Korean car giant Kia is gearing up for a new competitive off-road SUV when it can be described as an upcoming Kia Tasman SUV with approval, going head-to-head with Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
The statement came from officials at Kia Australia, who revealed to Carscoops magazine that they want to turn the Kia Tasman pickup truck into a solid SUV within three years, if the pickup version succeeds in the market.
Kia Tasman SUV is coming
Kia first introduced the Tasman to the Australian market in July 2025 as a solid field option based on the “Body-on-Frame” chassis, the same design on which competitors such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux built their cars.
With a relatively positive reception, it was time for engineers to build on this foundation and rise to the SUV category:
From a truck to a solid off-road crossover, the SUV version will share most undercarriage components and front suspension elements, but will get a body and passenger compartment designed for five passengers, with a new front grille and wider wheel arches to emphasize athletic presence.
Although the Kia Tasman will not be launched in North America, it will be launched in other international markets and in our Arab region, where its sister Kia Sportage is very popular, will see a strong addition to Kia’s local lineup.
Momentum and performance characteristics
According to Kia Australia, the potential engine in the newest Tasman-based SUV would be:
A 2.2-liter CRDi diesel engine with approximately 200 to 210 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque.
4×4) all-wheel drive system with High/Low box ensures ability to traverse rough terrain and slippery terrain.
A modern eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy.
These specifications will allow the Tasman SUV to have a towing force of 3,500 kilograms and a loading capacity of 1,000 kilograms, making it competitive with the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado in all markets.
Interior design and spaciousness
Kia expects the SUV version to come with clear design modifications:
- A new front end that emulates the identity of Kia sports cars with sharp lines and remodeled LEDs.
- Wider side fenders to carry 18 to 20″ wheels with All-Terrain tires.
- Slightly raised roof to accommodate extra luggage and an option for an interior Roof Rail carrier with Off-Road lights included.
- A spacious cabin that can accommodate five passengers in absolute comfort, with excellence in material quality, and a 12.3-inch center screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- According to leaked documents, the rear seats will get a 60/40 split with the possibility of folding to expand the luggage compartment to more than 1,600 liters.
Timeline and Approval Opportunities
Kia Australia’s engineer in charge has confirmed that the Tasman SUV could appear on the roads by 2028 if management approves the project after the success of the pick-up version. But Kia Australia stressed that the first priority is to make the Kia Tasman pickup truck a success in the market before moving on to SUV development.
Competition Feeds and Forecasts
Kia’s opportunity: Entering the powerful SUV segment with a Body-on-Frame opens up a new market now dominated by Toyota and Ford.
Challenges: Kia must offer competitive value – in terms of price and warranty of maintenance – to appeal to Toyota Prado and Ford Everest customers.
Expected result: With potential success in emerging markets and the Gulf market, Kia may redraw the competition map in the rigid SUV segment by 2028.
In the end, we stand at a crossroads: will the Kia Tasman SUV be able to climb to the top of the solid SUV market and challenge the giants, or will it remain a dream on paper? The next few years will reveal the answer.
