Kia Tasman Pickup Goes All Artsy With New Camouflage, Will Debut in 2025

Australia's diverse landscapes inspired the renowned artist to create the unique graphics displayed on the Kia Tasman's exterior. Boyd-Dunlop managed to capture elements of the land and sea, as well as the famous outback, rounding everything into a unique package that was wrapped around the workhorse's body.

"The design resonates as it evokes my own personal experiences traveling across Australia and the encounters that I had," the artist said. "These experiences are influential to my work, and the Tasman enabled me to create a continuation of this, depicting the connection, joy, and sheer sense of adventure that is inherent to Australian culture."

The new wrap is an interesting step up the traditional camouflage seen on previous prototypes. The upcoming model is expected to hide an intricate face beneath the fake skin. It should have a large grille and vertical DRLs supposedly inspired by the Sorento and EV9. The Tasman has boxy proportions, vertical LED taillights, generous side mirrors, and a few other bits and bobs.

Kia is believed to have used the same architecture as the one on the Mohave/Borego. This means a body-on-frame platform, translating into improved off-road prowess compared to unibody proposals in the segment. The Tasman will reportedly feature a low-range gearbox and might launch with a diesel engine and a gasoline unit.

Reports indicate the low-revving mill could be the brand's 2.2-liter CRDi, supposedly making in excess of 200 horsepower. On the gasoline front, rumor has it the pickup could adopt the same engine found on the Sonata N-Line. If that's the case, look for a 2.5-liter turbocharged motor, which kicks out 290 horsepower on the sedan. It is yet unknown whether it will retain its output. All versions should feature an automatic gearbox, and the four-wheel drive system might be reserved for the more expensive trim levels.

Kia has been preparing the Tasman for the last five years. With a name inspired by the Tasman Sea, which separates Australia and New Zealand, the pickup will rival the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. It will launch in other markets outside Australia, including the company's homeland of Korea, the Middle East, and Africa. As we already told you, the model will celebrate its official introduction sometime next year, which is also when the order books will open.

In addition to the Tasman, Kia is working on another workhorse, and this one will reportedly launch in North America, too. It should be a battery-electric machine, supposedly based on the E-GMP platform, so it will take on the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, Ram 1500 REV, and Tesla Cybertruck.