Korean Brand Testing New Medium-Sized Pickup Truck
A Korean brand is currently in the testing phase of its upcoming medium-sized pickup truck, set to be offered to the global market. Australia is set to be the first country to receive the new vehicle. The new pickup truck is aiming to compete directly with established brands in the mid-size truck segment, such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado (S10), and Toyota Tacoma (Hilux).
The pickup truck, to be named Kia Tasman, is currently undergoing rigorous testing in various terrains including city streets, highways, dirt roads, and snow-covered surfaces. The photos released by MotorAuthority show a durable workhorse with a standard double cab configuration and a robust box size. The rear suspension is expected to feature a leaf spring scheme, ideal for carrying heavy loads.
Rumors suggest that the Kia Tasman will have a payload capacity of around 2,200 pounds and a maximum towing capacity close to 8,000 pounds, placing it in line with its competitors in the segment. The platform is expected to be a body-on-frame design, possibly related to the latest Mohave SUV, indicating off-road capabilities.
In terms of power, the Kia Tasman is rumored to come equipped with a V6 3.0 CRDi turbodiesel engine producing 253 HP and 560 Nm torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are speculations of both 4×2 and 4×4 traction options, with possible hybrid versions in the pipeline.
The official debut of the Kia Tasman is scheduled for the end of this year, with a release in early 2025. It is unlikely to be available in the United States, as Kia is planning to launch an electric truck before 2027. The Korean brand is also set to revamp the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which will compete with the Ford Maverick.