Kia Tasman: The "Forbidden Fruit" We Need in the US (And Why the 'Chicken Tax' Might Kill It)

 The Kia Tasman is a bold, boxy pickup that rivals the Jeep Gladiator. But will it come to the US? AutoLab analyzes the 25% "Chicken Tax" tariff hurdle and why American buyers should demand this truck.

[Introduction: Kia's Missing Puzzle Piece]

Kia is on fire in the United States. From the award-winning Telluride to the futuristic EV9, they have conquered almost every segment. But there is one glaring hole in their lineup: A body-on-frame pickup truck.

Enter the Kia Tasman. It’s bold, it’s boxy, and it looks like it eats crossovers for breakfast. But before you rush to your local dealership with a deposit, there is a massive 60-year-old trade law standing in your way.

Today, AutoLab dives deep into why the Tasman is the perfect rival for the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator, and the economic reality (The Chicken Tax) that might keep it off American roads.

Alt Text: Kia Tasman pickup truck front view bold grille design
Caption: The face of aggression. The Kia Tasman features a controversial yet undeniable presence that demands attention. It’s the antithesis of the sleek, curvy EVs flooding the market.

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1. Design: The "Anti-Cyber" Aesthetic

In a world where Tesla is trying to make trucks look like spaceships (Cybertruck) and Ford is making them softer (Maverick), Kia went full retro-industrial.

The Tasman doesn't care about aerodynamics. It embraces the "Boxy" aesthetic that Americans love—think Ford Bronco or Land Rover Defender, but with a bed. The massive fender flares and upright windshield scream "utility."

Alt Text: Kia Tasman side profile boxy design vs Jeep Gladiator
Caption: Look at that silhouette. The long wheelbase (128.7 inches) maximizes cabin space, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Jeep Gladiator. It’s not just a truck; it’s a statement.

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2. The Interior: Where Kia Wins the Game

Let's be honest. The Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado are great trucks, but their interiors often feel... plastic. This is Kia's home turf. The Tasman borrows the premium DNA from the EV9 and Telluride.

Alt Text: Kia Tasman interior dashboard panoramic screen and toggle switches
Caption: This isn't a work truck from the 90s. With a panoramic curved display and premium materials, the Tasman offers an interior that puts domestic US trucks to shame.

If Kia brings this level of refinement to the mid-size truck segment at a competitive price point, it would be a game-changer for families who want a truck for the weekend but a comfortable daily driver for the week.

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3. The 25% Hurdle: What is the "Chicken Tax"? (Deep Analysis)

Here is the heartbreaking reality. The Tasman is currently produced in Korea. If Kia ships this truck to the Port of Los Angeles, it gets hit with a 25% tariff known as the "Chicken Tax."

1. History: A 1964 trade war retaliating against European tariffs on American chicken.

2. The Math: If the Tasman costs Kia $35,000 to build and ship, the tariff adds $8,750.

3. The Result: The sticker price would be uncompetitive against the US-built Tacoma or Ranger.

So, will we get it? The only way the Tasman comes to the US is if Kia decides to build it in their West Point, Georgia plant. This requires a massive investment in retooling the factory. Kia is currently "studying" the feasibility.

Alt Text: Kia Tasman rear tailgate and bed capacity
Caption: A proper bed for proper work. But without US manufacturing, this view might remain exclusive to Australia and Korea.

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4. AutoLab's Verdict: Make Noise, America

The mid-size truck market in the US is stagnant with overpriced options. The Kia Tasman offers a unique design, a premium interior, and likely the industry-leading warranty (10-year/100k miles) that Kia is famous for.

It is the "Forbidden Fruit" we didn't know we needed.

If you want to see this truck in your driveway, you need to make noise. Comment on forums, tag Kia America on social media. Prove to them that the demand exists to justify building it in Georgia.

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[Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)]

Q1. Is the Kia Tasman confirmed for the US? A. Not yet. Kia has confirmed it for Korea, Australia, and the Middle East. US availability hinges on local manufacturing to avoid the 25% Chicken Tax.

Q2. How much would it cost? A. If produced in the US, we estimate a starting price around $35,000 - $40,000 to compete with the Tacoma and Frontier.

Q3. What engine will it have? A. The global model features a 2.5L Turbo Gasoline engine (281 hp). For the US market, this would be a perfect fit, offering plenty of power for towing and off-roading. 

External links

The basics of how a 1960s trade spat over poultry turned into a 25 percent tariff on imported pickups are summarized in Investopedia’s overview of the Chicken Tax. 

For a more practical look at how that tariff still shapes importing trucks today, including work-arounds and cost calculations, West Coast Shipping’s guide to the Chicken Tax and truck imports shows what happens when a modern ute like the Tasman hits U.S. customs. 

Kia’s current public stance on the Tasman in America is laid out in Car and Driver’s report, “Kia Confirms the Tasman Pickup Truck Isn’t Coming to America”, where a company representative makes it clear that any future U.S. Kia truck would not be this body-on-frame model. 

Internal links

The Tasman wouldn’t be arriving in a vacuum either; ultra-cheap global trucks like the Rangga are already pressuring the segment, as I argued in Toyota Rangga: The $10K Truck America Actually Needs.

For readers who want a more affordable, U.S.-built alternative that already blends daily driving with weekend adventure, it’s worth looking at Ford Maverick Hybrid + GFC Camper Build: Budget Overlanding as a benchmark for what “entry-level truck freedom” really costs today.

And before anyone assumes the Tasman must tow like a full-size F-150 to succeed here, I strongly recommend The $10,000 Towing Lie: Why Half-Ton Trucks Struggle With Fifth-Wheels, which shows how payload limits quietly shape what most American truck owners can actually do.

Author: AutoLab Editorial Team
Contact: For tips, corrections, or partnership inquiries, please use the “Contact Us” page.Sources (official): Global and domestic press releases, Korean type-approval and environmental certification disclosures

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