Kia Enters the Mid-Size Truck Segment with the All-New Tasman
Kia made a significant move by venturing into the pickup truck segment, dominated by American and Japanese automakers, with the introduction of the Tasman.
The Kia Tasman is offered in three distinct trims: Standard, X-Line for urban environments, and X-Pro for off-road capabilities. It is available with either a single cab, optimized for cargo, or a double cab for regular commuting and leisure.
The Tasman boasts impressive dimensions, with a length of 5,410 mm, a width of 1,930 mm, and a height of 1,870 mm (the two higher trims have heights of 1,890 mm and 1,920 mm, respectively). It has a wheelbase of 3,270 mm and a default water-wading capacity of 800 mm. The front-wheel-drive version offers a ground clearance of 231 mm, while the four-wheel-drive variant provides 224 mm.
The X-Pro trim takes off-road performance to the next level with an increased ground clearance of 252 mm and electronic differential lock.
Kia’s first-ever pickup truck features a highly controversial yet adaptable exterior design, marking a significant departure from the aesthetic norms of the pickup truck segment.
Controversial Yet Adaptable Exterior Design
The Kia Tasman has sparked debates since its reveal due to its unconventional styling. Kia took a bold approach by breaking free from the familiar design language that has dominated pickup trucks for decades.
The front end features Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille, combined with a bold and boxy bumper. However, the Starmap headlamps are positioned on the sides, connecting to the front wheel arches. The rear adopts a simpler approach with stylized C-shaped taillights and a large embossed Kia logo on the tailgate.
Modern and Tech-Filled Interior
While the exterior may divide opinions, the interior of the Tasman receives high praise for its simple and well-balanced design, creating an intuitive and user-friendly environment.
It comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch screen for climate control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The cabin also features an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Kia showcases its commitment to sustainability by utilizing eco-friendly and durable materials, such as recycled PET fabric and bio-based synthetic leather, throughout the cabin.
A Practical Pickup Truck
The Kia Tasman is designed with a strong emphasis on practicality. It includes a folding table in the center console, a 33-liter storage compartment under the rear seats, and reclining rear seats. Thanks to its boxy shape, the Tasman offers class-leading headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for rear passengers.
The double cab version provides a spacious cargo bed measuring 1,512 x 1,572 x 540 mm, resulting in a total volume of 1,173 liters. Kia claims that the Tasman offers the largest cargo capacity compared to competitors of similar size. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 1,017 kg for the four-wheel-drive model and 1,195 kg for the front-wheel-drive variant.
The cargo bed is packed with useful features, including lighting, integrated power outlets, a small table, and a sliding floor for easy loading and unloading of bulky items.
Kia will offer 13 accessories to enhance the Tasman’s practicality and style, allowing owners to customize their truck according to their needs.
Ladder-Frame Chassis and a Choice of Turbocharged Gasoline or Diesel Engines
Depending on the market, the Kia Tasman will be offered with different engine options. In South Korea, it is powered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine producing 277 horsepower. Meanwhile, in Australia, the Tasman is equipped with a 2.2-liter diesel engine generating 207 horsepower. Both manual and automatic eight-speed transmissions are available.
Like other pickup trucks, the Tasman offers various drive modes for different terrain types, such as sand, mud, snow, and gravel. The X-Pro trim, tailored for off-roading, includes an X-Trek mode, essentially a low-speed cruise control that allows the driver to focus on steering and braking. Additionally, it features a Ground View Monitor that provides a real-time view of the area under the vehicle.
The Kia Tasman will initially be launched in South Korea, followed by Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is expected to be a key market for the Tasman, as evidenced by its debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show, held from October 29 to November 2.
The All-New Kia Tasman: A Bold Design Statement with the Largest-in-Class Cargo Capacity and an Off-Road-Ready Variant
After four long years of anticipation, Kia has finally unveiled its very first pickup truck, the Tasman. This highly anticipated reveal marks a significant step for the brand, as it ventures into the competitive world of pickup trucks. With a name that evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, the Kia Tasman promises to offer a unique driving experience that combines capability and style. As Kia’s inaugural entry into this segment, the Tasman is poised to make a lasting impression and cater to the diverse needs of modern drivers.