Kia Enters Pickup Market With Tasman Featuring 4WD And Off-Road Systems
Kia has launched the Tasman, its inaugural pickup truck designed for various global markets, including Korea, Australia, and the Middle East. Built on a new body-on-frame platform, the Tasman supports substantial payloads and towing capacities while featuring advanced off-road capabilities. It offers region-specific powertrains, including petrol and diesel engines, alongside a robust 4WD system. The interior is spacious with modern technology, including a panoramic display and quality audio. Intensive testing ensured its performance across diverse terrains and conditions.
Kia Enters Pickup Market With Tasman Featuring 4WD And Off-Road Systems
Kia has officially unveiled the Tasman, its first pickup truck, marking the company’s entry into the utility vehicle space. The model is built on a new body-on-frame platform and will be sold across several regions including Korea, Australia and the Middle East. The global announcement was made in June 2025.
Platform and Structure
The Tasman is based on a newly developed pickup chassis designed for load-bearing and multi-terrain use. It features a body-on-frame construction, allowing payloads up to 1,151kg and towing capacity of 3,500kg. The frame supports off-road capability while maintaining support for cargo operations.
Suspension and Terrain Setup
The vehicle uses a high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear. Ground clearance reaches up to 252mm in the X-Pro model. Approach, ramp-over, and departure angles are 32.2, 25.8 and 26.2 degrees respectively. The Tasman also uses frequency-sensitive shock absorbers and model-specific tires, including AT tires for off-road variants.
Powertrains by Region
In Korea, the Tasman will use a 2.5L petrol engine with 277 bhp and 421 Nm torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Australia, it will be sold with a 2.2L diesel engine offering 207 bhp and 441 Nm of torque. The Middle East and Africa will get both petrol and diesel options, with manual and automatic transmissions depending on the market.
4WD Systems and Off-Road Features
All X-Line and X-Pro variants come with 4WD. The drivetrain includes a Two-Speed Active Transfer Case offering four modes: 2H, 4H, 4L and 4A. An Electronic Locking Differential is included. Terrain-specific driving modes adjust throttle, power distribution and traction control. A Desert Mode is also available in Middle East and Africa variants, with extra cooling support. The X-Trek mode enables low-speed cruise control below 10kmph. Other off-road tools include underbody camera views and an Off-Road Page showing live system data.
Towing and Utility Setup
The truck includes a dedicated Tow Mode, an air-cooled transmission oil cooler, and enhanced radiator design. It also comes with a Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Stability Assist. The cargo bed holds up to 1,212 liters and can fit standard-size pallets. Tie-down hooks, partition slots and a 220V inverter are also part of the bed setup.
Interior and Space
Inside, the cabin offers a 2,214mm-long interior with spacious second-row seating. The rear seats recline and include under-seat storage. Rear doors open up to 80 degrees. Acoustic glass and sound-absorbing material are used for noise control. A panoramic display setup includes a 12.3-inch cluster, a 5-inch segment display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, supported by Kia’s ccNC system. The cabin also features a foldable console and Harman Kardon audio system.
Testing and Development
The Tasman underwent 1,777 tests across different conditions such as snow, desert, steep inclines and high loads. The development process covered over 18,000 cycles of use, including water fording, off-road handling and towing capacity validation.
Log in to post a comment.
End Article
VinFast VF MPV 7 EV Gets a Price Cut of Over 4 Lakh: Check New Price
Volkswagen Virtus Facelift Teased Ahead of India Launch: Here's What to Expect
Which Are the Best CNG Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh in India?
Mercedes-Benz GLC EV Launched in India at Rs 78.50 Lakh: Gets 94kWh Battery, 490bhp Power
Honda Alpha EV Set to Launch in India on December 2: Expected Design, Features and Range
5 Most Affordable Cars with Sunroofs to Buy This Diwali
Car Dashboard Warning Lights: What Each Symbol Means and What to Do