Kia’s history of producing motorized vehicles is actually deeply rooted in pickup trucks. After years of churning out bicycles, the first motorized model the Korean company produced — the K360 — was a small three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cabin and a pickup bed in the early ‘60s. Roughly a decade later, Kia unveiled its first four-wheeled automobile with the Brisa pickup truck in 1973.
And while Kia’s lineup hasn’t included a pickup truck in a very long while, the carmaker has now returned to its roots in order to deliver a thoroughly modern pickup known as the Tasman truck for the 2026 model year.
The Basics
Offered across three trim levels — the Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro — in single or double-cab versions, the Tasman is a mid-sized pickup truck with a body-on-frame chassis. Sporting a double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle, the Tasman is also far more than an existing Kia SUV fitted with a bed instead of rear seats and cargo space, as the thing was developed from the ground up to be a bonafide workhorse with some real off-roading potential.
Midsize Of The Future
Aside from its Telluride-esque headlights, the pickup doesn’t really share any design language with any of Kia’s existing models. Hell, it doesn’t really share visual themes with any other truck on the road right now, with its almost-futuristic aesthetic.
Available Powertrains
The Kia Tasman is initially being offered with the choice of either a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four or a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel — the former of which cranks out 277hp and 311ft-lbs of torque while the latter makes 207hp and 325ft-lbs. The gas engine is offered exclusively with an eight-speed auto, while the diesel mill can be fitted with that same automatic transmission or an available six-speed manual. In terms of delivery, the Baseline sends its power to its rear wheels though can be upgraded to an all-wheel drive system — which comes standard on the X-Line and X-Pro-specs.
Capabilities
The Tasman is equipped with a cargo bed with 41.4 cubic feet of space, plus boasts a towing capacity of up to 7,716lbs and a payload capacity of between 2,242lbs to 2,635lbs. The gas engine allows for an 8.5-second 0-60mph time and a 115-mph top speed while the diesel can achieve 0-60mph runs in 10.4 seconds. The truck also offers wading depths of 31.5”.
Out Of The Gate Options
Kia is releasing the Tasman with a host of additional accessories, upgrades, and options ranging from side steps to an aluminum bed to a roll bar to a butterfly door-equipped canopy to a sliding tonneau cover to a roof rack that can be fitted with a rooftop tent. In total, 13 accessories will be available right out of the gate, with more presumably following. In addition to coming loaded with dedicated desert, mud, snow, and rock drive modes as standard, the truck also has the option of being outfitted with 17” and 18” wheel-sets — including a beadlock-capable set — with available all-terrain tires.
Spec Sheet
Class: Midsize Pickup Truck
Model Year: 2026
Brand: Kia
Model: Tasman
Trim Levels: Baseline, X-Line, & X-Pro
Chassis Options: Single Cab or Double Cab
Engine: Turbo 2.5L i4 or 2.2L Turbo-Diesel
Power: 277HP & 311FT-LBs (Gas) or 207HP & 325FT-LBs (Diesel)
Max Tow Rating: 7,716LBs
Max Payload Rating: 2,635LBs
Release Date: Q2 2025
Pricing & Availability
The 2026 Kia Tasman will initially go on sale in its native South Korean market in the first half of 2025, before eventually going on sale in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Sadly, the truck isn’t earmarked for sales on U.S. shores — at least for the time being.
Recap
2026 Kia Tasman Pickup Truck
Returning to its roots while keeping things thoroughly modern, Kia releases a futuristic-looking midsize pickup, marking its first truck in decades.
