Finally, after what felt like an unending cycle of teasers, the Tasman has arrived. But, hold on—when I say “here,” I actually mean in places like South Korea and Australia, not the United States, since it won’t be available in North America. This new rival to the Ford Ranger is set to make its mark in various markets, including the Middle East and Africa. True to its midsize pickup classification, this truck comes in several configurations.
Kia plans to offer the Tasman in single and double cab formats, plus a chassis cab version for businesses to customize. The preview images hinted at its quirky design, which is evident from just about every viewpoint. The rear is relatively straightforward, aside from a massive logo that some folks mistake for “KN” stamped on the tailgate. The profile is definitely the most peculiar, featuring a mustache-like body cladding. If someone wants a more traditional look, there’s an option that replaces the quirky design with a simpler, conventional wheel arch that wraps around the entire wheel.
Up front, the Tasman boasts a unique fascia, with vertical headlights positioned toward the sides. It also sports another oversized Kia logo, plus a muscular bulging hood that adds to its tough image. Overall, it isn’t the Telluride pickup that many expected, and that’s clear when you look beneath its eye-catching exterior. This truck uses a body-on-frame construction, contrasting with the unibody designs found in models like the Maverick and Ridgeline.
Stepping inside, I found it surprising that the interior doesn’t mirror the rugged look outside. Instead, it feels more like a car, featuring a triple-screen setup. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with a 5-inch central display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Despite the large screens, Kia still kept some traditional buttons, allowing for easy access to the functions I might use the most.
You can definitely tell it’s a proper truck, given the presence of a locking differential button and a switch for low-range mode. Oddly, the center console displays a plaque listing the pickup’s dimensions—212 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 75 inches tall. While the wheelbase isn’t specified there, I know it measures 128.7 inches between the axles.
Depending on where you are, the Tasman offers either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, along with options for two- or four-wheel drive. In Korea, it packs a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration isn’t a big concern for pickups, but it still manages to reach 62 mph in about eight and a half seconds and can top out at 115 mph.
In Australia, there’s a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine rated at 207 hp and 325 lb-ft, which achieves the same top speed but takes 10.4 seconds to hit 62 mph. Customers in the Middle East and Africa can choose from either gasoline or diesel engines. Both versions come equipped with 21.1-gallon fuel tanks and boast a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The payload capacity varies between 2,242 and 2,635 pounds, while the cargo bed has a volume of 41.4 cubic feet.
Kia has engineered the Tasman to feature a double-wishbone front suspension paired with a rigid rear axle that includes leaf springs. They say it can ford water up to 31.5 inches deep at a speed of 4.3 mph. To enhance safety, waterproof connectors are installed for certain interior components. Available all-terrain tires come in 17- and 18-inch sizes, and there are multiple drive modes—Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock—for tackling diverse terrains.
Kia claims to offer class-leading headroom, shoulder room, and legroom in the second row. Plus, the rear seats can recline anywhere between 22 and 30 degrees. Under the rear seats, there are hidden storage bins for stashing valuables away from the bed. Additionally, the Tasman comes with dual wireless charging pads, a Harman Kardon sound system, a folding console table, and grab handles in the A-pillars.
On day one, Kia will roll out 13 accessories, including beadlock-style wheels and side steps. The rear features an illuminated bed that can be customized with a canopy having butterfly doors, a sliding tonneau cover, or a roll bar. There’s even a roof rack option compatible with rooftop tents.
Korea will see the Tasman launch in the first half of 2025, followed by its arrival in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Kia believes Saudi Arabia will be one of its primary markets, which is why they’re debuting it at the Jeddah International Motor Show.
But wait—this isn’t the only pickup Kia is working on. There’s also an electric truck on the way, set to arrive by 2027. Rumors suggest it was spotted testing in the U.S. earlier this year. If Kia ever plans to sell a truck in the States, it would need to manufacture it at its Georgia plant to sidestep the 25% Chicken Tax.
Source and Images: Motor1