KiaTeases a New Australian Pickup Named Tasman
Kia’s Australian arm has begun inviting excitement with a teaser that appears to confirm a forthcoming pickup truck. The initial clip adopts a rugged, Wild West mood, setting a gym scene where a slate of well-known Australian athletes discuss an upcoming model. While the video stops short of naming the vehicle, it sparks strong speculation about a model destined for 4×4 enthusiasts. Viewers even start debating what the truck might be called, throwing out names like Tugga, Buddy, Aloisi, and Macca as possible monikers.
Industry followers quickly connected the dots, noting that Kia has already registered a trademark for a name that seems tailor-made for an off-road pickup: Tasman. The teaser seems to nudge viewers toward that possibility. A dart-throwing moment in the clip appears to land on a card bearing the Tasman Sea, a subtle nod that fans have picked up as a clue pointing to the model’s identity.
The Tasman is expected to launch with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, offering both manual and automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive to handle varied Canadian and American terrains. The market entry is anticipated to occur next year, positioning the newcomer to take on established players in the pickup segment. Analysts and enthusiasts alike expect the Tasman to challenge popular models such as the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux, pushing Kia into a more competitive space in North America and beyond.
In related news, Porsche recently announced updates to the Taycan lineup, underscoring a broader shift toward performance and capability across diverse vehicle segments. While that announcement sits in a different corner of the market, it reflects ongoing attention to power, efficiency, and advanced engineering that intersects with how brands position new pickups like Kia’s Tasman for customers seeking practical capability with a strong brand story.