Future of Pickup Trucks? Kia Tasman’s Stunning Virtual Renderings Revealed

Anticipation builds for the new Korean pickup truck, the Tasman, with unique renderings catching the eye

Kia’s new vehicle, the Tasman, is set to add excitement to the pickup truck market, following the previous Breeza pickup. Field testing for the Tasman has been in full swing since the end of last year, as prototypes have started to surface. Based on these, numerous renderings have been pouring out.

Despite being thoroughly camouflaged, the vehicle’s tough exterior is receiving rave reviews. The predominant response is its impressive size and competitive stance against traditional pickup trucks in North America. Recently, a unique rendering with a slightly different approach has caught the attention of netizens.

A dominating front-end
A different take on the tiger nose?

Automotive CGI specialist stuBio revealed a virtual rendering of the Kia Tasman on their YouTube channel on the 2nd. Based on the latest spy shots, this rendering added some imagination to parts of the vehicle hidden by camouflage, such as the front and rear ends. The Tasman’s headlights in the rendering spread to the ends, giving the impression of a wider vehicle width.

The bonnet parting line is also unique. Other pickup trucks typically have a protruding bonnet with the grill recessed. However, the Tasman uniquely features a protruding middle part of the headlights. Based on this, stuBio predicts an expanded application of Kia’s unique design element, the ‘tiger-nose,’ to give a large pickup truck feel. The grill’s internal details reflect those leaked through spy shots. The rectangular fog lights blend with the angular bumper line.

Spacious wheel arch cladding
Emphasizing connection with headlights

The headlights are connected to the thick wheel arch cladding on the top, creating a more robust image. The front grill also emphasizes connectivity with the cladding. The side emphasizes a rugged image. The diagonal line at the bottom of the second-row window forms a symmetry similar to the A-pillar angle, and the door character line and side skirt point in the same direction.

The wheel arch cladding part on the top appears to have a similar design applied to the rear wheels, and the integration of the fuel filler cap makes it more concise. The side mirror is large and angular, fitting for a pickup truck. The rear end has almost no revealed details through spy shots. Therefore, stuBio only referenced the tail lamp position and lower bumper detail and added imagination to the rest of the rendering.

Typical pickup truck rear end
Expected to be revealed by the end of the year

The spacious cargo bed opening, a must-have feature for pickup trucks, shows a typical design with vertical tail lamps at both ends. The tail lamp internal graphic applies a simple square, but the vehicle will likely apply star map signature lighting. As the prototype reveals, steps are applied to both ends of the bumper to facilitate access to the cargo bed.

Meanwhile, Kia is expected to reveal the Tasman as early as the end of the year and start production in February of next year. The powertrain will likely consist of a 2.5L gasoline turbo engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. An electric model will also be added starting in July next year. With a sizeable 123kWh battery pack, it is expected to have a driving range of about 450km per charge.