Kia has halted its plans for a rugged SUV associated with the Tasman pickup due to disappointing sales numbers, although a plug-in hybrid version remains a possibility.
- Kia is postponing the rugged SUV project because of the Tasman’s slow sales.
- The SUV development is contingent on global demand, not just within Australia.
- An electrified version of the Tasman could enhance its competitiveness against hybrid options.
Kia’s first midsize pickup, the Tasman, has not met its sales forecasts. This shortfall is impacting future vehicle plans. An SUV variant, which was reportedly in the early stages of development, has been put on hold for the time being.
However, there may be some optimism on the horizon. Kia is contemplating a plug-in hybrid option for the Tasman, which could bolster its competitive stance against rivals already embracing electrification.
Back in June, Kia executives hinted at a rugged SUV based on the Tasman’s robust ladder-frame platform. They suggested a potential launch within three years. By August, a high-ranking official confirmed that such a model was under consideration, but the final nod would depend on global interest.
Currently, that interest appears shaky. The SUV’s viability is closely linked to the pickup’s sales performance, and results to date have not met expectations.
Why the SUV project is on hold
In an interview with the Australian outlet Drive, Roland Rivero, Kia Australia’s General Manager of Product Planning, confirmed that discussions around a body-on-frame SUV are ongoing. He stressed that any new body style will depend heavily on the existing Tasman pickup’s success.
“Any exploration into new body styles hinges primarily on the success of the pickup,” Rivero stated. “While it’s still a consideration, the SUV isn’t currently among our top priorities.”
Rivero clarified that global interest is crucial, not just regional excitement. “From an Australian perspective, we would love to see an SUV variant. However, other markets that take the Tasman need to express interest too. It cannot solely be Australia requesting an SUV. We need to see demand from South America, the Middle East, and Korea for it to make sense.”
Can new variations turn the Tasman’s fortunes around?
As per the latest data, the Tasman ranked ninth in Australia’s midsize truck segment in November, with 607 units sold. In South Korea, it fared marginally better, selling 592 units, making it the top-selling pickup for that month.
Kia hopes that the introduction of new model variants will boost those sales figures. If momentum builds, the SUV project could resume development.
What a Tasman SUV might look like
If the SUV project progresses, the Tasman SUV would face tough competition from established models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Fortuner, as well as the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Isuzu MU-X. Many of these competitors successfully combine off-road capabilities with family-friendly interiors, often featuring three rows of seating.
Concept renderings, including those by digital artist Theophilus Chin, envision a model with a shorter wheelbase than the Tasman pickup, along with a revised rear design more suited for passenger travel.
Electrifying the Tasman
While the SUV project is currently on pause, Kia remains committed to electrification efforts. Rivero confirmed that development on the powertrains continues unabated.
Previously, he mentioned that the Tasman’s body-on-frame structure could accommodate various powertrains, including hybrid and fully electric options. Recent discussions suggest a plug-in hybrid is a serious consideration, positioning the Tasman against models like the mild-hybrid Toyota Hilux and plug-in Ford Ranger.
While a range-extender setup could be a more remote possibility, it may still feature in future Hyundai trucks. Whether these developments will provide the Tasman a second chance in the market remains to be seen.
