Kia has officially entered the pickup truck arena with the unveiling of the Kia Tasman, a vehicle poised to challenge existing norms and carve out a new dimension in the global pickup market. This groundbreaking model, Kia’s first foray into the pickup segment, is not just another truck; it’s a statement of intent, blending robust utility with cutting-edge design and technology, all while promising to cater to a diverse range of lifestyles and professional needs. The Kia Tasman Pickup is designed to resonate with those who seek adventure and demand reliability, marking a significant milestone for Kia as it expands its already comprehensive vehicle lineup.
The Tasman emerges from Kia’s rich heritage of crafting special-purpose vehicles, inheriting the DNA of rugged off-roaders like the Mohave. It’s engineered from the ground up to meet the multifaceted demands of modern pickup owners, seamlessly transitioning from weekday workhorse to weekend explorer. Kia’s ambition with the Tasman is clear: to not just participate in the pickup sector, but to redefine it, offering a compelling alternative to the established players.
A Bold Exterior Design Language
Moving away from the conventional, often predictable aesthetics of traditional pickups, the Kia Tasman pickup embraces a fresh and assertive design philosophy. Kia’s design team deliberately avoided the over-stylized and bulky trends prevalent in the segment, instead opting for an honest, robust form that conveys power through simplicity and functionality. Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, emphasizes that the Tasman is “designed to serve as a dependable companion in every situation,” blending lifestyle appeal with genuine utility.
The front fascia of the Kia Tasman pickup is particularly striking, featuring a wide radiator grille and bumper that accentuate the vehicle’s broad stance. The iconic Kia Tiger Face is cleverly integrated, framed by the hood trim and grille, and highlighted by vertically oriented signature lighting within the headlamps. This creates an instantly recognizable and powerful front profile for the Tasman.
The side profile is equally commanding, with an upright windshield and rear glass contributing to a bold silhouette. The 45-degree angles in the vehicle’s graphic elements add to its dynamic appearance, while the unique fender design integrates practical elements like headlights and storage, showcasing a design that is both functional and visually confident. At the rear, the Kia Tasman pickup reinforces its utilitarian nature with a stamped logo on the tailgate and seamlessly integrated tailgate handle and high-mounted stop lamp, underscoring its practical character. A diverse palette of nine exterior colors, including new hues like Tan Beige and Denim Blue, allows for personalization and further enhances the Tasman’s visual appeal.
Interior Design: Marrying Practicality with Modernity
The interior of the Kia Tasman pickup mirrors the exterior’s innovative approach, introducing a new standard of design quality within the pickup segment. Prioritizing purity and simplicity, the cabin is designed to be a reliable and enduring workspace and comfort zone. The robust and rugged ambiance is distinctly pickup-oriented, yet the interior design achieves a sense of stability and balance through concise, symmetrical proportions.
Large air vents with a honeycomb pattern become a central design theme, emphasizing ventilation functionality. The multi-function steering wheel and minimalist center dashboard, along with thoughtfully placed buttons on the tunnel section, provide intuitive control over the Kia Tasman pickup‘s advanced technology. Luxurious shapes and details elevate the interior beyond typical pickup truck standards.
The state-of-the-art panoramic widescreen display, featuring 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch screens, offers drivers and passengers access to vehicle controls and infotainment. An optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, enhances the in-cabin experience. Practicality is further emphasized with features like a large folding console table, dual wireless charging pads, and class-leading 33-liter hidden storage bins under the rear seats. The Kia Tasman pickup also leads its segment in headroom, shoulder room, and second-row legroom (940mm), with reclining rear seats (22 to 30 degrees) for enhanced passenger comfort.
Kia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Tasman’s interior, incorporating ten must-have sustainability items, including bio-plastics in the crash pad, recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather for seats, BTX-free and bio-paint compositions, and recycled PET material for the interior carpet. Interior trim options include Onyx Black/Medium Gray, Espresso Brown/Onyx Black, and Deep Green/Medium Gray, with two-tone options for the X-Line and X-Pro models.
