Kia has unveiled its first midsize pickup, the Tasman, set to arrive in dealerships in 2025. The new truck aims to challenge established rivals like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in the competitive pickup market.

The Tasman's exterior design features boxy proportions, an upright nose, and vertically-stacked LED headlights. Rugged bumpers, a horn-shaped trim on the hood, and fenders with horizontal strips of unpainted plastic add to its distinctive look. The truck also sports a standard-sized bed, blocky taillights, and a large tailgate with an integrated step bumper.

The Tasman rides on a ladder-frame chassis with double wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs and vertically mounted shock absorbers. Furthermore, the suspension features Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.

The Tasman measures 5,410 mm (213 inches) in length and offers ground clearance ranging from 224 to 252 mm (8.8 to 9.9 inches), depending on the trim. Kia will offer the truck in three body styles: a standard double cab, a customizable single chassis cab, and a customizable double chassis cab.

Inside, the Tasman's design is more conventional, featuring simple and symmetrical forms. The cabin boasts a triple-screen digital cockpit, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch display for climate controls, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. An optional 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system is available.

Kia has used sustainable materials in the interior, including recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather. The truck offers practical features like a folding table on the center console, 33 liters (1.2 cubic feet) of storage under the rear seats, and a reclining rear bench. Kia claims best-in-class headroom, shoulder room, and second-row legroom.

It offers a payload range of 1,017 to 1,195 kg (2,242 to 2,635 pounds) and can tow up to 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds). The illuminated bed has a load capacity of 1,173 liters (41.4 cubic feet) and features an integrated power outlet, mini-table, and sliding cargo floor.

The Tasman will be available with two powertrain options. The gasoline version features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 hp (281 PS) and 421 Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque. A diesel option will also be available, though details haven't been fully disclosed. Both engines will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia Tasman will arrive in 2025. It will start in Korea, then Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is a strong market, which is why the pickup was unveiled in Jeddah. No word on European markets, and the Tasman is unlikely to be available in North America due to the 25% tariff on imported light trucks.

Source: Kia

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving