The All-New Kia Tasman: A Bold Design Statement with the Largest-in-Class Cargo Capacity and an Off-Road-Ready Variant

At the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, Kia officially introduced the mid-size pickup truck, Tasman. This marks a significant step for the South Korean brand as it ventures into the pickup truck segment, which has traditionally been dominated by American and Japanese automakers.

According to the initial information released by Kia, the Tasman will be offered in three distinct variants: a Standard version, an X-Line model geared towards urban environments, and an X-Pro variant that focuses on off-road capabilities. The truck will be available with either a single-cab configuration optimized for cargo or a double-cab option for regular commuting and leisure travel.

In terms of dimensions, the Kia Tasman measures 5,410 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height (the two higher-end trims stand at 1,890 mm and 1,920 mm tall, respectively), with a wheelbase of 3,270 mm. It boasts an impressive 800 mm of water wading capability. The front-wheel-drive model offers 231 mm of ground clearance, while the all-wheel-drive variant provides 224 mm. The Tasman X-Pro takes off-road performance to the next level with an increased ground clearance of 252 mm and the inclusion of an electronic differential lock.

In terms of design, Kia has stated that the Tasman sports a unique look compared to other pickup trucks on the market, prioritizing practicality. The front end exudes a bold presence with Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille, complemented by a robust and elevated front bumper. Meanwhile, the Starmap headlamps are positioned on either side, seamlessly connecting with the front wheel arches. The rear section adopts a simpler approach, featuring stylized C-shaped taillights on both sides, with the Kia logo embossed on the tailgate in the center.

The double-cab version of the Kia Tasman boasts a spacious cargo bed measuring 1,512 mm in length, 1,572 mm in width, and 540 mm in depth, resulting in a substantial total volume of 1,173 liters. According to Kia, the Tasman offers the largest cargo capacity in its class. The vehicle is capable of towing up to 3,500 kg, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,017 kg for the all-wheel-drive model and 1,195 kg for the front-wheel-drive variant.

Step inside the Tasman, and you’ll find a modern interior with most of the key features integrated into a dual-screen setup on the dashboard. The center console houses a wireless charging pad, bottle holders, an electronic parking brake button, Auto Hold, and a drive mode selector. The Tasman’s interior is available in five color schemes: Black Onyx/Medium Gray, Espresso Brown/Black Onyx, and Dark Green/Medium Gray. For the X-Line and X-Pro models, customers can opt for two-tone color options, including Black Onyx/Medium Gray or Dark Green/Burnt Orange.

The Kia Tasman will be offered with a range of engine options, varying depending on the market. In South Korea, it is equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine producing 277 horsepower. Meanwhile, in Australia, the pickup truck features a 2.2-liter diesel engine generating 207 horsepower. Both manual and automatic 8-speed transmissions are available.

Similar to other pickup trucks, the Kia Tasman comes with terrain-specific drive modes such as sand, mud, snow, and gravel. The X-Pro variant, tailored for off-roading, introduces the X-Trek mode, essentially a low-speed cruise control that allows the driver to focus solely on steering and braking. Additionally, the off-road-oriented model incorporates Ground View Monitor technology, providing a real-time view of the blind spot beneath the vehicle.

Positioned as a global product, the Kia Tasman is likely to be introduced to the Vietnamese market, where it will compete against the likes of the Mitsubishi Triton and the segment leader, Ford Ranger. Pricing details for the Kia Tasman have not yet been disclosed by the South Korean automaker.

Thai Son (Tuoitrethudo)