Kia makes the Tasman, a midsize, body-on-frame pickup built for work, towing, and off-road driving. The Tasman is sold in several international markets, including Australia and South Korea, but it is not officially available in the United States. In April 2026, Kia announced plans for a separate North American pickup truck, with hybrid and extended-range electric versions targeted for introduction by 2030.
The Kia Tasman will offer gasoline or diesel engines, depending on the market, with available four-wheel drive and a maximum published braked towing capacity of about 7,716 pounds. Prices vary between countries, and Kia has not announced US pricing for its future pickup.
Does Kia Make a Pickup Truck?
Yes. The Kia Tasman pickup truck marks Kia’s entry into the midsize pickup market. First unveiled in October 2024 and launched in selected markets in 2025, it combines traditional truck construction with technology and features designed for everyday use.
Unlike Kia’s SUVs, the Tasman uses a body-on-frame platform suited to hauling, towing, and driving over rough terrain. Its squared-off body, prominent wheel arches, upright front end, and spacious cargo bed emphasize its practical purpose.
Kia offers several configurations, including dual-cab pickup and cab-chassis models in Australia. Buyers can choose from different trims and equipment packages, although the options vary by country.
Kia Tasman Specs, Engines, and Features
The Tasman is built to handle daily driving, commercial work, towing, and off-road adventures. Its engines, drivetrains, and equipment differ depending on where the truck is sold.
Engine Options, Towing, and Payload
According to Kia’s official global introduction of the Tasman, the pickup offers two main engine options internationally:
- 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine: Produces approximately 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. In South Korea, it comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine: Delivers approximately 207 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque in Australian specifications, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Some international markets also offer a six-speed manual transmission with the diesel engine. Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations are available, depending on the model.
In Australia, the Tasman has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg, or approximately 7,716 pounds. Dual-cab pickups can carry payloads of up to about 2,205 pounds, while certain cab-chassis versions have higher payload ratings.
The pickup bed provides up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, giving owners room for tools, work equipment, and outdoor gear.
These figures come from international specifications rather than US-certified ratings. Actual towing and payload capacities depend on the truck’s configuration, equipment, and operating conditions.
Interior, Design, and Off-Road Equipment
The Tasman’s cabin features two 12.3-inch screens with a smaller 5-inch climate-control display between them. The Australian lineup also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and storage beneath the rear seats.
Higher trims offer additional conveniences, including heated or ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, surround-view cameras, and driver-assistance features.
For drivers who spend time away from paved roads, Kia offers two notable variants:
- X-Line: Combines distinctive exterior styling with additional comfort features and equipment for everyday driving and outdoor activities.
- X-Pro: Focuses more heavily on off-road capability, adding all-terrain tires, an electronically locking rear differential, additional terrain settings, and X-Trek mode for controlled, low-speed driving over difficult ground.
The X-Pro is the more specialized off-road version. Its equipment may vary between markets, so buyers should check the specifications for their country.
The full range of features and trim-specific equipment is detailed in Kia’s official Tasman specifications.
How Much Does a Kia Truck Cost?
The price of a Kia truck depends on the country, trim level, drivetrain, and applicable taxes. Since the Tasman is not officially sold in the United States, there is no American manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
For reference, the following estimated Australian drive-away prices were published for 2025-build vehicles during a promotional period in September 2026:
- Tasman S 4×2: From AUD 42,990
- Tasman S 4×4: From AUD 49,990
- Tasman SX+: From AUD 54,990
- Tasman X-Line: From AUD 59,990
- Tasman X-Pro: From AUD 64,990
These amounts are in Australian dollars, not US dollars. The promotional pricing period ended on September 30, 2026, and the estimates applied specifically to 2025-build vehicles.
Prices for 2026-build trucks may differ. Kia’s Australian Tasman pricing information provides the published offer details and relevant conditions.
The future American Kia pickup will have its own specifications and pricing. Kia has not announced a starting price in US dollars.
Is the Kia Truck Available in the USA?
No. As of October 2026, the Kia Tasman is not available through official Kia dealerships in the United States.
The truck was developed primarily for international markets, including Australia, South Korea, and selected countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Although its capabilities are comparable to those of established American midsize pickups, Kia has not confirmed plans to introduce the current Tasman model in the US.
For American buyers, the more relevant development is Kia’s upcoming North American pickup program, which is expected to bring the brand into a market already served by trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.
Is Kia Bringing a Pickup Truck to America?
Yes. During its April 9, 2026, investor presentation, Kia confirmed plans to enter the North American pickup market with a new body-on-frame truck, targeting a launch by 2030.
The company outlined two electrified powertrain options:
- Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV): Combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency while retaining conventional driving and refueling characteristics.
- Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV): Primarily uses electric motors to drive the vehicle, with an onboard combustion engine generating electricity to extend its driving range.
Unlike the existing Tasman, this truck is being developed with North American customers in mind.
Kia has not revealed the production model’s name, exact release date, battery capacity, horsepower, towing capability, or US pricing.
The company’s official 2026 investor announcement identifies 2030 as its target for entering the market. That timeline is not a guaranteed dealership arrival date, nor does it confirm that the current Tasman will be sold in America.
Kia Tasman vs. Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado
The Kia Tasman sits in the same general midsize pickup category as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado. Comparing their published maximum towing capacities gives a useful sense of what each truck can handle, although the figures are not measured under identical international standards.
| Pickup truck | Maximum published towing capacity |
| Kia Tasman (Australian specification) | 7,716 lbs |
| 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 6,500 lbs |
| 2026 Ford Ranger | 7,500 lbs |
| 2026 Chevrolet Colorado | 7,700 lbs |
These figures represent maximum published towing capacities for appropriately equipped vehicles. The Tasman’s Australian braked towing rating is not directly equivalent to US certification standards, so the figures should not be treated as a standardized performance ranking.
The Tasman also brings useful cargo capacity, available four-wheel drive, and dedicated off-road equipment. Its X-Pro variant is intended for drivers who need additional capability on challenging terrain.
The 2026 Ford Ranger offers up to 7,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, while the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado reaches 7,700 pounds in certain configurations.
For American buyers, the Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado have a practical advantage beyond their specifications: all three are officially sold in the United States, with established dealership and service networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kia Tasman available with a hybrid or electric engine?
No. The current Kia Tasman uses gasoline or diesel engines, depending on the market. Kia has announced hybrid and extended-range electric powertrains for its separate North American pickup program, but those versions are not confirmed Tasman variants.
What is the difference between the Kia Tasman pickup and cab-chassis models?
The Tasman pickup comes with a factory-installed cargo bed, making it suitable for general hauling and recreational use. A cab-chassis model is designed to accommodate a separate cargo body or specialized equipment, making it more adaptable for commercial work. Payload capacities and available configurations differ between the two.