Kia has officially unveiled the Kia Tasman, its first-ever pickup truck, stepping into a new segment with a focus on versatility and capability. Showcased at the Jeddah Motor Show, Kia says the Tasman offers a blend of rugged design, functionality, and practical features aimed at customers who need both work-ready and lifestyle-friendly options.

Bold exterior

The Tasman’s exterior design diverges from typical pickup aesthetics, favoring simplicity and functionality. The front is marked by an expansive radiator grille and Kia’s signature “Tiger Face” framing. This approach balances a powerful look with essential utility, as seen in the headlamps and integrated storage units within the fender design.

Kia offers nine colour options for the Tasman, including Clear White, Snow Pearl White, and new shades like Tan Beige and Denim Blue, providing personalization options for a variety of style preferences.

Interior and tech

Inside, the Tasman emphasizes durability and utility with a balanced, minimalist design. The cabin incorporates features like large honeycomb-patterned air vents, a multifunction steering wheel, and a widescreen panoramic setup with three screens (two 12.3-inch and one 5-inch), enabling access to vehicle controls and infotainment. Optional tech upgrades include a Harmon Kardon audio system and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tasman also comes equipped with practical interior features, such as dual wireless charging pads, a folding console table, and under-seat storage.

Trims and specifications

Available in base, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, the Kia Tasman is tailored for varied driving demands. The X-Pro trim offers enhanced off-road performance with a higher ground clearance of 252mm, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and additional off-road features like Rock mode. Kia also offers custom configurations, including chassis cab options for business users and single-cab layouts to maximize bed space.

Drivetrain options

Kia has tailored the Tasman’s powertrain for different markets:

In Korea, it comes with a 2.5-liter petrol engine 207 kW paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Australian models feature a 2.2-liter diesel engine 154 kW with 441 Nm of torque.

In regions such as the Middle East and Africa, buyers can select between the 2.5-liter petrol or the 2.2-liter diesel engine, with transmission options depending on the market.

The Tasman’s suspension setup, featuring Kia’s Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop, ensures smooth rides on rough terrain, while the optimized composite bush structure enhances stability and comfort.

Off-road capabilities

The Kia Tasman is designed to navigate challenging conditions with features like an air intake positioned within the fender for water protection, allowing water fording up to 800mm. The X-Line and X-Pro trims come with all-wheel drive as standard, with multiple terrain modes tailored for different markets, including options like Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock modes. The X-Pro variant also includes Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM), providing real-time ground visuals for precise off-road navigation.

Practicality for business and leisure

Kia equips the Tasman with functional features like corner steps, illuminated load beds, and an optional power outlet for work tools. A sliding cargo floor, divider-forming capabilities, and bedside flexibility make it suitable for a range of activities, from worksite use to camping. The Tasman’s bed measures 1,512 mm long and offers a best-in-class cargo capacity of 1,173 liters. Built with a reinforced structure, it has a maximum payload of 1,195 kg and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg.

Advanced safety features

The Tasman comes with Kia’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist 2. These features are optimized to account for the specifications of trailers, improving safety while towing.

Market launch

After rigorous global testing, including extreme conditions in Australia, Sweden, and the Middle East, the Kia Tasman makes its debut at the Jeddah Motor Show in Saudi Arabia. Initially, the Tasman will launch in Korea in early 2025, followed by rollouts in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, with the South African release planned for the latter half of 2025.