The Kia Tasman global debut at the Jeddah Motor Show

Kia Corporation has officially introduced the Kia Tasman, marking its first foray into the pickup truck segment. This new model joins Kia’s diverse range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and PBVs (Platform Beyond Vehicle), establishing a new standard for the brand’s pickup offerings.

The Kia Tasman is engineered to expand the possibilities of what a pickup can offer, inviting customers to “Dive into a New Dimension.” With its purposeful design and advanced technology, along with top-tier convenience features and a spacious, comfortable cabin, the Tasman aims to set new benchmarks in the industry, enabling drivers to explore new experiences.

Drawing on over fifty years of expertise in creating specialized vehicles, including off-road models, the Kia Tasman is a versatile pickup that caters to both work and leisure needs.

A Progressive Pickup for Diverse Lifestyles

Infusing the heritage of Kia’s SUV lineup, including the rugged Mohave, the Tasman is meticulously designed to adapt to various terrains and meet diverse customer needs.

“Our first pickup truck has been created from the ground up to revolutionize the market and address the rising demand for lifestyle-oriented trucks equipped with advanced features,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia.

“The Kia Tasman is a forward-thinking pickup that charts its own course—distinct from competitors. It marries genuine pickup attributes with exceptional capabilities and practical features, challenging traditional norms. Our global slogan, ‘Dive into a New Dimension,’ encapsulates this essence, allowing customers to expand their horizons. It provides innovative solutions for those in search of a lifestyle vehicle for leisure and outdoor adventures, while also fulfilling the needs of small business owners like traders and farmers.”

Exterior Design – A New Aesthetic Perspective

The Kia design team intentionally moved away from traditional pickup styling that has prevailed for years. This fresh design philosophy emphasizes a straightforward, robust form that conveys strength through simple, functional elements, rather than exaggerated styling typical in the pickup market.

“Designed for explorers and doers, the Kia Tasman is a reliable companion in any scenario,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.

With a commanding presence, the Tasman features an expansive grille and bumper design that accentuates its width, alongside familiar Kia elements like the Tiger Face and vertically aligned signature lighting in the headlamps.

The upright windshield and rear glass contribute to the vehicle’s bold silhouette, enhanced by striking graphic elements. The fender design cleverly integrates practical features like headlights and storage, showcasing both functionality and confident aesthetics.

At the back, the Tasman highlights its practicality with a bold logo on the tailgate and an integrated handle and stop-lamp for enhanced utility.

Available in nine colors, including Clear White, Snow Pearl White, and the new Tan Beige and Denim Blue, the Tasman offers plenty of customization options.

Interior Design – A Blend of Purity and Practicality

Reflecting its exterior, the Tasman’s interior prioritizes a high-quality design with a focus on simplicity and functionality, creating a reliable environment for users.

The rugged interior design maintains the pickup’s character, with symmetrical proportions for a balanced appearance. Large air vents with a honeycomb pattern enhance functionality, while a multifunction steering wheel and a modern dashboard facilitate intuitive control of advanced technology. High-quality materials elevate the interior experience.

The Tasman features a state-of-the-art 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch panoramic display, providing access to vehicle controls and infotainment options. An optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system enhances the experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Kia has equipped the Tasman with innovative features like a folding console table, dual wireless charging pads, and hidden storage bins beneath the rear seats, offering a class-leading 33 liters of storage. The cabin also boasts exceptional headroom, shoulder room, and legroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers.

In line with Kia’s sustainability commitment, the Tasman features bio-plastic crash pads, recycled PET seats, and eco-friendly paint materials.

Interior trim is available in five color schemes, with specific options for the more off-road-oriented X-Line and X-Pro models.

Kia Tasman Trims and Specifications

The Tasman comes as a double cab base model, with X-Line and X-Pro variants offering enhanced off-road capabilities. The X-Pro features a higher ground clearance and specialized wheels for rugged terrain.

Kia also offers customizable chassis cab versions for various business needs and single cab options for optimized cargo space.

A variety of accessories will be available to enhance both leisure and work activities, allowing customers to tailor the Tasman to their specific requirements. Accessory configurations include Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack options, along with a range of other practical additions.

Drivetrain – Performance and Comfort

Built on a robust body-on-frame platform, the Kia Tasman is set to be offered in Korea with a powerful 2.5-liter petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. With impressive torque, it accelerates swiftly and reaches high speeds.

In Australia, a 2.2-liter diesel engine will be available, delivering strong performance and efficiency. Other regions will have both petrol and diesel options.

Kia’s innovative suspension system enhances ride quality and handling in all conditions. The pickup’s advanced technology minimizes cabin vibrations and enhances comfort, even on rugged terrain.

Pickup-Specific Features – Safety on All Terrains

The Tasman’s design includes features that enhance its off-road capabilities, such as an elevated air intake for water fording and waterproof connectors for critical components, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.

Equipped with an advanced all-terrain drivetrain, the X-Line and X-Pro models feature all-wheel drive, optimizing traction across various surfaces with multiple driving modes.

The X-Pro model adds specialized modes for rocky terrains, with advanced locking differentials for improved off-road performance. Kia’s Ground View Monitor assists drivers by providing real-time views of the terrain.

Practicality – Supporting Small Businesses

Kia’s thoughtful design extends to features that cater to small business owners, enhancing usability in various work environments. Standard features include corner steps for easy access to the cargo bed and power outlets for tools or devices.

The Tasman’s load bed offers best-in-class cargo capacity, supporting significant payloads and towing capabilities, making it an ideal work vehicle.

Advanced Technology – Enhanced Experience

Every aspect of the Tasman’s design aims to enhance both on-road and off-road driving experiences, ensuring comfort and performance.

Kia Tasman users can take advantage of the latest safety technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems that optimize performance and safety when towing.

World Premiere

The Kia Tasman has undergone extensive testing and now makes its global debut at the Jeddah Motor Show, with models on display including the Baseline Double Cab, X-Line Double Cab, and X-Pro Double Cab.

The Tasman is set to launch in the Korean market in the first half of 2025, followed by introductions in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, with strong expectations for the Saudi Arabian market.