Kia finally unveiled its long awaited Tasman, their first-ever pickup truck, showcasing a new polarizing vehicle that not everyone will like. This vehicle sure will mark a fresh chapter in Kia’s diverse range, and thanks to our colleagues at ShortsCar we can another look to the pick up, what do you think?
With a campaign theme inviting customers to “Dive into a New Dimension,” the Tasman combines purposeful design, state-of-the-art technology, and spacious comfort. By marrying utility and style, Kia positions this pickup as an ideal choice for both work and adventure enthusiasts, making it versatile for all terrains and purposes.
Pioneering Design and Engineering for Adventurers
Reflecting Kia’s SUV lineage, the Tasman incorporates high-level off-road capabilities reminiscent of the iconic Kia Mohave. Designed to cater to a wide range of terrains, the Tasman will appeal to those looking for a practical yet sophisticated pickup. Kia’s President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, expressed that the Tasman was built “to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks.”
Head of Kia Global Design, Karim Habib, emphasized a fresh design approach, aiming for a minimalist aesthetic that communicates strength without excess. The Tasman’s expansive grille and bumper design project an aura of confidence and power, while the vehicle’s upright windshield and bold graphic elements create a striking silhouette.
Functional and Inviting Exterior
The Tasman’s exterior sports a range of nine colors, from classic Clear White to bold new hues like Tan Beige and Denim Blue, providing customization options for every style. Functional touches like a 45-degree angled fender, featuring practical storage elements, enhance the truck’s utilitarian nature. The bold tailgate, stamped with a Kia logo, rounds out the rear design, which reinforces the vehicle’s practical, everyday utility.
Interior: Where Simplicity Meets Technology
Inside, Kia has gone beyond typical pickup designs, delivering a refined cabin with premium finishes and advanced features. The Tasman’s interior blends minimalism with luxury, focusing on symmetrical proportions and durable materials. Key elements include a 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen display and an optional Harmon Kardon audio system, plus integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Adding further convenience, the Tasman boasts hidden storage compartments, dual wireless charging pads, and ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder space. This interior setup ensures that both passengers and cargo have ample room, providing comfort for long journeys and practical features for professional use.
Trims and Specifications for Every Need
The Kia Tasman is available in a variety of trims: a standard double cab model and enhanced X-Line and X-Pro variants. Designed for off-road excellence, the X-Pro trim stands out with a higher ground clearance and specialized wheels suited to rough terrain. Kia also offers customizable chassis cab versions to meet specific business needs, such as the single cab model optimized for cargo space.
The Tasman includes four bed configurations (Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack) alongside 13 accessory options. This selection, including items like side steps and beadlock-style wheels, allows buyers to customize their truck to suit both work and leisure requirements.
Powerful Drivetrain Options
Engine options vary by market, ensuring that performance aligns with regional needs. In Korea, the Tasman will debut with a 281 PS 2.5-liter petrol engine, reaching a top speed of 185 km/h. Australian customers can enjoy a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces 441 Nm of torque, while other regions will have options that combine both petrol and diesel engines with manual or automatic transmissions. A focus on ride comfort and handling is ensured by an optimized suspension system, which includes double-wishbone front units and a leaf spring rear design for improved load-carrying capacity.
All-Terrain Versatility for Global Markets
Engineered to handle diverse environments, the Tasman’s AWD variants come with selectable modes (Eco, Smart, and Sport), tailored to various conditions depending on the region. The X-Pro model further enhances off-road capability with an additional Rock mode, e-LD technology for rear differential locking, and X-Trek mode for navigating rugged terrain. This level of versatility, paired with Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM), gives drivers full control, whether navigating city streets or mountain trails.
Built for Practicality and Innovation
Designed with professionals in mind, the Tasman offers thoughtful features, including load bed corner steps, a power outlet, and a sliding cargo floor. The 1,173-liter load bed has a 1,195 kg payload capacity, while towing capabilities reach 3,500 kg. Inside, Kia provides a folding console table that serves as a work surface, further enhancing the truck’s appeal as a mobile workspace for small business owners.
Safety and Tech-Driven Comfort
The Tasman’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) add an extra layer of safety, featuring lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warnings, and trailer optimization technology. Thanks to innovative soundproofing, the Tasman also delivers a quiet, comfortable cabin environment, making it well-suited for long drives.
Global Debut and Release Schedule
After rigorous testing, the Kia Tasman made its global debut at the Jeddah Motor Show and will enter the Korean market in early 2025. The rollout will then extend to regions like Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, where the Tasman is expected to appeal strongly to customers seeking a versatile and lifestyle-oriented pickup.
Conclusion
The Kia Tasman promises a new chapter in the pickup market, balancing durability, style, and tech-driven innovation. With the Tasman, Kia aims to meet the needs of both professionals and adventure enthusiasts, setting new standards for performance, safety, and comfort in the pickup sector.
