Kia is gearing up to make a splash in the pick-up truck market by 2025. The Kia Tasman, designed with equal parts utility and leisure in mind, is set to target customers across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. With its versatility, the Tasman is poised to serve both tradespeople and outdoor adventurers.
A Strategic Entry into a Competitive Market
Dreams of a full-size Hyundai or Kia pick-up storming the American market have been put on hold. Instead, Kia has chosen to focus on the mid-size pick-up segment, a category thriving across continents such as Asia, Africa, South America, and even parts of the US. With lengths exceeding 5.30 meters, these trucks strike a balance between practicality and versatility.
The Kia Tasman represents a bold leap for the Korean automaker, whose portfolio has primarily consisted of SUVs, hatchbacks, and family-friendly vehicles. Available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, this venture into uncharted waters comes with high expectations.
“Kia’s first pick-up was developed from the ground up to redefine the segment and cater to growing demand for lifestyle vehicles with advanced technology,” says Ho Sung Song, CEO of Kia. “It blends traditional pick-up values with exceptional performance, practicality, and innovative features, appealing to both outdoor enthusiasts and small business owners such as farmers and traders.”
A Rugged but Refined Design
The Tasman’s styling draws heavily from established players like Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, and Chevrolet. However, Kia ensures its unique identity shines through, particularly in the LED light design, instantly recognizable as part of the Kia family.
Kia’s design chief, Karim Habib, explains: “Robust and capable, the design starts with an honest form and incorporates simple, sturdy elements that reflect practicality. The Kia Tasman seamlessly combines lifestyle and utility, embodying our commitment to bold and innovative ideas.”
With a length of 5.41 meters and a wheelbase of 3.27 meters, the Tasman offers spacious interiors that comfortably accommodate two to five passengers, depending on the configuration. Inside, two 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, accompanied by physical shortcut buttons for essential controls. Thoughtful touches like large door pockets, a foldable console table, and under-seat storage compartments with a total capacity of 33 liters add to the practicality.
Versatility at Its Core
The Tasman will be available in three trims: the base model, X-Line, and the off-road-focused X-Pro. The X-Pro trim adds nearly three centimeters of ground clearance and comes equipped with 17-inch all-terrain tires for tackling rugged terrain. Customers can also choose between a single-cab configuration for work-focused utility or a double-cab setup for a more lifestyle-oriented approach.
The truck bed, measuring 1.51 meters in length and 1.57 meters in width, offers a loading capacity of 1,173 liters with its 54-centimeter-high sides. Whether hauling construction materials or camping gear, the Tasman is ready for the job.
Powertrain Options Tailored to the Market
Built on a ladder-frame chassis, the Tasman will launch in its home market with a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 206 kW (281 PS) and 421 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Australia, buyers will find a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine under the hood, producing 154 kW (210 PS) and 441 Nm of torque. Both versions have a top speed of 185 km/h.
For added comfort, the Tasman features a frequency-sensitive damping system, balancing rugged capability with a smooth ride. Across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, customers will have the option to choose between these two powertrains.
With a water fording depth of 80 centimeters, the Tasman is built to tackle rivers and muddy trails alike, ensuring that adventurers and workers can handle almost any challenge nature throws their way.
The Kia Tasman: A New Frontier
As Kia ventures into the pick-up market, the Tasman stands out as a promising contender. Combining practicality, rugged capability, and advanced technology, it’s poised to make waves among buyers looking for a versatile truck that balances work and play. Whether you’re navigating city streets, remote landscapes, or job sites, the Tasman is ready to take on the challenge.
