Kia is gearing up to introduce its new frame body pickup truck, the ‘TASMAN,’ starting its mass production in February 2025. This vehicle marks Hyundai Motor Group’s inaugural venture into producing pickup trucks within South Korea. According to industry insiders, after undergoing test production by the end of 2024, the pickup is scheduled to commence full-scale production in February 2025.
Expected to be manufactured at an annual volume of 120,000 to 130,000 units, the TASMAN will not only be sold domestically but also in major overseas markets like North America and Australia.
Codenamed ‘TK,’ Kia’s TASMAN pickup truck has been developed using the body-on-frame method. While the official name is yet to be confirmed, TASMAN appears to be the leading contender.
Kia has already filed for trademarks for ‘TASMAN’ in certain countries, including South Korea and Australia.
The TASMAN is anticipated to embody Kia’s latest design language, such as the ‘Opposites United’ and ‘Star Map Signature Lighting’ family looks, akin to the designs seen in EV9 and EV5 models. Kia plans to unveil various models, with the initial release expected to feature a double-cab configuration equipped with a diesel engine.
The diesel double-cab model is estimated to have a cargo capacity of approximately 1,000kg and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg. The powertrain is anticipated to combine a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, previously featured in the Mohave, with a four-wheel-drive system.
Additionally, there are considerations to incorporate the 3.3-liter V6 gasoline twin-turbo engine, previously applied in the Stinger for high-performance pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger, to compete in the market. Kia plans to introduce an electric version of the TASMAN in the future.
The TASMAN is expected to include off-road and rugged terrain features such as driver assistance systems, a four-wheel-drive system, differential gear locks, and terrain modes.
Furthermore, in the global market, the TASMAN will compete with vehicles like the KGM Rexton Sports, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, among others.
