Kia has finally revealed the new Tasman, a model that marks the Korean brand’s debut in the global pickup segment, set to hit the market in 2025, with gasoline and diesel engine options.
The standout feature of the Tasman is its bold design. Kia acknowledges that it has chosen a “new approach to aesthetics” in order to distance itself from the “familiar language that dominates models in this segment”.
Kia’s design director, Karim Habib, noted that the new Tasman makes “use of simple and robust elements to capture the practical spirit of the model”. In this way, the Kia Tasman projects power, confidence, and capability in equal measure, featuring a squared front marked by the familiar Kia Tiger Face, vertically positioned LED headlights, a robust bumper, and a generously sized grille.
At the rear, the highlight is a bumper with integrated steps, square taillights, and a generously sized tailgate.
Kia has revealed that the Tasman is offered with a standard double cab body measuring 5.41 meters in length, along with customizable options for single and double chassis cab variants. Depending on the trim level, the ground clearance ranges from 224-252 mm.
In contrast, the design of the cabin is less innovative than the exterior, with a notable highlight being the large state-of-the-art panoramic screen that encompasses the 12.3” instrument panel, the 5” climate control system, and the 12.3” infotainment system, providing the driver and passenger control over the vehicle and advanced infotainment options.
Additionally, the new Tasman also features an optional premium audio system from Harmon Kardon with eight speakers, as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Following the trends of recent Kia models, the new Tasman is equipped with sustainable materials, including recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather upholstery.
The cabin also features a foldable table in the central console, a storage compartment with a capacity of 33 liters under the rear seats, and a reclining rear seat. Kia also noted that the head, shoulder, and legroom in the rear seat is the best in the segment, benefiting from the square exterior of the Tasman.
Regarding cargo capacity, Kia’s new pickup announces a load capacity between 1017 and 1195 kg, and a towing capacity of up to 3500 kg. Additionally, the cargo platform is illuminated and equipped with an integrated power outlet, as well as a sliding cargo floor, making it easier to load heavier items.
The Kia Tasman will initially be available with two four-cylinder engines, one petrol and one diesel. The 2.5-liter turbo petrol engine delivers 277 hp of power and 421 Nm of maximum torque.
The diesel variant features a 2.2-liter turbo engine capable of producing 207 hp of power and 441 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; however, the diesel engine also offers a six-speed manual transmission as an option. All versions come with four-wheel drive.
Kia has also announced that the new Tasman offers four driving modes: sand, mud, snow, and rock, along with two trim levels, X-Line and X-Pro. The latter provides superior off-road performance thanks to its ground clearance, which is 28 mm higher, totaling 252 mm. It also features an electronic locking differential (e-LD) and an X-Trek mode for more challenging terrains, as well as shiny black 17’’ wheels with all-terrain tires, while the X-Line trim showcases 18’’ alloy wheels.
Although it is a global model, it is not yet certain that the Tasman will initially arrive in Europe, as Kia has announced that the new pickup will be launched first in the domestic Korean market during the first half of 2025, before being introduced later in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.
