We’re used to seeing teasers released by automakers days, weeks, or even months before the actual launch. But Kia is doing something different. The company’s first global pickup truck won’t go on sale until late 2025, but now it’s making an appearance at an auto show in South Korea. Named the Tasman, the mid-size truck made a colorful splash at the 2024 Busan Motor Show.
Since this isn’t a true reveal, the Ford Ranger rival is covered in a custom livery created by artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop. Kia deliberately left some of the bodywork exposed to highlight the plastic cladding around the squared-off wheel arches. We can also see the vertical headlights, a pair of tow hooks, disc brakes all around, and 17-inch wheels with six lug nuts. The wheels are wrapped in chunky BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires.
From the looks of it, Kia isn’t presenting a prototype that’s close to production. The lack of calipers tells us the brakes are fake. The fully covered underbody suggests the truck has no suspension components. However, the design is top-of-the-line, right down to the tiny cameras mounted under the side mirrors for the blind spot system.
Hidden in plain sight, steps integrated into the corners of the rear bumper provide access to what appears to be a decent-sized bed. The taillights are quite small compared to the wide rear, which appears to have split tailgates. Kia has applied dark tint to the windows to hide the interior, but the cabin was exposed a few weeks ago in a video published on Tik TokIf you haven't seen it, we've attached it below.
The Korean brand has been tight-lipped about the engine, but reports suggest a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel will be offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s unclear whether a V-6 will be available to better compete with the Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Hilux and other mid-size trucks.
In addition to its all-terrain capability, the Tasman will offer a payload capacity of around 2,200 pounds and be able to tow up to 7,700 pounds. An all-electric derivative is said to be in the works for a late 2026 launch. This truck won’t be Kia’s only body-on-frame vehicle, as the Mohave/Borrego is still around, though likely not for long.
In terms of size, the car is said to be larger than the Ranger but smaller than the F-150. Kia has shown off the Tasman in a double-cab body style, but single-cab and chassis cabs are also possible.
While the pickup was recently spotted testing in the United States, it’s unclear if it will be sold there. For that matter, another electric pickup was also spotted in the U.S. this year.
