The midsize SUV market is heating up with the potential arrival of a new contender: a Kia Tasman-based SUV. As Kia makes waves with its recently unveiled Tasman pickup truck, speculation is growing about an SUV derivative that could go head-to-head with the iconic Toyota 4Runner.
With rugged styling, body-on-frame construction, and a focus on off-road capability, a Tasman SUV could shake up the segment, offering a fresh alternative to established players like the 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler. Recent reports and digital renderings suggest Kia is seriously considering this move, with a potential launch by 2028. Here’s a deep dive into what a Kia Tasman SUV could bring to the table and how it might stack up against the Toyota 4Runner.
The Kia Tasman: A Bold Foundation
Kia’s Tasman pickup, officially debuted at the Jeddah Motor Show in 2024, marks the brand’s ambitious entry into the midsize pickup truck segment. Designed for markets like Australia, South Korea, the Middle East, and Africa, the Tasman boasts a distinctive, boxy aesthetic that prioritizes functionality and rugged appeal. Its body-on-frame chassis, a departure from the unibody Hyundai Santa Cruz, positions it as a direct competitor to trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado. The Tasman is powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine or a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel, with the latter offering a rare six-speed manual option in select markets. It features selectable four-wheel-drive modes, a rear locking differential on higher trims, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, making it a versatile workhorse.
The Tasman’s unconventional design—described as both bold and polarizing—has already sparked conversation. Its upright stance, vertical headlights, and ruler-straight lines give it a unique character that stands out in a market often dominated by aggressive, oversized styling. This distinctive look has inspired digital artists to envision a Tasman-based SUV, with renderings by artists like Theophilus Chin and Nikita Chuicko showcasing what such a vehicle could look like. These renderings suggest a rugged, boxy SUV with Kia’s modern design language, potentially offering a more polished or aggressive aesthetic depending on the trim.
A Tasman SUV: What We Know
While Kia has not officially confirmed a Tasman SUV, recent reports from Australian outlet CarSales provide compelling evidence that the project is under consideration. At a media event, Kia Australia’s Chief Engineer, Graeme Gambold, hinted that an SUV based on the Tasman’s platform could be “three years down the track,” suggesting a potential debut around 2028. Although Kia’s marketing team quickly redirected the conversation, emphasizing the need to “get Tasman right first,” the comment indicates that the idea is more than just speculation. This aligns with market trends, as body-on-frame SUVs derived from midsize pickups—like the Toyota 4Runner (Tacoma), Ford Everest (Ranger), and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport—are popular in regions like Australia, where rugged vehicles dominate sales charts.
A Tasman SUV would likely leverage the pickup’s body-on-frame platform, offering similar powertrain options and off-road features. The 2.5-liter gas engine, producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, or the 2.2-liter diesel with 207 horsepower and 325 lb-ft, would provide competitive performance. The SUV could also inherit the Tasman’s advanced features, such as the X-TREK low-speed off-road cruise control, Ground View Monitor, and a robust suite of driver-assistance systems optimized for towing. Inside, the Tasman’s tech-heavy cabin, with dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5-inch climate control display, could translate to a modern, family-friendly interior for the SUV.
Toyota 4Runner: The Benchmark
The Toyota 4Runner has long been a staple in the midsize SUV segment, known for its legendary durability and off-road prowess. The 2025 model, fully redesigned after a 15-year run, is built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, shared with the Tacoma, Tundra, and Land Cruiser. It offers two powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid i-Force Max variant delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. With a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, up to 26 MPG highway (non-hybrid), and a suite of off-road features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, the 4Runner is a formidable competitor. Its nine trim levels, from the base SR5 to the rugged Trailhunter, cater to a wide range of buyers, with prices starting at $40,770.
The 4Runner’s strengths lie in its proven reliability, spacious cargo area (up to 90.2 cubic feet in two-row models), and off-road capability, bolstered by features like a rear locking differential and 33-inch all-terrain tires on higher trims. However, its ride quality is often criticized for being stiff due to its truck-based construction, and the third-row option is cramped for adults. The 4Runner’s boxy, rugged design retains a loyal following, but its interior, while modernized for 2025, doesn’t match the refinement of competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Kia Telluride.
How a Tasman SUV Could Compete
A Kia Tasman SUV has the potential to challenge the 4Runner by blending Kia’s value-driven approach with rugged capability. Here’s how it could stack up:
Design and Styling
The Tasman’s bold, angular design could translate into an SUV that stands out in a crowded field. Renderings suggest a vehicle with modern LED lighting, rugged fender flares, and a commanding presence. Unlike the 4Runner’s traditional aesthetic, a Tasman SUV could offer a more contemporary look, appealing to buyers seeking something fresh yet capable. Kia’s knack for bold styling, seen in models like the Telluride, could give the Tasman SUV a visual edge.
Performance and Capability
With powertrains similar to the Tasman pickup, the SUV would be competitive with the 4Runner’s base engine in terms of horsepower and torque. The diesel option, while unlikely for the U.S., could appeal to global markets where efficiency is prized. The Tasman’s off-road features, like X-TREK mode and a rear locking differential, would rival the 4Runner’s Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts. A towing capacity close to the Tasman’s 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds) would surpass the 4Runner’s 6,000 pounds, giving Kia an edge for buyers needing to haul heavy loads.
Interior and Technology
Kia has a reputation for delivering feature-rich interiors at competitive prices. A Tasman SUV could offer a more refined cabin than the 4Runner, with premium materials, spacious seating, and advanced tech like the dual 12.3-inch screens. The 4Runner’s interior, while improved for 2025, still prioritizes function over luxury. A Tasman SUV could also include practical features like the pickup’s foldable console table and under-seat storage, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly adventure vehicle.
Pricing and Value
The 4Runner starts at $40,770, but higher trims like the TRD Pro exceed $55,000. The Tasman pickup, priced from $27,910 to $48,686 USD in Australia, suggests a Tasman SUV could undercut the 4Runner’s base price, offering similar capability with more standard features. Kia’s value proposition, seen in models like the Sorento, could make the Tasman SUV an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Challenges and Market Outlook
One major hurdle for a Tasman SUV is its availability in the U.S. Kia has confirmed the Tasman pickup won’t come stateside due to the 25% “chicken tax” on imported trucks, and a similar tariff could affect the SUV unless produced domestically. Reports indicate Kia is developing a U.S.-specific truck, which could pave the way for a Tasman SUV built in North America. Additionally, Kia must ensure the SUV’s design resonates with buyers, as the Tasman’s polarizing styling may not appeal to all.
In markets like Australia, where body-on-frame SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest are top sellers, a Tasman SUV could thrive. Its potential to offer a compelling mix of ruggedness, technology, and value positions it as a strong challenger to the 4Runner, especially if Kia can refine the design and performance to match or exceed Toyota’s offering.
Kia Tasman SUV
A Kia Tasman SUV could be a game-changer in the midsize SUV segment, bringing Kia’s signature blend of style, tech, and value to a market dominated by the Toyota 4Runner. While still in the early stages of development, the prospect of a 2028 launch has generated significant buzz, fueled by digital renderings and insider hints. If Kia can deliver a rugged, capable SUV with competitive pricing and a modern interior, it could carve out a significant share of the off-road SUV market. For now, the 4Runner remains the benchmark, but the Tasman SUV looms as a potential rival that could redefine the segment.