Kia Tasman redefines the pickup truck with purposeful design and innovative technology, delivering true practicality
Kia Tasman – in an exclusive reveal in Tasmania, Kia has shown the Tasman in the flesh. This 4WD Ute has been spoken of for years and it’s finally come to life.
Due for release in Australia sometime mid-2025, the Tasman enters into a competitive market segment with many buyers quite parochial in their choices.
Even though it’s an important segment, there are a lot of choices for buyers. Kia has a strong following and a history, albeit a few years ago, with dual range 4WD. Will it be enough?
Quick thoughts after seeing it in the flesh update 5 Nov 2024
- The design language is bound to promote lots of discussion
- Its different, very different to most other Utes on the market
- It comes in three models Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro Double Cab
- There is also cab chassis model in single cab.
- No extra cab available – only 5% of the market.
- Also available – depending on which model – in 2WD
- Some clever design features externally, like rear side steps, fuel filler in wheel arch flare etc.
- Tub is quite deep. but no tie down points at front of tub, they are up high and useless.
- There are a bunch of OME designed options for the tub covers and other accessories
- Inside its all Kia, comfortable, well laid out and full of little luxuries.
- It has the state of the art 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen technology with OTA software updates
- Front seats are exceptionally comfortable. Plenty of head room
- Rear seats are comfortable but have restricted leg room, like most other Utes.
- There are a few clever design elements inside that make it more comfortable for occupants.
Engine and drivetrain thoughts
- The 2.2L turbo diesel from the Sorento and Carnival as well as Hyundai Palisade, Staria and Santa Fe, is well accepted.
- In house 8 speed Auto transmission with torque converter works well with that engine
- Power is up slightly at 154kW and torque is almost identical at 441Nm.
- We should see the hybrid and PHEV versions in the not too dinstant future- hopefully
- Dual range shodft on the fly 4WD is available on speciifc models
- all-wheel-drive variants are equipped with Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock modes.
- X-Pro variant includes an automatically engaging rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) and X-Trek mode.
- X-Trek mode enables the vehicle to maintain a low speed off-road without the need for manual acceleration or braking. Ensuring smooth navigation through rough terrain.
- The e-LD, located in the rear differential, provides advanced control over locking and unlocking, enhancing the vehicle’s adaptability and control in off-road scenarios.
- Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM) provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain.
- It is anticipated to tow 3500kg with 350kg tow ball rating
Kia Tasman update 29 October 2024 Tasmania Australia
Kia Corporation has today unveiled full details of the Kia Tasman, the brand’s first pickup truck.
Marking the latest addition to Kia’s extensive lineup, which includes sedan, SUV, commercial and PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) models, the Kia Tasman sets the benchmark for Kia’s future pickup range.
Kia Tasman Highlights
- Kia’s first pickup truck invites customers to ‘dive into a new dimension’ by pushing boundaries of what a pickup can deliver
- Redefines pickup sector with purposeful exterior and interior design, cutting-edge technology and class-leading space and convenience
- Tasman will meet customer needs effortlessly in both work and leisure activities, offering customisation accessories to tailor the truck to owners’ tastes
- Corner steps, load bed equipped with illuminated power outlet, sliding cargo floor and best-in-class 1,173-liter cargo capability illustrate Tasman’s highly practical and versatile nature
- Advanced chassis and suspension technology combines exceptional off-road capability with class-leading on-road refinement
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems incorporating trailer profile functionality
- Kia Tasman makes world premiere at Jeddah International Motor Show, introducing Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro Double Cab models
- Global launch plan for 2025 confirmed
Seoul/Jeddah October 29, 2024 – Global reveal
Kia Corporation has today unveiled full details of the Kia Tasman, the brand’s first pickup truck.
Marking the latest addition to Kia’s extensive lineup, which includes sedan, SUV, commercial and PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) models, the Kia Tasman sets the benchmark for Kia’s future pickup range.
The Kia Tasman has been designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible from a pickup and invites customers to ‘Dive into a New Dimension.’
With purposeful design and cutting-edge technology, combined with class-leading convenience features and an ultra-spacious, comfortable cabin.
The Tasman is poised to redefine standards in the sector, allowing drivers to explore new horizons.
Leveraging more than five decades of expertise developing special-purpose vehicles, including off-roaders, the Kia Tasman is a truly transformative pickup truck that effortlessly meets the needs of both work and leisure activities.
Progressive Pickup to Support a Broader Lifestyle
Injecting the legacy of Kia’s SUV models with exceptional off-road capability, including the robust Mohave. The Kia Tasman has been comprehensively engineered to meet customers’ diverse needs across all forms of terrain.
“Kia’s first-ever pickup truck was created from the ground up to transform the market. And respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.
