Kia set to enter the pickup segment with Tasman; will compete with Toyota Hilux

ABU DHABI: Kia is gearing up to enter the commercial pickup truck segment with the launch of the Tasman. Although the launch date has not been confirmed yet the upcoming Tasman will first be released in Australia and then it will make its way to international markets in the coming months.

Initially, the Tasman will have a diesel engine. Within one or two years, Kia is planning to come up with an electric version. The 4x4 truck will be equipped with a powerful 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that is used in other well-known Kia models like the Sorento, Carnival, and Hyundai Santa Fe. The power output is expected to be around 200 hp and 450 Nm of torque, creating a huge impact within the pickup market.

As seen in spy shots, the Tasman features a spacious bed and standard crew cab configuration, hinting at its potential as a workhorse. It is well-suited for heavy loads and is rumoured to have a 2,200-pound payload capacity and 8,000 pounds towing capability. It is expected to have a body-on-frame platform and six-lug wheels. 

As per the recent updates, more than five years have gone into the development of the Tasman. It will not compete with heavyweights like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 instead it will rival similarly sized trucks like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. 

Kia’s upcoming pickup truck has been named after the Tasman Sea, which separates New Zealand and Australia. The upcoming Tasman mainly targets the Australian market but will also be launched in other regions, such as South Africa and the Middle East. Kia will drop more details about the upcoming Tasman by this year’s end, ahead of its launch in 2025.

Also read: Kia issues recall notice for more than 1200 Sorento SUVs in Australia