Kia is finally putting months of teasers to rest by confirming the debut of the Tasman, its first entry into the pickup market. This highly anticipated truck will be uncovered on October 29 at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show. With the reveal just around the corner, Kia has released new shadowy teaser images, now free of the earlier colorful wrap, giving a clearer glimpse of the truck’s body.
Though the new images leave much hidden in the dark, adjusting the brightness reveals some design cues. The Tasman appears to have a bold, angular shape with pronounced boxy wheel arches. Its vertical headlights seem inspired by the design language of the EV9 or Telluride. The rear end may feature a large Kia emblem prominently stamped onto the tailgate, positioned above an equally noticeable Tasman badge.
The model shown is a double cab, but Kia has not confirmed whether other body configurations will follow. Unlike the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which features a unibody structure, the Tasman will ride on a body-on-frame platform. This design choice positions it to compete with rugged trucks like the Ford Ranger rather than lifestyle-oriented pickups like the Maverick.
While technical specifications remain under wraps, insiders suggest Kia will offer both 4×2 and 4×4 variants. The engineers are reportedly aiming for a payload capacity of 2,200 pounds and towing capabilities of up to 7,700 pounds. Although the Ranger offers V-6 engines, it’s rumored that the Tasman will initially launch with a four-cylinder engine.
A likely candidate for the powertrain is the 2.2-liter turbodiesel from the Sorento, which complements the truck’s slightly curved hood design. Plans for a fully electric version of the Tasman are in motion, with a release expected toward the end of 2026. However, the traditional diesel-powered variant is scheduled to hit the market next year.
Kia’s new pickup will primarily target markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. Though a prototype was recently spotted testing in the United States, this doesn’t guarantee a U.S. release. If exported to the U.S., the truck would face the hefty 25% Chicken Tax. Additionally, a test vehicle for another electric pickup was seen in the U.S. several months ago, fueling speculation about Kia’s future truck lineup.
Kia has previously hinted at plans to launch two electric trucks by 2027. One will be a dedicated model, likely based on the electric prototype spotted earlier, while the other will cater to emerging markets—most likely an electric version of the Tasman.