“The Kia Tasman is a progressive pickup truck that follows its own path – not the competition. The Kia Tasman combines true pickup values with exceptional capability and practicality. And advanced features that defy conventional thinking.
This essence is instilled in our global slogan ‘Dive into a New Dimension’. Enabling customers to broaden their horizons. It offers world-first solutions for those seeking a lifestyle vehicle for leisure and outdoor activities. While meeting the needs of small business operators, such as traders and farmers.”
Tasman – Exterior Design – A Fresh Approach to Aesthetics
The Kia design team deliberately shunned the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades.
This fresh approach to aesthetics strips away the unnecessary to begin with a basic, honest form that highlights the vehicle’s sense of solid power. Through simple yet functional elements, without relying on the oversized styling that has come to dominate the pickup segment.
“Created especially for explorers, adventurers and people who like to get things done. The Kia Tasman is designed to serve as a dependable companion in every situation,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
“Solid and capable, its design begins with an honest form, using simple and rugged elements to capture a spirit of practicality. The Kia Tasman is a pickup truck that effortlessly blends lifestyle and utility. And represents our commitment to always bring bold and innovative ideas to our customers.”
Kia Tasman projects
The Kia Tasman projects power, confidence and capability in equal measure. An expansive radiator grille and bumper design emphasize the pickup’s width. While the hood trim and grille, frame the familiar Kia Tiger Face. Featuring vertically oriented signature lighting incorporated into the headlamps.
The upright windshield and rear glass contribute to the Kia Tasman’s bold silhouette. Reinforced by the 45-degree angles of the vehicle’s striking graphic elements.
The unique fender design combines practical functions. Such as headlights and storage units, demonstrating functionality and clear, confident design.
At the rear, the Kia Tasman visually reinforces its highly practical nature. The tailgate showcases a bold, stamped logo, while the tailgate handle and high-mounted stop-lamp are seamlessly integrated for enhanced functionality and a utilitarian character.
A total of nine colors are available on the Kia Tasman:
- Clear White,
- Snow Pearl White,
- Steel Gray,
- Interstellar Gray,
- Cityscape Green,
- Runway Red,
- Aurora Black Pearl and new hues
- Tan Beige and
- Denim Blue.
Tasman – Interior Design – Purity and Practicality Combined
Just as Kia Tasman’s exterior aesthetic breaks free from conventional thinking. The pickup’s interior introduces a bold new dimension of design quality for pickup customers.
Purity and simplicity are prioritised in equal measure. Through a practical cabin that will remain a dependable partner to the user through the years.
The robust and rugged space is in keeping with the character of a pickup truck. The interior design leverages concise, symmetrical proportions to create a stable, balanced appearance.
Large air vents featuring a honeycomb pattern – a key theme of the interior – emphasise the functionality of the ventilation.
A multi-function steering wheel and the modern, minimalist lower center dashboard and tunnel sections with carefully positioned buttons provide intuitive control of the Kia Tasman’s advanced technology.
Luxurious, sophisticated shapes and details applied throughout the cabin raise the bar further for pickup interior design.
State-of-the-art
State-of-the-art 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen technology. These give the driver and passenger access to vehicle controls and advanced infotainment options.
An optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system allows users to take full advantage of the standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
To support its customers in new and more meaningful ways in both their business and leisure activities, Kia has equipped the Tasman’s interior with a broad range of innovative features and equipment.
These include:
- a large folding console table,
- dual wireless charging pads and
- hidden storage bins concealed beneath the rear seats offering class-leading storage capacity of 33 liters.
The Kia Tasman also boasts best-in-segment headroom, shoulder room and second-row legroom of 940mm. With the rear seats able to recline between 22 and 30 degrees, ensuring a spacious and comfortable environment.
Like all Kia products, the Tasman includes the brand’s 10 must-have sustainability items such as:
- a crash pad made from bio-plastics,
- seats crafted with recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather,
- a paint composition that includes BTX-free and bio-paint,
- and an interior carpet is made from recycled PET material.
The Kia Tasman’s interior trim is available in five colorways:
- Onyx Black/Medium Gray,
- Espresso Brown/Onyx Black, and
- Deep Green/Medium Gray.
When selecting the more off-road focused X-Line and X-Pro models, customers have the choice between two-tone color options. Including Onyx Black/Medium Gray and Deep Green/Terracotta Brown.
Kia Tasman Trims and Specifications
The Kia Tasman is offered as a double cab base model and in X-Line and X-Pro trim. The X-Pro provides superior off-road performance thanks to its 28mm higher ground clearance, which totals 252mm.
It is equipped with 17-inch gloss-black wheels with all-terrain tires, while X-Line features larger 18-inch alloy wheels paired with highway and terrain tires.
Additionally, Kia provides customisable chassis cab variants to meet specific business needs. Along with single cab options that optimise bed space by reconfiguring the passenger compartment into a single row layout.
