Back in March 2022, the Kia Corporation announced that it would launch 17 electric vehicles by the year 2030. No surprises here, but what's truly surprising is that Kia further confirmed two pickup trucks. The first is a dedicated model, which means that it's probably based on the current E-GMP or the upcoming eM electric vehicle platform.
The second truck was described as being a strategic vehicle tailored for emerging markets. In other words, it will be offered with both internal combustion and electric muscle. Said truck has been recently under camouflage in a parking lot in South Korea. Everyone and their dog is looking forward to a body-on-frame truck based on the Mohave's platform, as well as turbo diesel power.
Potential engine choices include the 2.2-liter Smartstream D2.2, the 3.0-liter Smartstream D3.0, the 2.5-liter Smartstream G2.5T, and the 3.5-liter Smartstream G3.5T. This prototype is equipped with a two-pedal transmission, likely a torque-converter automatic rather than a dual-clutch unit.
Kia has already trademarked Tasman in a handful of countries, including back home in South Korea. This moniker also figures on IP Australia, which shows that Kia applied for this mark on May 2, 2023. Codenamed TK, the heavily anticipated Tasman is expected to enter series production in February 2025.
From a design standpoint, it's easy to see bits of Telluride and bits of EV9 in this dual-cab truck. Further gifted with rear bumper steps, the 2025 Kia Tasman is equipped with a relatively short bed. Then again, this fellow is a Ranger-like midsizer rather than a half-ton truck such as the F-150.
Photo: Woopa Blue SkyWoopa TV on YouTube
The cabin has a modern yet utilitarian look to it. Rear legroom appears to be surprisingly adequate for a mid-size pickup, whereas zooming in on the center console reveals a toggle switch that allows the user to select between two- and four-wheel-drive modes. Pictured on 265/65 R17 tires at every corner, the camouflaged prototype further sweetens the deal with Wrangler-like square mirror caps.
Unfortunately for prospective customers in the United States, the Tasman isn't coming stateside due to the Chicken Tax. Local production isn't possible either, not when Hyundai and Kia are so focused on electric vehicles to the detriment of internal combustion vehicles. The other pickup, however, is certain to be offered in the United States due to its EV-only platform. Be it the E-GMP of the EV6 and EV9 or the eM of the upcoming GT1, there's no denying that Kia can assemble it in the US of A.
Turning our attention back to the Tasman, unconfirmed reports from South Korea suggest a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms and a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Otherwise put, 2,204 pounds and 7,716 pounds, respectively. For reference, the US-spec 2024 Ford Ranger is rated at 1,805 pounds (819 kilograms) and 7,500 pounds (3,402 kilograms).
Kia's Australian division is said to have contributed greatly to the development of the Tasman, which is rumored with a performance off-road specification à la the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor. In this case, we can definitely imagine the 3.5-liter gasoline V6 rather than the smaller 2.5 or a diesel engine. In the Genesis GV80, the Smartstream G3.5T makes 375 horsepower (380 ps) and 390 pound-feet (530 Nm) of torque.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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