The Kia Tasman, Kia’s newest midsize pickup truck, has finally made its debut after much anticipation and several teaser releases. While it won’t be available in North America, this new competitor to the Ford Ranger is set to hit the roads in South Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Kia’s goal with the Tasman is to offer a versatile truck that appeals to different types of customers—from individual users to business owners—by providing various configurations and features that enhance its practicality and appeal.
One of the standout aspects of the Tasman is its unique design, which deviates from the traditional pickup look. It will be available in both single-cab and double-cab models, as well as a stripped-down chassis cab option tailored for commercial use. This range of body styles allows the Tasman to serve different purposes depending on the needs of the buyer, with the chassis cab being particularly customizable. The Tasman’s design is a mix of quirky and functional. From the side, it sports an unusual “mustache-like” cladding around the wheel arches, but there’s also a more conventional cladding option that surrounds the entire wheel arch. At the rear, a large Kia logo is stamped on the tailgate, giving the truck a bold, recognizable look.
The front of the Tasman is another distinctive feature, with its vertical headlights positioned to the sides and an oversized Kia logo at the center. The hood has a noticeable bulge that adds a touch of muscularity to the truck, enhancing its rugged appeal. Contrary to what some had speculated, the Tasman doesn’t share a unibody construction with Kia’s SUV, the Telluride. Instead, it adopts a body-on-frame structure, which is more durable and better suited for heavy-duty and off-road tasks, making it a closer match to the Ford Ranger than to more SUV-like trucks such as the Ford Maverick or Honda Ridgeline.
Inside, the Tasman’s cabin is surprisingly sophisticated, leaning towards a car-like design with a focus on technology. The dashboard features a triple-screen setup, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch display in the middle, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Although Kia has embraced a digital experience, it hasn’t completely abandoned physical controls; several essential functions are still accessible via traditional buttons and switches, allowing for easy operation while driving. For those who intend to take the Tasman off-road, there are specialized controls, including a locking differential button and a low-range mode switch. These features emphasize the Tasman’s identity as a capable off-roader, despite its modern interior.
Adding to its uniqueness, Kia has included a plaque in the center console that details the Tasman’s dimensions: it measures 212 inches in length, 75 inches in width, and 75 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 128.7 inches. Under the hood, the Tasman’s powertrain options vary by market. In Korea, it will come with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This model can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph. For the Australian market, the Tasman will feature a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 207 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. While it has the same top speed, its 0-62 mph time is slightly slower at 10.4 seconds. In the Middle East and Africa, customers will have the option to choose between these two engines, making the Tasman adaptable to regional needs. All models come with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.
The Tasman’s towing and payload capabilities are designed to meet the demands of a midsize truck. It has a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds and a payload capacity that ranges from 2,242 to 2,635 pounds, depending on the configuration. The cargo bed offers a volume of 41.4 cubic feet, providing ample space for transporting various loads. The truck is also built for off-road adventures, featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs. Kia has designed it to handle water fording up to 31.5 inches, and the interior features waterproof connectors to prevent damage. Drivers can select from multiple drive modes—Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock—ensuring that the Tasman can navigate different terrains with ease.
In terms of comfort and convenience, Kia has prioritized interior space, offering what it claims to be class-leading headroom, shoulder room, and second-row legroom. The rear seats can recline between 22 to 30 degrees, enhancing comfort for passengers. Additionally, there are hidden storage compartments beneath the rear seats for securing valuables. Other interior highlights include dual wireless charging pads, a Harman Kardon sound system, a folding console table, and grab handles in the A-pillars.
Kia is also launching a suite of 13 accessories for the Tasman, giving buyers the option to customize their trucks further. These include beadlock-style wheels, side steps, and an illuminated bed that can be fitted with various accessories like a canopy with butterfly doors, a sliding tonneau cover, or a roll bar. For adventure enthusiasts, there’s an optional roof rack compatible with a rooftop tent.
The Tasman is expected to go on sale in South Korea in the first half of 2025, with subsequent launches planned for Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Kia has high hopes for the truck in Saudi Arabia, where the global premiere took place at the Jeddah International Motor Show. Looking ahead, Kia has plans for an electric pickup by 2027, which could include a fully electric Tasman variant for global markets outside the U.S. However, any move to sell the Tasman or another pickup in the United States would require local production to avoid import taxes.
Kia Tasman marks a bold entry into the competitive midsize pickup segment, bringing a unique blend of style, functionality, and off-road capability. With its diverse range of options and features, it’s likely to appeal to a wide range of customers across different markets, from those seeking a versatile work truck to those looking for a rugged vehicle capable of handling tough terrains.