After a couple of teasers and announcements, Kia Corporation has officially revealed the Tasman, its first entry into the pickup truck market. Designed to address work and recreational needs, Tasman marks Kia’s expansion from its core lineup of sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles into the competitive pickup truck sector.
Photo: Kia Corporation
Built on Kia’s expertise in durable, purpose-built vehicles, the Tasman combines the practicality of a pickup with advanced features and a design aimed at utility and comfort. Kia’s President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, emphasized that the Tasman is “not following the competition,” describing it as a lifestyle-oriented vehicle with innovative capabilities.
Photo: Kia Corporation
The Tasman’s exterior shuns traditional pickup design, focusing on robust, functional styling without relying on oversized features. A broad radiator grille and signature Kia lighting emphasize the vehicle’s wide stance, while the tailgate and fender designs prioritize functionality. The Tasman has nine color options, including new hues like Tan Beige and Denim Blue.
Photo: Kia Corporation
Inside, the Tasman offers a spacious cabin with simple design and rugged features. A widescreen infotainment system—comprising a 12.3-inch digital display, a 5-inch secondary screen, and an additional 12.3-inch screen—provides easy access to vehicle controls. Practical touches like a large folding console table, dual wireless charging pads, and hidden storage beneath the rear seats underscore Tasman’s focus on convenience.
Photo: Kia Corporation
Photo: Kia Corporation
The Tasman is engineered to tackle varied terrains and is available in double-cab base, X-Line, and X-Pro trims. The off-road-oriented X-Pro trim offers increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and an enhanced rear-locking differential for more demanding trails. Various cargo bed configurations, such as Single Decker, Double Decker, and Sports Bar, allow buyers to personalize the Tasman for specific work or recreational needs.
Photo: Kia Corporation
Photo: Kia Corporation
Depending on the market, the Tasman is powered by a 2.5-liter petrol engine producing 281 hp or a 2.2-liter diesel engine with 210 hp. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with some regions also offering a six-speed manual option. Kia’s double-wishbone front suspension and rear rigid axle provide stability and improved load-carrying capacity, while advanced damper control minimizes vibration and enhances comfort on uneven terrain.
Photo: Kia Corporation
The pickup’s all-wheel-drive system adjusts based on driving conditions and offers terrain-specific modes, including Rock, Sand, and Mud settings on the X-Pro variant. With a fording depth of up to 800mm, the Tasman can handle water and rough conditions, thanks to the strategic placement of air intakes and waterproof connectors.
Photo: Kia Corporation
Kia has integrated practical touches for professionals, such as corner steps, a power outlet, and a sliding cargo floor for easier loading. The load bed, with a capacity of 1,173 liters, can handle a 1,195kg payload and a 3,500kg towing capacity.
Photo: Kia Corporation
On the tech front, the Tasman includes Kia’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which features lane keeping, blind spot warning, and trailer profile functionality. These systems tailor the vehicle’s performance for safe towing.
Photo: Kia Corporation
The Kia Tasman made its debut at the Jeddah Motor Show, with initial models expected in South Korea in early 2025, followed by launches in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. No confirmation for the Philippines just yet, but we have our fingers crossed that it could arrive in our shores sooner rather than later.
