Kia made a strong impression in the automotive market by unveiling its new midsize pickup, the Tasman. At the recent Kia Tasman Tech Day, the automaker showcased the vehicle’s off-road technologies, rugged platform, and wide range of convenience features.
Built for Extremes: A Pickup True to Its Roots
As Kia’s first global midsize pickup, the Tasman features a robust 4WD system, advanced driving controls, and impressive payload and towing capacities. It’s built to handle tough terrain while remaining practical for daily use.
The core of the Tasman is its body-on-frame construction. Two heavy-duty frames joined by cross-members provide top-tier durability for its class, supporting a 700-kilogram (1,543 lb) payload and a 3,500-kilogram (7,716 lb) towing capacity.
With 252 mm (9.9 inches) of ground clearance in the X-Pro trim, critical components like the fuel tank and exhaust system are positioned above the frame to avoid underbody damage.
The Tasman’s water fording capability is notable. An air intake placed 950 mm (37.4 inches) above ground allows it to handle water up to 800 mm (31.5 inches) deep.
Kia designed the cargo bed for versatility. The 1,173-liter (41.4 cubic-foot) bed (VDA) includes multiple storage features, a 220V inverter, bed liner, and side lighting—ideal for camping and job site use.
Off-Road Prowess: Setting New Benchmarks
Industry experts say the Tasman is Kia’s most capable off-road vehicle because of its advanced two-speed ATC system.
For different conditions, drivers can choose from 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel drive), 4L (low-range), and 4A (automatic) modes.
The X-Pro trim adds off-road-focused upgrades, including an electronic locking rear differential (e-LSD), a rock-crawling mode, and X-Trek mode for controlled low-speed driving using brake intervention.
This pickup can compete with severe off-road vehicles. It features an off-road display that provides real-time data on the vehicle and terrain and a ground-view camera that helps drivers place the wheels precisely.
Balancing Adventure and Everyday Comfort
The Tasman isn’t just built for adventure. Kia also focused on daily driving comfort, adding laminated acoustic glass in the windshield, front windows, and sound-deadening materials to minimize road noise.
Ride comfort is enhanced with frequency-sensitive suspension valves and polyurethane bump stops to smooth out bumps.
Inside, the Tasman provides generous interior space. The second row offers 2,214 mm (2,214 mm) of space, with sliding and reclining seats featuring wide-opening hinges for easy loading. A built-in 45-liter (11.9-gallon) storage compartment under the rear seats adds practicality.
The Tasman includes a trailer brake controller, sway control, and a dedicated tow mode that adjusts transmission shift points based on trailer weight to ensure stability, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
Kia sets a new standard for what an actual pickup truck should offer with the Tasman.
