Kia’s Tasman Truck May Lead to a Competitor for Toyota’s 4Runner SUV

Last October, Kia unveiled the Tasman, its inaugural truck, targeting regions such as Asia and Australia. The manufacturer seems to be considering broader strategies to enhance the model’s market presence.

In a conversation with CarSales, Graeme Gambold, Kia Australia’s Chief Ride and Handling Engineer, suggested that an SUV variant based on the Tasman pickup might be introduced within the next three years. Dean Norbiato, the company's regional marketing general manager, mentioned that the success of the Tasman could "open many doors."

Tasman’s Robust Design

Details about the much-anticipated SUV remain limited. The Tasman features a body-on-frame construction, enabling it to traverse water up to 31.5 inches deep, and comes equipped with a locking differential for enhanced off-road performance. It is designed to compete with other mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Potential Rival to Toyota 4Runner

An SUV version of the Tasman could position Kia as a strong competitor to the Toyota 4Runner. Rugged SUVs continue to be in demand, especially in regions that require durable vehicles. Utilizing the sturdy truck platform for an SUV presents an excellent opportunity to attract new customers and expand Kia’s market reach.

Kia’s Plans for the US Market

Despite the popularity of trucks and SUVs in the United States, Kia announced in April that the Tasman will not be available in the US market. This decision likely rules out the possibility of introducing the SUV variant in the United States, as the Tasman is intended for emerging markets, Korea, and Australia.

However, Kia plans to launch a different all-electric truck in the US, built on a new platform. Though the release date is uncertain, Kia expects to sell 90,000 units once production begins, potentially as early as next year.