Kia Tasman: A Rugged New Pickup Truck Designed for Adventure On and Off the Road
Kia has officially entered the pickup truck market with the launch of the all-new Kia Tasman — a powerful, purpose-built 4×4 truck engineered to tackle everything from urban commutes to desert dunes. Built from the ground up, the Tasman blends off-road capabilities, towing strength, and premium in-cabin comfort like never before.
Built Tough for Work and Adventure
The Kia Tasman rides on a brand-new body-on-frame platform that delivers exceptional strength and durability. With a payload capacity of up to 1,151 kg and towing capabilities of up to 3,500 kg, this truck is ready for both jobsite demands and weekend getaways.
Engineered for Extreme Off-Roading
This is the most off-road-capable vehicle Kia has ever built. Highlights include:
- Up to 252mm of ground clearance
- Double-wishbone front suspension and rigid rear axle with leaf springs
- All-Terrain (AT) tires on the X-Pro trim
- Water-wading depth up to 800mm with high-positioned air intake
Advanced 4WD & Terrain Tech
The Tasman features a Two-Speed Active Transfer Case with modes like 2H, 4H, 4L, and 4A. A built-in Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) ensures stability on slippery or uneven terrain. Plus, terrain-specific modes (including ‘Desert’ mode for Middle East and Africa) adapt throttle, power, and traction settings in real time.
Other off-road highlights include:
- X-Trek Mode for low-speed cruise control off-road
- Ground View Monitor for real-time underbody visuals
- Off-Road Page to monitor drivetrain and engine performance
Performance Options by Market
- 2.5L turbo petrol (Korea, Middle East): 281 PS, 421 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 8.5s
- 2.2L turbo diesel (Australia, other regions): 210 PS, 441 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 10.4s
- Transmission options: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual (select markets)
To support heavy towing, Kia has added enlarged radiators, a transmission oil cooler, and Tow Mode with features like Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Stability Assist.
Smart and Spacious Cargo Bed
The Tasman’s cargo bed is designed for both function and flexibility:
- Bed dimensions: 1,573mm (L) × 1,600mm (W) × 543mm (D)
- 1,212 liters of cargo volume (VDA standard)
- Standard pallet fit between wheel arches
- Wooden partition slots, cargo rails, tie-down hooks, and 220V inverter
Genuine Kia accessories like canopies, sliding trays, and bed covers add extra utility and style.
Premium Comfort and Interior Tech
Inside, the Tasman rivals modern SUVs with:
- Best-in-class rear legroom and headroom
- Sliding and reclining rear seats — a first in this segment
- Windshield and window acoustic glass for a quieter cabin
Tech-savvy features include:
- Panoramic Wide Display with 12.3” cluster and infotainment screens
- Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC)
- Harman Kardon sound system
- 33L under-seat storage + Folding Console Table
Proven Through Rigorous Testing
The Tasman went through Kia’s grueling ‘One More Round’ campaign, which included:
- 1,777 specific tests
- Over 18,000 evaluation cycles
- Tested in snowy Sweden, desert UAE, steep hills in the US, and more
Conclusion: A New Era of Kia Pickup Trucks
The Kia Tasman sets a bold new standard for the mid-size pickup segment. With rugged durability, class-leading tech, and a cabin designed for comfort, the Tasman is ideal for everyone from adventurers to business owners. Stay tuned for availability and pricing in your market.
Ready for anything, the Kia Tasman is the ultimate truck for those who demand more — on every road, and beyond.
via TheNewsMarket