The Kia Tasman is Kia’s first foray into the pickup truck segment, officially unveiled at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on October 29, 2024. This mid-size, body-on-frame pickup is set to launch in early 2025, primarily aimed at markets in South Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, no plans have been confirmed for its release in the United States.
Exterior Design and Color Choices
The Tasman boasts a bold and distinctive design, standing out in the pickup truck market. Its exterior features an expansive radiator grille and bumper, emphasizing the truck’s width. Kia’s signature tiger face, integrated with vertically oriented lighting in the headlamps, adds to its unique style. The upright windshield and rear glass lend a robust silhouette, while the fenders include practical elements like integrated headlights and storage units.
The tailgate has a bold, stamped Kia logo, with the handle and high-mounted stop-lamp thoughtfully integrated. The Tasman is available in nine colors: Clear White, Snow Pearl White, Steel Gray, Interstellar Gray, Cityscape Green, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, and new shades Tan Beige and Denim Blue.
Body Configurations
The Tasman offers multiple body styles to cater to different user needs:
Double Cab (Crew Cab): A four-door option, providing ample passenger and cargo space.
Single Cab: A two-door configuration suited for those prioritizing cargo over passenger capacity.
Chassis Cab: Available in both single and double cab variants, this configuration allows for custom rear body installations, making it ideal for commercial applications.
Interior and Cabin Features
The interior of the Tasman focuses on practicality and durability. The cabin has a symmetrical design, with large air vents in a honeycomb pattern and a multi-function steering wheel. The minimalist lower dashboard has intuitively positioned controls, and the entire interior is crafted to reflect the vehicle’s rugged character.
Technology and Infotainment
Kia equipped the Tasman with advanced technology for an enhanced driving experience. These features include:
Infotainment System: A large touchscreen provides access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
Wireless Charging: Dual wireless charging pads for convenient device charging.
Audio System: A premium Harman Kardon sound system delivers high-quality audio.
Driver Assistance: A suite of driver-assistance features, including trailer profile functionality, enhances safety and convenience.
Powertrains and Performance
The Tasman offers different powertrains tailored to specific markets:
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Gasoline Engine: Produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 k/Mh) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph.
2.2-Liter Turbocharged Diesel Engine: Produces 207 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 62 mph time of 10.4 seconds and the same top speed of 115 mph. This one won’t arrive in the states even if the truck does — and that itself is doubtful.
Both engines come with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The Tasman includes all-terrain tires with 17- and 18-inch wheel options and multiple drive modes—Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock—to tackle various terrains.
Availability in the U.S. Market
Although the Tasman has been spotted testing in the United States, Kia has not confirmed plans to release it there. The 25-percent “Chicken Tax” on imported light trucks presents a barrier. However, Kia is considering battery-powered variants of the Tasman, which could open the possibility of a U.S. release if the initial internal combustion engine models perform well in other markets. If that’s the case, Kia could build the Tasman in the states, thereby avoiding the tax and making the vehicle eligible for federal tax incentives.
In summary, the Kia Tasman represents a significant expansion of Kia’s lineup, offering a distinctive design, versatile configurations, advanced technology, and robust performance for a variety of global markets. In some form or fashion, a U.S.-spec model seems likely, though we’re thinking that won’t happen for a few more years.
See Also — New York Debut: 2025 Kia K4.
Images supplied by Kia Global.
