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KIA has debuted its first-ever pickup truck at an auto show, and it’s far roomier than its rivals.
The 2026 Kia Tasman was unveiled by the Korean automaker, with plans to launch it in the first half of next year.
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At 213 inches long, it is roughly five inches shorter than the rival Jeep Gladiator.
With a 128.7-inch wheelbase, it is about 10 inches longer than its Korean competitor Hyundai’s Santa Cruz pickup.
It can tow as much as the Gladiator, 7,716 pounds, and has independent front suspension with a leaf-sprung solid rear axle.
The Tasman also features a roomier crew cab than its rivals, with a six-foot cargo box.
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Kia has integrated side steps into the rear bumper to make climbing into bed easier, similar to Chevy trucks.
Inside the cab, the Tasman features second-row seats that can recline up to 30 degrees, a world first for mid-size pickup trucks, along with legroom of 37 inches, more spacious than the rival Chevrolet Colorado’s 35.8 inches and Ford Ranger’s 34.6 inches.”
It will be sold around the world, but it isn’t yet clear if it will be available in the United States yet.
Despite that, it has been seen testing in America.
In April, a video was posted showing a Tasman testing in California.
However, that may have been just an example of heat testing in Death Valley – the hottest place on planet earth.
An electric pickup truck was also shown being tested in California.
Kia has plans for at least two electric pickup trucks that may come to the US, even if the gas-powered Tasman doesn’t.
The Tasman also features a symmetrical dashboard layout and a large glass panel housing a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Cabin controls are similar to other Kia models, including a column-mounted gear selector and a mix of physical and capacitive buttons.
KIA TASMAN SPECS
Here’s a brief overview of Kia’s first-ever pickup truck:
- 213 inches long
- 128.7-inch wheelbase
- Powered by gasoline and diesel engines (depending on market)
- Multiple powertrains
- 12.3 inch infotainment touch screen
- Can tow up to 7716 pounds
- Can drive in up to 32 inches of water
The back seats also recline, with roughly one cubic foot of storage space underneath.
It comes in dual cab, single cab, and chassis cab body styles, each with the same general look – a three-box shape with four pontoons of body cladding covering just the top of each fender.
Its headlights are also integrated into the front fender boxes, creating a peculiarly flat shape.
Launching the Tasman in April, Kia said in a press release its truck was designed to evoke the “spirit” of the Australian island of Tasmania.
“Inspired by the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Australia’s southernmost island, the Tasman moniker embodies a spirit of adventure,” it wrote.
It added that next year it was “implementing a phased global launch strategy that includes markets like Korea, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.”