Tasman Trims and Customization Options
The Kia Tasman pickup is available in double cab configurations, offered in Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro trims. The X-Pro variant is designed for superior off-road performance, featuring a 28mm increased ground clearance (252mm total) and 17-inch gloss-black wheels with all-terrain tires. The X-Line trim features larger 18-inch alloy wheels with highway and terrain tires. Kia also offers customizable chassis cab variants and single cab options to maximize bed space.
Customization is a key aspect of the Kia Tasman pickup, with a range of accessories designed for both leisure and work. These accessories are designed to be innovative, unique, and practically versatile, enhancing the vehicle’s spaciousness and go-anywhere capability. Four bed accessory configurations – Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack – will be available, with the first three launching immediately. A total of 13 accessory products will be offered, including side steps and beadlock-style wheels, allowing owners to tailor their Tasman to specific needs and preferences.
Drivetrain and Performance
Built on a robust body-on-frame platform, the Kia Tasman pickup offers a range of powertrain options tailored to different markets. In Korea, it will be available with a 281PS 2.5-liter petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 421Nm of torque and accelerating from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. For the Australian market, a 210PS 2.2-liter diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 441Nm of torque, will be offered, achieving 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds. Other regions, including the Middle East and Africa, will have access to both engine options, with the diesel also available with a six-speed manual transmission in select markets.
The Kia Tasman pickup’s chassis and suspension are engineered for both on and off-road excellence. An optimized composite bush structure enhances rigidity, stability, and ride comfort. The double wishbone front suspension and rear rigid axle with leaf springs, combined with frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology, minimize vibration and improve body control across diverse terrains.
Pickup-Specific Capabilities and Practicality
The Kia Tasman pickup is packed with features designed to enhance its utility and off-road prowess. The air intake is positioned within the fender, enabling a water wading depth of up to 800mm. State-of-the-art all-terrain drivetrain technology has been rigorously tested in diverse environments worldwide, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions. X-Line and X-Pro models come standard with all-wheel drive, optionally available on the base model, featuring ECO, Smart, and Sport driving modes, along with terrain modes like Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock (X-Pro adds Rock mode). The X-Pro also includes an automatically engaging rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) and X-Trek mode for low-speed off-road driving. Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM) further aids maneuverability in challenging terrains.
Practicality is paramount in the Kia Tasman pickup, evident in features like standard corner steps for easy bed access, and optional features including a 220/240V power outlet in the bed, and a sliding cargo floor. The load bed measures 1,512 mm long, 1,572 mm wide, and 540 mm deep, offering a class-leading 1,173 liters of cargo space and a maximum payload of 1,145kg (2WD mode), with a 3,500kg towing capacity.
Advanced Technology and Safety
The Kia Tasman pickup incorporates advanced technology to ensure both safety and a refined driving experience. Enhanced sound-deadening materials and noise extractor technology contribute to a quiet cabin. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) with trailer profile functionality, are available, optimizing driving characteristics when towing.
Global Launch and Market Availability
The Kia Tasman pickup underwent extensive testing, including 1,777 specific tests and over 18,000 evaluation rounds, across various global environments. Its world premiere took place at the Jeddah Motor Show, showcasing Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro Double Cab models. The initial launch is planned for the Korean domestic market in the first half of 2025, followed by rollouts in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia anticipated as a key market.
The Kia Tasman is not just entering the pickup market; it’s poised to reshape it. With its blend of innovative design, robust capability, and advanced technology, the Kia Tasman pickup invites customers to truly “Dive into a New Dimension,” setting a new benchmark for what a modern pickup truck can be.
| Kia Tasman Specifications |
|---|
| Trim |
| Overlength |
| Width |
| Height(incl. roof rack) |
| Wheelbase |
| Ground clearance |
| 2WD |
| 4WD |
| Engine type |
| 6MT |
| Gasoline Theta 3 |
| Diesel New R |
| Fuel efficiency |
| Fuel tank capacity |
| Tire |
| Specializedfeatures |
| Specialized control |
| Terrain mode |
| Wading performance |
| Towing capacity |
| Load capacity |
| Payload capacity |
| Convenience features |
| Bed convenience |
| Towing ADAS features |
| Other convenience functions |
