The global debut of Kia’s Tasman sets a new standard in the pickup truck market, with plans for release in domestic and international markets by 2025.
Kia has officially unveiled its first pickup truck, the Tasman. Tasman, set for global release in 2025, was first showcased at the Zeda International Motor Show, challenging traditional pickup trucks with innovative and practical design and state-of-the-art technology.
Tasman carries forward the spirit of the Mojave as part of Kia’s rich off-road history. By utilizing over 50 years of special purpose vehicle development knowledge, Tasman has charted a completely new path without following the grammar of existing pickup trucks.
Robust and practical exterior design highlights Tasman’s design elements, such as a large and sturdy radiator grille and intense design features set at a 45-degree angle. The rear features a bold Tasman logo and an integrated tailgate handle, expressing practicality and ruggedness. Additionally, with an excellent cargo loading space of 1,173 liters and a loading capacity of 1,195 kg, Tasman is suitable for various purposes.
The interior, based on practicality and simplicity, provides intuitive vehicle control and infotainment accessibility through a large panoramic widescreen (12.3 inches + 5 inches + 12.3 inches), premium audio system, and dual wireless charging pads, among other advanced convenience features. The second-row seats with reclining function and ample interior space provide comfort even on long drives.
Tasman is offered with two powertrain options: a 2.5L gasoline engine (281 hp) and a 2.2L diesel engine (210 hp), including X-Line and X-Pro models for optimal off-road performance. The X-Pro model is equipped with a ground clearance of 252mm and a 4WD system designed to provide stable driving on various terrains such as sand, mud, and snow.
As a result, Tasman achieves a class-leading maximum wading depth of 800mm and can cross water at speeds of up to 7 km/h. Tasman’s cargo bed records a length of 1512mm, width of 1572mm, and depth of 540mm, achieving a class-leading cargo capacity of 1173 liters.
Thanks to the reinforced bed structure, Tasman can carry a maximum of 1195kg of cargo in 2WD mode and has a maximum towing capacity of 3500kg.
Luxurious options not commonly found in comparable pickup trucks are included in Tasman. Tasman is expected to be the quietest and least vibrating vehicle in its class, with features such as soundproofing materials for highway noise reduction, additional wind deflector strips, and advanced noise reduction technology.
Furthermore, driver assistance systems (ADAS) for comfortable and safe driving, as well as functions such as Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), are seamlessly integrated. ADAS automatically optimizes driving characteristics, taking into account trailers, to suit the characteristics of pickup trucks.
Tasman has undergone over 18,000 tests covering 1,777 items to ensure performance and durability in off-road conditions, towing, and handling. Kia plans to launch Tasman in the Korean market in the first half of 2025, followed by sequential releases in the Australian, African, and Middle Eastern markets.