consideration. Additionally, a fully electric version of the Tasman is rumored to be scheduled for release in late 2026.
The global debut of the Tasman is set to happen by the end of 2024. Notably, this ladder-frame pickup will be larger than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is unibody. It will compete not only with the Ranger but also with models like the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok.
