Kia’s Pickup Truck Design Sparks Excitement Among Korean Dads

Tasman, Kia’s Pickup Truck
Potential Design Emerges
When Comparing with Spy Shots

Kia has again entered the pickup truck market after its previous pickup truck, the Brisa. The new Tasman is the star of the show, set to inject some excitement into the domestic pickup truck market, where the current range of choices is very limited. The frequency of prototype sightings has been increasing since testing began at the end of last year.

Its unique, rugged appearance and size that stands out from a distance have raised consumer expectations. Various renderings based on spy shots are also circulating, stimulating imagination. Recently, a new rendering has caught the public’s eye.

True Pickup Truck Feel
What are Kia’s unique front elements?

Russian digital artist “Kelsonik” released front and rear renderings of the Kia Tasman on the 28th. The muscular front end is on par with traditional pickups sold in the North American market, such as the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra. The latest Starmap Signature DRL that Kia has been pushing adds a sophisticated touch, and an almost octagonal side mirror has been applied.

As pickup trucks prioritize sturdiness, the floating roof design has been replaced with A and C pillars in the same color as the body. However, the B pillar is finished in black for unity with the DLO line. The door handle is a traditional mechanical design, and the 6-spoke wheels add a robust image. However, this rendering may not apply some elements to the actual vehicle.

Significant Differences with Test Car
Difference in Wheel Arch Cladding

Looking at the previously released spy shots, a few differences become apparent. Firstly, the wheelhouse cladding is prominently positioned on the fender instead of wrapping around the wheel arch. Some have suggested that the unique shape of the cladding could extend to the headlights. In this case, it could extend to the front bumper, enhancing the sense of unity.

The front grille will likely have a large trapezoidal design instead of the dense honeycomb pattern in the rendering. The gap between the grilles is large enough to show the inside, emphasizing a rugged image clearly. The front camera is positioned at the top of the grille in the rendering, but it is confirmed to be at the bottom in the spy shot.

Predictable Rear End
When is the Release Date?

The rear end of a pickup truck doesn’t have much design freedom due to its nature. A square truck bed and spacious tailgate are essential for maximizing cargo space and convenience. Therefore, it’s highly likely that vertical taillights will be applied. The outline is similar to that of the Carnival, along with horizontal LED details and hook-shaped rear lights, which are considered likely.

The Kia emblem is engraved into the tailgate in anticipation of harsh off-road conditions. As most competitors adopt this design, Tasman is also expected to stick to the predicted design. According to industry sources, Tasman is expected to enter test production by the end of this year and possibly start mass production from February next year.