By Muhammed Hashim 
Kia took the wraps of the all-new Tasman, its first entry in the midsize pickup segment against well-established rivals like the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger. The new Kia is focused on practicality and all-terrain capability, combining a purposeful and highly customizable exterior design with a tech-filled cabin.
The much anticipated pickup will launch in global markets in 2025, offering a choice between gasoline and diesel powertrains. While we don’t expect to see it on US roads, here are the five things you need to know about the Tasman.
#1 Unconventional Yet Highly Customizable Exterior Design
The most talked-about element of the new model is its looks. Kia admits it chose a “fresh approach to aesthetics”, in a quest to steer away from the “familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades”.
According to Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design, the Tasman’s design “begins with an honest form, using simple and rugged elements to capture the spirit of practicality”.
More: Kia Will Offer A Fix For The Tasman’s Clunky Fenders
The Tasman rocks boxy proportions with an upright nose, vertically-stacked LED headlights, rugged bumpers, and a horn-shaped trim on the hood. The fenders look like horizontal strips of unpainted plastic, incorporating the headlights and storage units. Thankfully, Kia will offer optional accessories to make them easier on the eyes.
At the back, we find a standard-sized bed with blocky tailights, a large tailgate, and a bumper with integrated steps. The pickup is offered in standard double cab bodystyle measuring 5,410 mm (213 inches) long, along with the options of customizable single and double chassis cab variants. Depending on the trim, the ground clearance ranges between 224-252 mm (8.8-9.9 inches).
#2 Advanced Tech Inside The Cabin
The interior design of the Kia Tasman is a lot more easier to digest than the exterior, thanks to the adoption of simple and symmetrical forms.
More: Chery’s New KP11 Pickup Coming In 2025 To Take On The Hilux And Ranger
In terms of technology, the highlight is the triple-screen digital cockpit. A single panel houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch display is dedicated to the climate controls, and another 12.3-inch touchscreen is used for the infotainment. The latter can be optionally combined with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
In line with the current trends, the pickup features sustainable material, including the recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather upholstery.
#3 Focus On Practicality
Practicality traits inside the cabin include the folding table on the center console, the 33 lt (1.2 cubic feet) storage compartment under the rear seats, and the reclining rear bench. Kia claims that the headroom, shoulder room, and second-row legroom are best-in class, benefiting from the Tasman’s boxy exterior.
As for the cargo-carrying credentials of the workhorse, the payload is between 1,017-1,195 kg (2,242-2,635 pounds), and it has a towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds). Kia is proud of the 1,173 lt (41.4 cubic feet) of load capacity, which places the Tasman ahead of its rivals. Furthermore, the rear bed is illuminated, has an integrated power outlet, a mini-table, and a sliding cargo floor making it easier to load and unload heavy items.
The bed can also serve as a blank canvas for four different configurations – Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar and Ladder Rack – transforming the Tasman according to the needs of its owner. In total, Kia will offer 13 accessories, set to improve the Tasman’s practicality and styling.
#4 Ladder-Frame Chassis, Non-Electrified Powertrains
The Kia Tasman will be initially available with two four-cylinder engines running on gasoline and diesel. The turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine is good for 277 hp (281 PS) and 421 Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque. On the other hand, the 2.2-liter turbodiesel produces 207 hp (210 PS) and 441 Nm (325 lb-ft).
Both powertrain options are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the diesel also offers the option of a six-speed manual. Power is transmitted to all four wheels, although the base model can also be had in 2WD form. The truck offers selectable terrain modes (Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock), while the rugged X-Pro trim is fitted with an Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) and an X-Trek mode for more challenging terrains.
The Tasman rides on a ladder-frame chassis with double wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs and vertically mounted shock absorbers. Furthermore, the suspension features Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology, for extra comfort and greater control.
#5 Global Model – Likely Not For The US
The Kia Tasman is a global model, set to arrive in dealerships in 2025. Availability will begin from its home market in Korea, followed by Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Kia said that Saudi Arabia is expected to be a “particularly strong market”, which explains why the pickup was unveiled at the Jeddah International Motor Show.
There is no word on European markets, while North American availability of the Tasman seems unlikely due to the 25% tariff imposed on imported light trucks.
Besides the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger which are the most popular offerings in the midsize pickup segment, the Kia Tasman has to compete with the likes of the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, VW Amarok, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, BYD Shark, and GWM Cannon Ute.
