Kia is officially studying the development of a rugged ladder-frame SUV to complement its latest Tasman ute, potentially setting the stage for a direct competitor to the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado, and Isuzu MU-X, according to our colleagues at Drive Australia.
The Kia Tasman SUV, while not yet green-lit, is part of a broader strategic vision to expand Kia’s presence in the off-road-capable, body-on-frame segment. Confirmation of these early-stage plans comes from Dong Hoon Kang, Vice President of the Mid-Large Sized Vehicle Chassis Engineering Design Centre, who spoke exclusively with Drive.
“Now we are starting to consider about that [an SUV],” Kang revealed, indicating that the engineering team is already exploring the feasibility of such a vehicle.
Expanding Kia’s Ladder-Frame Portfolio
While a seven-seat SUV based on the Kia Tasman ute’s underpinnings would be the most immediate and logical next step, Kang emphasized that Kia is exploring a much broader range of ladder-frame vehicles, not just a single SUV derivative.
“Not only for Tasman, we are considering about ladder-frame vehicles, utes and SUVs,” Kang added. “We need to consider all of that, not only for Tasman. So now we are starting to consider.”
Kia’s former ladder-frame SUV, Mohave, already phased out
This hints at a potential revival or spiritual successor to the Kia Mohave, a seven-seat ladder-frame SUV that was sold in South Korea from 2008 until 2024. A new-generation Mohave-style SUV could be to the Tasman SUV what the Toyota Prado is to the more affordable HiLux-based Fortuner.
Why the Tasman SUV Makes Sense
Launching an SUV off the Tasman’s all-new chassis would allow Kia to amortise the engineering costs of developing its first ladder-frame vehicle. This strategic move mirrors what other major brands have done—leveraging the same platform for both ute and SUV models.
The idea is especially attractive in Australia, where rugged, family-friendly SUVs dominate the landscape. Vehicles like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X continue to enjoy strong demand, and the addition of a Kia alternative could shake up the segment. However, global success will be critical to justify the investment.
Challenges Ahead: Proving Global Demand
Despite growing excitement, the Tasman SUV has not yet received an official go-ahead. One of the key hurdles is proving that international markets will embrace the model as warmly as Australia likely would. Without strong global demand projections, launching a new ladder-frame SUV remains a significant risk.
