Kia is gearing up for the official debut of its first-ever Kia Pickup, the Tasman. After months of anticipation, the South Korean automaker will reveal the new truck at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show on October 29. To add to the excitement, Kia has shared new teaser images that give a clearer look at the pickup, now without the eye-catching camouflage wrap.
While the new Kia Pickup is still partly hidden in shadowy photos, a closer look reveals its bold, angular design with boxy wheel arches. The front end is fitted with vertical headlights that resemble those found on Kia’s popular EV9 and Telluride SUVs. Around the back, a large Kia logo is stamped on the tailgate above a prominent “Tasman” badge, giving the truck a rugged, distinctive appearance.
So far, the Tasman has only been shown as a double-cab model, but it’s unclear if Kia plans to offer additional body styles. Unlike the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which features a unibody design, the Kia Pickup will sit on a body-on-frame platform, putting it in direct competition with more traditional midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger.
Although Kia has not yet shared technical specifications, it’s expected that the Kia Pickup will come with both 4×2 and 4×4 options. Reports suggest it will have a payload capacity of up to 2,200 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. While competitors like the Ford Ranger offer V6 engines, the Tasman is rumored to start with a smaller four-cylinder engine—likely a 2.2-liter turbodiesel sourced from the Sorento. Additionally, Kia is planning a fully electric version of the Tasman, which could arrive as early as late 2026. The conventionally powered models are expected to hit the market in 2025.
The new Kia Pickup will primarily be aimed at markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. Although a prototype was spotted testing in the U.S., there’s no confirmation it will be sold stateside, as it could be subject to the 25% import tax known as the Chicken Tax. Moreover, Kia was seen testing a fully electric pickup in the U.S., which is likely one of two electric trucks the company has planned for release by 2027. One is expected to be a “dedicated” electric model, while the other will be a more strategic, market-specific vehicle, possibly an electric version of the Tasman.
Kia’s foray into the pickup truck market with the Tasman marks a significant step for the brand. The Kia Pickup is designed to offer robust performance, versatility, and a bold design, all aimed at making it a strong contender in the competitive global truck market. As it enters this new segment, all eyes will be on how the Tasman stacks up against established players.
