Details Gleaned from Kia Tasman Teaser Video
We’ve always wanted to use the word ‘gleaned’ in a headline, and there it is. Kia recently published a new video teasing the existence of its upcoming Tasman pickup truck – and there are plenty of interesting tidbits for those who choose to look closely.
As a refresher, Kia showed a camouflaged concept of its Tasman earlier this year at a major auto show in South Korea, despite the model not being planned for the hopper until 2025 at the earliest. That rig, shod with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires but reportedly missing key components like brake calipers, served its purpose as an amuse-bouche for the truck-loving masses. Now, this new video shows the thing testing in the deserts of California.
While its eye crossing camo is intact, judicious use of the YouTube pause button reveals some interesting details. First, the presence of six-lug wheels is worth noting, particularly since machines like the truckish Hyundai Santa Cruz and hulking Kia Telluride both use five-lug wheels. This isn’t to suggest the Tasman will be a heavy-duty rig of any sort but does point to new parts in the Kia toy box. An oddly mirrored Kia logo shows up on one of those wheels.
A healthy pumpkin (no, that’s not a euphemism – get yer minds out of the gutter) is easily seen during an articulation maneuver; and while that looks like a coil spring back there, it could also be a brake line or something similar. Is that a traditional log axle or independent rear suspension hove underneath the bed? We’ve posted the pictures here as screencaps from the YouTube video so you can be the judge. Other elements such as the squircle shaped wheelwells and boldly lumpy tailgate remain, along with headlamps which could certainly pass for the new peepers on machines like the Sorento. Its interior (or one of a working prototype) was shown in a random TikTok video which we most definitely not linking here since there is a case for breaking and entering in the clip. However, the Santa Fe-like steering wheel, familiar switchgear, and the presence of a trailer brake controller to the driver’s left are worth noting. Google it yerself if you want to see.
It is important to note the Tasman has not been officially confirmed for sale in North America, though the location of this testing video gives us hope. With the so-called Chicken Tax always looming over such matters, the assembly point of this truck will help dictate that decision. At present, Kia says the model will be offered in Korea and Australia plus locations in Africa and the Middle East. Given our thirst for all things with an open cargo bed, and Kia’s recent home runs with vehicles like the Telluride, we feel it would sell in decent numbers on this side of the pond.
[Images: Kia via YouTube]
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Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.
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