by Kia plans to expand its line of off-road vehicles
Kia is considering the possibility of creating a new off-roader based on the Tasman pickup truck, which could become a competitor to the Ford Everest. The company is also exploring the possibility of developing a whole series of body-on-frame vehicles, including pickups, off-roaders, and electric vehicles. However, the final decision will depend on global demand.
The idea of creating an SUV based on the Tasman has been discussed before, especially among Australian Kia executives. This information has now been confirmed by Don Hoon Kang, Vice President of Kia for mid- to large-sized vehicle chassis development. He noted that the company has already begun to explore this possibility.
“We are now starting to look into that idea,” said Kang, referring to a body-on-frame SUV that could compete with models like the Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner.
Global demand is the key factor
Although preliminary studies may already be underway, the model has not yet received final approval from management. Roland Rivero, Head of Product Planning at Kia Australia, noted that the decision will depend on demand not only in Australia but also in other regions such as the Middle East, South Africa, and South America.
If the project is approved, the new SUV could appear within the next few years. Kang noted that the development of the Tasman began back in 2019, but the SUV could be created faster thanks to the already ready platform.
The future of the Kia lineup
In addition to the SUV based on the Tasman, Kia is considering other body-on-frame models, including pickups and electric vehicles. This indicates the brand’s ambitions to become a serious player in the off-road segment. Separately, the company is preparing a pickup truck for the North American market, which could debut between 2026 and 2029.
Kia is also working on a more powerful version of the Tasman that will be able to compete with the Ford Ranger Raptor. In the future, the lineup could be supplemented with hybrid and electric versions. These steps show that the brand is focused on expanding its presence in various segments, offering customers more options for adventure.
In recent years, Kia has been actively investing in the development of off-road vehicles, which could attract new customers looking for reliable and versatile cars. Given the growing interest in travel and active recreation, such models could become key for the brand in the coming years.
