First teased in camouflaged form in April 2024, the Kia Tasman pickup truck was just fully unveiled at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudia Arabia. Kia’s first-ever pickup is a midsize truck with traditional body-on-frame construction, available in single-cab and double-cab configurations.
Although it’s unconfirmed for the North American market, the Kia Tasman – which is named after the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand – will compete in global markets with the international version of the Chevy Colorado.
“Kia’s first-ever pickup truck was created from the ground up to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features,” Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song said. He called the Tasman “a progressive pickup truck that follows its own path – not the competition.”
“The Kia Tasman combines true pickup values with exceptional capability and practicality and advanced features that defy conventional thinking,” Ho Sung Song continued. “This essence is instilled in our global slogan, ‘Dive into a New Dimension,’ enabling customers to broaden their horizons. It offers world-first solutions for those seeking a lifestyle vehicle for leisure and outdoor activities while meeting the needs of small business operators, such as traders and farmers.”
Power for the Kia Tasman comes from a gas 2.5L I4 or a turbodiesel 2.2L I4 with less power and more torque. Both engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the diesel is available with a 6-speed manual.
The Kia Tasman is debuting with three trim levels: Base, X-Line, and X-Pro. The base model is just that: a no-nonsense truck intended for work. The X-Line ups the feature content and adds a rugged appearance package, and the X-Pro is the off-roader with a Rock drive mode, X-Trek low-speed driving assist, extra ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. 4WD is standard on X-Line and X-Pro, and the base model can be had with RWD or 4WD.
The international version of the Chevy Colorado/Chevy S10 that the Kia Tasman will be competing against is still based on the original GM 31XX (also called GMT700) platform that underpinned the second-generation Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon in North America. Power comes from a 2.8L I4 turbodiesel Duramax rated at 204 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Some countries know this truck as the Chevy Colorado, like Chile, and others call it the Chevy S10, like Brazil and Argentina.
Comments
Why is everything so dang ugly now? Are we living though a repeat of the overwrought late 1950s?
The giant plastic pieces over the wheel wells are terrible but honestly everything about it looks terrible. The late 50s ostentation eventually gave way to the tasteful restraint of the 60s as exemplified by the ‘61 Lincoln Continental and ‘63 Buick Riviera among others. I’m ready for as new era of restraint. Enough with the swoops, oversized lights and grilles, and tacky plastic embellishments.
Trucks in third world markets have always been ugly. They know their market, and it’s called competing with Toyota.
Rocket, I agree 100%. I also didn’t think anyone could out-ugly the new generation Toyota Tundra. Kia worked hard to push the ugly meter to new heights! **golf clap**
Did the Jeep designers head over to Kia when sales were going down? lol
What the **** is this piece of s***???
I think it’s the weirdest design of all the cars that have come out in the last decade…
Just what the world needs, a truck with no eyes on the front but humongous eyebrows on the sides.
Bravery. It is so crazy looking. The single cab wins major awards. And it is constructed with tried and true, every-day useful mechanical systems. Two thumbs up with one raised eyebrow. Wow.
Another hideous 2020’s malaise era II mess complete with overwrought massive black plastic tackiness combined with bizzare styling combined with yet another black lung interior. I’ll pass
I just threw up in my mouth a lot. It’ll sell like crazy….to someone….somewhere….
Looks like a LEGO truck.
I would look at one. The diesel engine option is a winner in my book. I drove colorado diesels and loved them. If only GM made the colorado with a 6 ft bed and the diesel in the states.
IF,I repeat IF, this truck comes to the US it will sell like crazy. I don’t think it will be imported however.