Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Kia’s Big Pickup Debut Didn’t Go To PlanKia invested years preparing for the Tasman, with teasers, trademark filings, and plenty of discussion about what its first pickup would offer. By the time it launched in Australia, expectations were high.Those expectations weren’t met, though. The Tasman entered a tough segment, already populated by long-running nameplates like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Rather than making an impact, Kia’s new ute struggled to gain traction.AdvertisementAdvertisementKia executives have acknowledged that the Tasman’s launch has not met their expectations. According to global business planning head Spencer Cho, the company is still working to address feedback on both styling and drivetrain options, particularly in Australia.Instead of waiting for a typical mid-cycle update, Kia is already developing short- and mid-term changes to improve the Tasman’s competitiveness ahead of a supposed facelift in 2028.KiaKia Is Looking At More Than Just StylingThe Tasman’s design is easily the most polarizing feature of the midsize truck, especially regarding its wheel arches and front-end proportions. Kia appears ready to revisit these elements in the near future, despite earlier refuting reports of this move.In an interview with Drive, Cho hinted that revisions could include design improvements, additional features, and even new powertrain choices. While Kia stopped short of confirming specifics, hybrid power has already been linked to the Tasman in previous reports. That direction would make sense given Australia’s tightening emissions regulations and rising diesel prices.AdvertisementAdvertisementSmaller updates may arrive sooner, such as efficiency improvements like stop-start technology for the current turbo-diesel engine. These changes would help the Tasman compete more directly with established rivals.Tasman’s sales numbers are driving Kia’s quick response. In one recent month, the Tasman reportedly sold 320 units in Australia, compared to over 3,600 Ford Rangers and higher numbers for the Isuzu D-Max.KiaHeavy Discounts Arrive As Sales SlowBut before the changes arrive, Kia has already implemented measures to make the Tasman attractive to Australian customers. The company reduced prices across most of the Tasman lineup, with discounts reaching up to AUD$13,000, or about $8,500 at current exchange rates.The largest discount is on the flagship Tasman X-Pro, now starting at AUD$64,990 drive-away, down from nearly AUD$78,000. Mid-range models also see significant discounts, while entry-level pricing remains the same.AdvertisementAdvertisementThese price reductions come as the overall truck market in Australia slows, with higher diesel prices and lower demand prompting other brands, including Ford, to offer discounts on electrified models.The Tasman represents more than just a new model for Kia. As the company’s first pickup, it was intended to establish Kia in Australia’s competitive utility market. Fortunately, the US will soon get a different midsize pickup, hoping to take on the top-selling Tacoma.KiaView the 5 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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