Customisation is central to the Kia Tasman’s appeal. With a range of accessories available designed to enhance leisure and work activities. Enabling consumers to tailor their orders to their specific preferences.
These accessories are standardised in design, innovative and unique in character. They provide versatile real-world solutions that enable users to make the most of their vehicle’s spaciousness, practicality and go-anywhere ability.
The Kia Tasman will be offered with four bed accessory configurations:
- Single Decker,
- Double Decker,
- Sports Bar and
- Ladder Rack,
- with the first three available immediately from launch.
In addition, there will be a total of 13 accessory products offered, including two types of side steps and beadlock-style wheels.
The Tasman Single Decker features a canopy and butterfly doors for easy access, and a roof rack for a rooftop tent.
The Tasman Double Decker features a trunk equipped with butterfly doors and a sliding tonneau cover, offering customisable cargo space.
The Sports Roll Bar variant comes with a functional frame for mounting outdoor lifestyle items.
The Ladder Rack variant features a ladder-type rack and is also compatible with rooftop tents.
Tasman Drivetrain – Superior Performance and Comfort
Based upon a fully optimised body-on-frame platform, the Kia Tasman will be offered in Korea with a 281PS 2.5-liter petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With 421Nm of torque, the Kia Tasman can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 185km/h.
In the Australian market, the pickup will feature a 210PS (154Kw) 2.2-liter diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Producing 441Nm of torque, the engine can propel the Kia Tasman from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds, while top speed remains unchanged.
In other regions, such as the Middle East and Africa, customers can choose between the 2.5-liter petrol engine equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.2-liter diesel engine with a choice of an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions (depending on market).
Utilising an optimised composite bush structure to mount the Kia Tasman’s body to the frame-type chassis ensures improved rigidity, body control, stability and comfort.
Equally, the double wishbone front suspension units have been developed to improve ride and handling in all conditions.
The rear features a rigid axle with leaf springs for optimum robustness and load carrying capability, incorporating vertically mounted shock absorbers to ensure more effective damping and greater control, even at the extremes of suspension travel.
The capabilities provided by the front and rear suspension units are significantly enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.
These further minimise vibration transmitted to the cabin and improve body control and comfort, even on the roughest terrain.
Pickup-Specific Features – Safe Driving on All Terrains
To ensure that the Kia Tasman’s engine provides the level of protection expected by pickup customers when traversing water, Kia’s engineers have positioned the air intake inside the vehicle’s fender.
This gives all Kia Tasman variants the ability to ford water up to 800mm deep at a speed of 7km/h.
Further water ingress prevention measures, such as the use of waterproof connectors for selected interior parts, have also been taken to protect critical components, ensuring excellent durability in challenging conditions.
State-of-the-art all-terrain drivetrain technology tested and proven in numerous locations.
Including:
- the snowy tundra of Sweden,
- scorching deserts in the Australian outback and the Al Qudra in UAE,
- and steep inclines in the US and Korea.
AWD System and 4WD
Both the X-Line and the X-Pro are equipped with all-wheel-drive as standard, which is optionally available on the base model.
The AWD system switches automatically to the configuration required to provide optimum traction on different road surfaces.
They offer three driving modes – ECO, Smart and Sport – with various terrain modes available within these settings depending on the relevant market.
The X-Pro model provides an additional Rock mode, specifically designed to enhance performance on challenging mountainous terrains.
In the Middle East and Africa, Desert, Mud, Snow and Rock modes are fitted to all-wheel-drive variants of the Kia Tasman.
Drive modes
In Australia and all other general markets, all-wheel-drive variants are equipped with Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock modes.
Further enhancements to the X-Pro variant include an automatically engaging rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) and X-Trek mode.
X-Trek mode enables the vehicle to maintain a low speed off-road without the need for manual acceleration or braking. Ensuring smooth navigation through rough terrain.
The e-LD, located in the rear differential, provides advanced control over locking and unlocking, enhancing the vehicle’s adaptability and control in off-road scenarios.
Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM) provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain.
By utilising the Kia Tasman’s camera and infotainment screens, the technology shows what is going on at ground level, allowing the driver to maneuver the vehicle precisely in tight areas.
Practicality – Work Everywhere
Kia’s designers and engineers have spared no detail to create a pickup truck that opens new dimensions of support for small business owners. These include traders, farmers and those working in outdoor environments with thoughtful and highly practical features.
Standard-fit items include corner steps, giving easy access to the illuminated load bed.
Optional features include:
- a power outlet (rated at 240 volts in Australia and 220 volts in other markets) for hand tools or laptops,
- and a sliding cargo floor that makes loading and unloading materials and equipment more convenient.
