The Kia Tasman pickup signals the brand’s entry into the lucrative pick-up truck segment, which is forecast to almost double in Australia in the next few years and will crest the half-million mark in 2024 (Australia’s biggest selling car in 2022, the Ford Ranger, is a pick-up).
We’ve got the skinny on this potentially game-changing 4×4 both in Australia and abroad. Price range: $50,000-$75,000. Terrain to cover: Off-road on some models. Power: Twin-turbo V6 diesel, with an estimated 170kW/580Nm. Size: 5540mm long, 2100mm wide. Available summer 2024, then what for Kia?
Introduction to the Kia Tasman
The 2025 Kia Tasman pickup will compete in the best-selling segment in Australia: the ute. With the release of the Tasman pickup, Kia will make its play for a piece of the burgeoning pickup pie. It will be body-on-frame construction, designed around the specific needs of a mid size pickup truck while providing the brawn, durability, and performance required in this segment.
Key Takeaways:
- Game-Changer: Kia is entering the competitive mid size truck segment, targeting Australia’s growing market.
- Durability: The body-on-frame construction ensures robust performance for both work and adventure.
Design and Aesthetics
Mesmerising modern aesthetics fuse with rugged go-anywhere poise in the new Kia Tasman pickup, the latest manifestation of the Korean carmaker’s Opposites United design philosophy. Under the firm, upright skin, taut waist, and muscular wheel arches combine to make the 2025 Kia Tasman appearance choice more than a sheet metal makeover – it conveys a commanding sense of capability.
The bold Tiger nose grille is at the centre of the Tasman pickup’s exterior, flanked by vertically stacked LED headlights that leave no doubt as to the 2025 Kia Tasman pickup’s intent: that this is a truck ready to take on any tasks or terrain.
Exterior Features
- Irregular Undersurface: Its muscular shoulders are accentuated by sharpened wheel arch extensions that hint at the capabilities beast it has under its sleeve.
- Rear Styling: The tail lights sit low in the bumper – like on American full-size trucks – giving the car a beefy appearance.
- Colour Variations: You haven’t heard much about the colour choices, but the 2025 Kia Tasman will no doubt come in a variety of bright, practical options.
Key Takeaways:
- Bold Design: Combines modern aesthetics with ruggedness, aimed at outdoor adventurers.
- Off-Road Ready: The squared wheel arches and strong shoulder line reinforce off-road capability.
Interior Comfort and Technology
On the inside, the Kia Tasman pickup’s cabin could be the height of hi-tech luxury. Inside, a continuous glide of horizontal design elements seamlessly links dashboard and door panels. A swathe of curved trim flows across the dash and door panels.
At the centre of this Kia Tasman 2025 model’s tech is a curved double 12.3-inch display, almost identical to the Kia EV9’s interface.
Key Interior Features:
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Offers clear and customizable display options for the driver.
- Infotainment System: Provides connectivity with various features to enhance the driving experience.
- Recycled Materials: The center console incorporates unique recycled materials, reflecting Kia’s commitment to sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
- Modern Tech: Twin 12.3-inch displays offer a futuristic touch to the interior.
- Sustainability: Kia’s use of recycled materials aligns with its eco-friendly vision.
Powertrain Options
The Kia Tasman pickup will offer a variety of powertrain options geared to different target markets and buyer requirements. For North America, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine delivering around 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque will certainly be one of the offerings. Other markets will likely see a 2.2-liter turbo diesel option (over 200 horsepower).
Electric Variant Possibilities
Another is a fully electric variant based on Kia’s new eGMP dedicated EV platform, which could offer up to 480 hp and 800 pound-feet of torque from twin electric motors. Such a model would not only bring crazy electric power to the 2025 Kia Tasman, but a generous EV-friendly driving range from its huge battery pack.
Key Takeaways:
- Powerful Options: Gasoline and diesel powertrains cater to varying needs, with substantial horsepower.
- Electric Revolution: The electric version could deliver previously unseen torque and range to the conscientious environmentalist driver.
Performance and Capability
It is meant to be a capable work-horse, with a maximum towing capacity targeted at around 7,700 lbs and a payload rating at around 2,200 lbs (depending on configuration). The 2025 Kia Tasman pickup will be a serious competitor in one of the most competitive segments of the US market: the mid size trucks.
Off-Road Features:
- Electronic Locking Rear Differential: Improved traction over uneven terrain makes this vehicle a great choice for off-road trips.
- Skid Plates and Beefy Tires: Some packages provide hardware mods for serious off-roading.
- Augmented Drive Modes: Tailored settings for challenging conditions to ensure optimal performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Heavy-Duty Towing: A powerful towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, making it a preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks.
- Go Anywhere: Locking rear differential and skid plates ready for off-road adventures.
Safety and Convenience Features
Safety is a key component of the Kia Tasman 2025, which is expected to have a range of active and passive safety technologies. For example, there will be a surround-view camera system with a front camera view that will help drivers negotiate obstacles and off-road terrain.
Higher trim levels can offer such niceties as premium audio systems and panoramic sunroofs.
Key Takeaways:
- Advanced Safety: Includes cutting-edge features such as a surround-view camera for off-road safety.
- Creature Comforts: High trims are available with options such as sunroofs and improved audio for your driving pleasure.
Pricing and Availability
Kia has not yet provided prices for the 2025 Kia Tasman, but experts say international off-road and luxury models will start in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Entry-level work truck models will likely be in the mid to upper $30,000 range. The Kia Tasman pickup will likely hit showrooms at the beginning of 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- Competitive Pricing: Expected to start around $30,000, with premium versions exceeding $50,000.
- Early 2025 Launch: Buyers can expect availability within the first half of 2025.
Market Position and Competitors
Kia hopes to use the 2025 Kia Tasman pickup to surge past well-established names such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton. Meanwhile, in Australia, where the Kia Tasman pickup is built, it’s squaring off with the Ford Ranger, which sold more than 30 percent of the mid size trucks in the country last year.
Key Takeaways:
- Australia as Target: Directed at the fiercely competitive mid size truck segment, where key rivals include Ford and Toyota.
- Strategic Entry: Kia’s expertise with SUV launches makes the 2025 Kia Tasman a solid bet.
Conclusion: A New Era for Kia
The head says it’s a pickup truck, but the heart says it’s Kia’s halo car for daring to step beyond. The 2025 Kia Tasman pickup is more than an average pickup truck. Its combination of brash style, cutting-edge technology, and useful utility, along with big-screen tech, help it represent the South Korean brand reaching boldly beyond the expected realm of design, at maximum speed and with zero regret.
Key Takeaways:
- Bold Move: The 2025 Kia Tasman marks Kia’s strong entry into the competitive mid size pickup trucks segment.
- Kia is bringing a new standard to the auto-manufacturing industry with its cutting-edge tech architecture and sustainable hydrogen fuel-cell technology.