After a long period of anticipation, Kia’s first global pickup truck, the Tasman, has officially debuted, bringing numerous advanced features, technologies, and a unique exterior design that has sparked mixed opinions. At the end of October, Kia introduced the Tasman at the Jeddah 2024 Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, marking the Korean automaker’s first step into the highly competitive pickup truck segment.
In terms of overall dimensions, the Kia Tasman has a length x width x height of 5,410 x 1,930 x 1,870 mm. Higher-end versions have a slightly increased height, reaching 1,890/1,920 mm. The wheelbase of 3,270 mm provides the vehicle with an impressive water wading depth of up to 800 mm. Ground clearance is 231 mm for the front-wheel-drive version and 224 mm for the all-wheel-drive version. Notably, the off-road Tasman X-Pro version has an increased ground clearance of up to 252 mm and is also equipped with an electronic differential lock, enhancing its off-road capability.
Kia Tasman pickup truck debuts globally with controversial design
The cargo bed of the Kia Tasman measures 1,512 mm in length, 1,572 mm in width, and 540 mm in depth. This area is equipped with a dedicated power outlet and a standard storage capacity of 1,173 liters. The vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is announced at 3,500 kg, while the maximum payload capacity reaches 1,017 kg for the all-wheel-drive version and 1,195 kg for the front-wheel-drive version.
Outstanding Technology and Features on the Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman is equipped with many modern driving assistance technologies. Depending on the version, the vehicle features X-Trek mode, similar to ultra-low-speed Cruise Control, allowing the driver to fully focus on braking and steering when navigating difficult terrain. Ground View Monitor technology uses cameras placed under the vehicle to display images of the area in front of the vehicle’s nose, helping the driver easily observe obstacles that are out of sight. All-wheel-drive versions are also equipped with default Offroad driving modes such as sand, mud, snow, and gravel, optimizing performance on various types of terrain.
Modern interior of the Kia Tasman pickup truck
Powerful exterior design of the Kia Tasman
The interior of the Kia Tasman boasts a modern style with a dual-screen cluster including a digital instrument panel and a central infotainment screen, both measuring 12.3 inches, supporting Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. The vehicle provides ample space for the rear seats, ensuring passenger comfort. In addition, the Tasman also integrates advanced safety features such as lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and remote parking assist, enhancing the driving experience with safety and convenience.
Safety features of the Kia Tasman pickup truck
Spacious interior of the Kia Tasman
Diverse Versions and Engines
The Kia Tasman is distributed in three main versions: standard, X-Line focused on urban driving capabilities, and X-Pro optimized for off-road performance. Depending on the market, the Kia Tasman will have different engine options. In the Korean market, the vehicle is equipped with a 2.5L gasoline engine, producing 277 horsepower.
X-Pro off-road version of the Kia Tasman pickup truck
X-Line urban version of the Kia Tasman pickup truck
For the Australian market, the Kia Tasman uses a 2.2L diesel engine, producing 207 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. The vehicle offers a choice of manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, along with 2WD on standard versions and 4WD on higher-end versions. The diversity of engines and versions helps the Kia Tasman reach a wide range of customers and meet different usage needs.
Powerful engine of the Kia Tasman pickup truck
Suspension and chassis of the Kia Tasman pickup truck
Impressive front design of the Kia Tasman
Unique rear design of the Kia Tasman
Competitors and Market Expectations
Kia plans to launch the Tasman in Korea in early 2025 and continue to introduce this model in other markets in the following year. Currently, the selling price of the Kia Tasman has not been announced. With its superior equipment and features, the Kia Tasman is expected to be a direct competitor to leading pickup trucks currently on the market such as the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and Ford Ranger. The arrival of the Kia Tasman promises to create excitement and strong competition in the global pickup truck segment, offering more attractive choices for consumers who love this versatile vehicle line.