Along with divider-forming capabilities for the bed, the Kia Tasman offers optional bedside flexibility, with a mini table for items such as a Bluetooth speaker or cup, making it ideal for work and camping activities.
Inside, the folding console table adds further versatility to the Kia Tasman, allowing it to transition from a work vehicle to a mobile business space. This gives users the opportunity to use their laptop for work or relaxation.
The Kia Tasman’s load bed is:
- 1,512 mm long,
- 1,572 mm wide (1,186 mm between the wheels),
- and 540 mm deep,
- which provides best-in-class cargo capability of 1,173 liters (VDA).
- Thanks to a multi-skeleton, highly strengthened bed structure, the Kia Tasman can carry a maximum payload of 1,195kg in 2WD mode, in addition to a 3,500kg towing capacity.
Advanced Technology – Play Everywhere
Ensuring that every element of the Kia Tasman’s chassis and suspension has been developed to soak up punishment across harsh off-road terrain also delivers excellent benefits for on-road driving.
Predictable, engaging handling and comfortable ride ensure that the Kia Tasman is a pickup that can be enjoyed to the full during.
Even on long highway journeys, features such as enhanced sound-deadening materials, additional wind-sealing strips and advanced noise extractor technology provide a hushed, vibration-free cabin ambience not typically available in the pickup truck sector.
Tasman ADAS
Kia Tasman users can also benefit from the latest technology to help keep them safe on every journey.
Not only do the pickup’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) offer features such as:
- lane keeping assist,
- blind spot collision warning and
- remote parking assist through Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2),
- they have also been optimised with trailer profile functionality.
This function enables the specification of the trailer to be incorporated into the pickup’s ADAS, which then automatically optimises driving characteristics accordingly.
World Premiere
The Kia Tasman has undergone 1,777 specific tests conducted over more than 18,000 rounds of evaluation. These tests took place across a range of environments and covered everything from off-road ability to wading, all-terrain durability to towing, and on-track performance to ride and handling.
Proven to the highest standards around the world, the Kia Tasman now makes its global debut in the heat of the Middle East at the Jeddah Motor Show, while being unveiled simultaneously online.
The models displayed at the Jeddah Motor Show include the Baseline Double Cab, X-Line Double Cab, X-Pro Double Cab and X-Pro Double Cab Customised.
The Kia Tasman will initially launch in the Korean domestic market during the first half of 2025 before subsequently being introduced in Australia, Africa and the Middle East, with Saudia Arabia expected to be a particularly strong market.
Accessories will be grouped into packages, and availability may vary by region.
Kia Tasman Ute update – unveils unique camouflage 24 April 2024
Kia has revealed an Australia-inspired camouflage wrap for the Kia Tasman, the brand’s highly anticipated new ute. Developed in collaboration with renowned artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop hailing from Australia and New Zealand, the unique wrap – themed around ‘The Path Never Taken’ – underscores the Tasman’s adventurous spirit.
- Bespoke design developed in collaboration with artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop will cloak the Kia Tasman until the vehicle’s unveiling
- Short film reveals design inspiration and artist interview for Tasman’s camouflage concept
- Kia’s first Light Commercial Vehicle slated for 2025 launch, with phased rollout across key markets including Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East
Influenced by the untamed beauty of Australia’s diverse landscapes, the unique graphics visualise a journey of inspiration encountered while driving along the coast and across the outback. The exterior wrap’s eye-catching design draws on Boyd-Dunlop’s adventures, hitching rides across Australia.
“Our Tasman pickup truck embodies Kia’s commitment to design and innovation, as well as its spirit of adventure. Artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop crafted an exclusive camouflage design, with the support of the Kia design team, that depicts a journey and reflects an essence of adventure that is unique to the Tasman,” commented Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
concept of ‘The Path Never Taken’
The concept of ‘The Path Never Taken’ embodies the adventurous spirit of the Kia Tasman, which will inspire customers to embark on journeys filled with discovery and adventure in a vehicle that prioritises reliability and performance.
“This design resonates as it evokes my own personal experiences travelling across Australia and the encounters that I had,” said Boyd-Dunlop. “These experiences are influential to my work, and the Tasman enabled me to create a continuation of this, depicting the connection, joy, and sheer sense of adventure that is inherent to Australian culture.”
Known for his unique artistic style and ability to blend various media to create visually bold and powerful collaborations, Boyd-Dunlop captures elements of land and sea with his exclusive design for the Kia Tasman camouflage wrap. The finish combines the fiery hues of the outback with commanding blues that pay homage to Australia’s influential surf culture.
Scheduled to make its debut in 2025, the Tasman marks Kia’s inaugural entry into the Light Commercial Vehicle arena with a phased rollout across key markets including Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Kia has produced a short video showcasing the intricate details and design inspiration behind the Tasman’s camouflage concept in celebration of the camouflage design unveiling.