Here’s How Kia’s Pickup Truck Will Go Toe-To-Toe With The Ford Ranger

Ahead of the Tasman’s reveal in the second half of 2024, Kia has released a teaser for a new documentary series that will give us an in-depth look at the new truck’s development process. One More Round will show the rigorous testing the Tasman underwent in challenging locations such as the unforgiving Australian wilderness.

With more than 18,000 rounds of testing under its belt – and more to come – the new documentary will show Kia and truck fans what went into building the Tasman while showcasing the truck’s off-road capability and durability. The first part of the documentary will debut on July 22 and focus on the harsh off-road evaluations.

New Docuseries Will Highlight Arduous Development Process

This episode will be followed by several parts, released between July and October. This suggests that the debut will occur around October, with the documentary series building hype around the eventual reveal. Future episodes will focus on durability, deep-water wading, ride and handling, and other aspects necessary for truck owners. Interviews with the development and research team will also give viewers a deeper understanding of what went into the Tasman.

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Kia has conducted 1,777 tests and 18,000 evaluation rounds to ensure the Tasman is as tough (if not tougher) than its rivals from Ford and Toyota. The Korean automaker has done a fine job concealing the Tasman’s styling. Teaser videos show a camouflaged prototype, while the test mules spied testing also sport heavy black camo. However, it’s clear to see the truck will debut with a squared-off exterior design, with styling touches borrowed from the EV9 SUV.

What We Know So Far

Kia hasn’t shared many details regarding the Tasman. Still, we know it will compete in the midsize truck category against the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and, in other markets, the Toyota Hilux. While unconfirmed, Kia executives have suggested that the Tasman will be offered with four-cylinder engines, with no powerful V6 or electrified drivetrains on the horizon. That won’t satisfy American tastes, but there’s potential for larger motors to be added at a later date. Then again, American consumers may not even have the chance to consider the Tasman.

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Kia Tasman Pickup Truck Detailed In Prototype Walkaround Video

It’s still covered in camouflage, but we still get a peek at some new details.

While the truck has been spotted testing in the United States, local truck buyers are fiercely loyal and tend to go for established brands like Ford and Toyota. Kia cracking this segment will be challenging but not possible. However, the bigger issue is the Chicken Tax, which would place a 25% import tax on the Tasman. That would make it less competitive than its rivals. Of course, there’s a chance that Kia could establish local production, as the brand has a facility in Georgia that builds the Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride. Adapting the production line to manufacture a ladder-frame truck shouldn’t be difficult. It remains to be seen whether Kia chooses to do so.