Kia has just unveiled its first ever pickup truck at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia.
The Korean car company calls the Tasman a response to the current market demand for trucks, ensuring that it and its three variants will fill the needs of any prospective pickup buyer—from campers and outdoorsmen, to farmers and small-business owners.
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The Kia Tasman gives off a rugged first impression. It’s made up of big, industrial parts that stress its versatility and adaptibility for any condition. The wide grille is supported by an even wider bumper with the headlights protruding from the sides of the curved hood. Putting this all together makes up that signature Kia ‘Tiger’ face.
Around back, the bed holds a cargo capacity of 1,173 liters in a 1,512mm long, 1,572mm wide and 540mm deep frame. The bed also has a 220V outlet, a corner step and a 6.3-liter storage compartment. Weight wise, the Tasman can carry a maximum payload of 1,195kg. The pickup also has a maximum 3,500kg towing capability.
Completing the picture, the Tasman comes in 5,410mm in overall length, 1,930mm in width, 1,920mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,270mm. While these numbers come standard with Tasman variants, Kia stresses the importance of being able to customize your pickup. With engine types and drive options, Kia aims to offer truck drivers the most amount of freedom in the market.
Future Tasman owners can choose between a 2.5-liter gasoline or a 2.2-liter diesel engine, and either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those who go with gas will get 281hp and 421Nm of torque, while the diesel engine will pump out 210hp, but 441Nm of torque.
Another big decision for future owners is the variant most suited for their needs.
The base variant is the only option for those who want a 2WD pickup, but Kia claims it’s still capable on snow, mud and sand with Downhill Brake Control (DBC). Beefy 18in wheels also come standard with the base variant.
A step above the base is the X-Line. Exclusively with 4WD, the X-Line variant boasts even more capable off-roading with the same DBC and snow, mud and sand terrain modes.
The top of the line X-Pro looks like the most ideal option for serious off-roaders. In addition to the terrain modes on the other variants, the 4WD X-Pro offers an additional mode for driving over rocks, and an X-Trek low speed driving assist control. The X-Pro Tasman also has a higher ground clearance than the other two trims, coming in at 252mm (as opposed to the 224mm on the base and X-Line).
All three variants will come in single-cab and double-cab options, and Kia is already teasing a whole suite of accessories starting with a ladder rack and sports bar.
Pricing has yet to be announced for the Kia Tasman. While it looks like it’s going head-to-head with the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger, the extended customization options look like its greatest asset (so far). We just hope we have a healthy mix of variant options when the Tasman makes its way here.
More photos of the Kia Tasman:
