Is This Really a Pickup? Inside Kia Tasman’s Surprisingly Sleek Interior

Kia Pickup Truck Tasman
Recently Captured Interior Details
What New Elements Revealed?

Although new vehicles are constantly being released, many SUV-based crossovers leave the market wanting more. Amid this, there’s growing interest in the upcoming release of a new domestic pickup truck. Particularly in South Korea, apart from the KGM Rexton Sports and Khan, there aren’t many options, making the news of a new vehicle all the more exciting.

The protagonist of this anticipation is the Kia Tasman, which has been frequently spotted since road tests began last year. The Tasman, with its robust design reminiscent of American pickup trucks and a larger-than-expected size, has been drawing attention each time it’s spotted. Recently, the interior of this new vehicle was additionally captured, sparking more buzz.

Overall Rugged Appearance
Hints of Sedan Sensibility Here and There

Automotive spy shot specialist YouTube channel Healer TV posted the interior of the Kia Tasman prototype on March 30th. This vehicle was previously spotted on the Korean YouTube channel Woopa Blue Sky, where the interior was captured for the first time. The captured image showed the door trim, dashboard, and steering wheel covered with camouflage, revealing the layout of the center console.

The new spy shots show additional details of the front door trim, the rear of the center console, and the second-row passenger space. Looking at the front row, there are traces of an effort to capture sedan sensibility along with the robust details characteristic of pickup trucks. The door handle features a mechanical part-like detail, similar to the second row, and buttons, presumably for seat ventilation and heating, are arranged in front of it.

Equipped with a Walk-In Device
Spacious Second Row

A square detail in the rear of the center console draws attention, although its exact function is not yet known. Above it, a passenger walk-in device switch is confirmed. The seat pan and backrest positions can be adjusted, but there seems to be no relaxation comfort feature. However, depending on the specifications, this feature may be offered.

The second-row passenger space appears quite spacious for a dual-cab pickup truck. Comparing the backrest height, the seat pan is quite extended. However, the line underneath the window rises towards the rear, which could make the interior feel somewhat cramped. Along with the door trim, the first-row backrest, assumed to be a temporary part, has a multi-purpose storage space equipped with a clothes hanger and pocket.

Anticipated Length of 5.4m
Possible Reveal by Year-End

According to the industry, the Tasman has a body length of about 5.4m (17.7 feet). As it is based on the body-on-frame of the Mohave, a rear-wheel-drive system is standard. The powertrain will likely be a 2.5L gasoline turbo engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Initially, there were rumors of a 3.0L V6 engine from the Mohave, but this seems unlikely due to environmental regulations such as Euro 7.

The Tasman is expected to be revealed as early as the end of this year and to go into full-scale production in February of next year. Electric vehicle specifications are also expected to be introduced in July next year. The electric vehicle is expected to have a 123kWh large-capacity battery, with a maximum output of 557 horsepower and 81.6kgf.m of torque. The target range on a single charge is up to 450km (280 miles).