{"id":65510,"date":"2025-06-16T10:18:06","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T14:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/kia-tasman-a-bold-new-contender-in-the-pickup-truck-arena\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T10:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T14:18:06","slug":"kia-tasman-a-bold-new-contender-in-the-pickup-truck-arena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/kia-tasman-a-bold-new-contender-in-the-pickup-truck-arena\/","title":{"rendered":"Kia Tasman: A Bold New Contender in the Pickup Truck Arena"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kia’s first foray into the pick-up truck market with the Tasman is a noteworthy development, especially considering the brand’s recent evolution and willingness to explore new segments. Although it\u2019s currently not available in the UK, Europe, or the US, the Tasman represents a significant step for Kia, showcasing their ambition to diversify their lineup. With plans to launch their first electric van, the PV5, later this year, it\u2019s clear that Kia is not just resting on its laurels.<\/p>\n

### What Makes the Kia Tasman Stand Out?<\/p>\n

At first glance, the Tasman catches your eye with its striking design. In a segment often dominated by utilitarian aesthetics, Kia has managed to create a pick-up that stands out. The sleek lines and bold stance of the Tasman give it a modern edge, making it visually appealing compared to its rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. The blacked-out test model we drove exuded a stealthy confidence that\u2019s hard to ignore.<\/p>\n

But looks alone won\u2019t cut it in the competitive pick-up market. Kia has equipped the Tasman with a robust set of features that promise both performance and versatility. Built on an all-new body-on-frame platform, the Tasman boasts impressive specifications, including double-wishbone suspension at the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear. This setup is designed to enhance durability and off-road capability, which is essential for a vehicle in this category.<\/p>\n

### How Does It Perform on the Road?<\/p>\n

While we didn\u2019t get the chance to fully test the Tasman\u2019s off-road capabilities, we did take it for a spin on regular roads. Kia claims the Tasman offers SUV-like ride comfort, and for the most part, they deliver. The ride is smooth, thanks in part to urethane bump stops and frequency-sensitive valves in the shock absorbers. However, it\u2019s important to remember that it\u2019s still a body-on-frame vehicle, which means you\u2019ll feel its size and weight, especially when cornering.<\/p>\n

Steering is responsive, and while it might take a moment to adjust to the Tasman\u2019s dimensions, it\u2019s far less intimidating to drive than you might expect. The modern design and engineering make it accessible even for those who may not have much experience with larger vehicles.<\/p>\n

### What\u2019s Inside the Tasman?<\/p>\n

Step inside the Tasman, and you might forget you\u2019re in a pick-up truck. The interior quality is impressive, rivaling that of high-end SUVs. Kia has incorporated familiar elements from their passenger cars, like the dual-screen display, but has also added unique touches that give the Tasman its own identity. <\/p>\n

The materials used throughout the cabin feel premium, and the thoughtful design includes sturdy grab handles and robust door handles that enhance usability. A particularly clever feature is the display of the Tasman\u2019s dimensions and off-road stats on the center console, which adds a layer of functionality that drivers will appreciate. Comfort is also a highlight, with supportive seating that makes longer journeys more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

### Why Is the Tasman Important for Kia?<\/p>\n

Kia\u2019s confidence is palpable with the Tasman. This isn\u2019t just another pick-up truck; it\u2019s a bold statement about the brand\u2019s direction. By entering the pick-up segment, Kia is not only expanding its market reach but also challenging the status quo. The Tasman is designed to appeal to a diverse range of customers, from those needing a reliable workhorse to those looking for a stylish vehicle for everyday use.<\/p>\n

Despite its current unavailability in key markets like the UK, the Tasman is already in production for right-hand drive markets like Australia. This raises questions about future availability and whether Kia might consider expanding its reach to other regions.<\/p>\n

### Final Thoughts<\/p>\n

The Kia Tasman is a compelling addition to the pick-up truck segment, showcasing the brand’s innovative spirit and commitment to quality. While it may not be available everywhere just yet, its design, performance, and interior comfort suggest that Kia is serious about making its mark in this competitive space. <\/p>\n

The big takeaway? The Tasman isn\u2019t just about filling a gap in the market\u2014it\u2019s about redefining what a pick-up can be. If you\u2019re in the market for a vehicle that combines style, comfort, and capability, keep an eye on Kia\u2019s future offerings. You might just find your next favorite ride in their expanding lineup.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Kia<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean firm’s first pick-up is a great design, a decent to drive and an interesting next step in Kia\u2019s evolution<\/p>\n

\n

Forbidden fruit in the car industry comes in all shapes and sizes. The latest model denied to the UK is the Kia Tasman, the brand\u2019s first-ever pick-up truck.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019d be easy to ignore such a development given the Tasman is not only denied for UK buyers, but those in Europe and even the US, too, it is significant in showing how the brand is continuing to develop and enter new markets and model segments. Later this year, for example, Kia<\/a> will launch its first-ever van, the PV5<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In short, Kia is a brand willing and able to try new things and the Tasman is a fantastic piece of product design. If you look around the Tasman\u2019s rivals – the likes of the\u00a0Ford Ranger<\/a>,\u00a0Toyota Hilux<\/a>\u00a0and Nissan<\/a> Navara – you\u2019d think there wasn\u2019t much you can do to make an everyday pick-up<\/a> visually interesting before you start making them performance machines like the Ford Ranger Raptor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Yet the Tasman would be the pick-up your eyes are drawn to lined up against its peers, looking stealthy in the black of our test car and like it means business.<\/p>\n

Of course, a pick-up is no good if it\u2019s all show and no go but Kia has packed the spec sheet, too. Kia claims true go-anywhere ability, a claim we weren\u2019t able to test, and best-in-class strength from an all-new body-on-frame pick-up platform developed for the Tasman.<\/p>\n

There is double-wishbone suspension up front, high mounted to better protect from corrosion and offer improved ground clearance. At the rear is a rigid axle with leaf springs.<\/p>\n

The Tasman has switchable high and low-speed four-wheel drive as well as an automatic four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive modes. An electric locking differential is in charge or torque distribution on uneven surfaces and there are several different terrain modes to suit the surfaces being driven on, including a dedicated \u2018Desert\u2019 mode for Middle East and Africa-spec Tasmans.<\/p>\n

Four-cylinder engine options include a 277bhp\/311lb ft 2.5-litre petrol and a 207bhp\/325lb ft 2.2-litre diesel depending on the market. An eight-speed automatic is offered on both engines and a six-speed manual is also available on the diesel. We tested the petrol and it had plenty of torque and a nice relaxed style.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other key parts of the powertrain and exhaust are also mounted high to help with the wading depth of 800mm. The respective approach, departure and ramp-over angles are 33.2, 26.2 and 25.8 degrees while the payload is 1151kg (including cabin loads) and towing capacity 3500kg. Kia claims the bed has a best-in-class capacity of 1212 litres.<\/p>\n

While we didn\u2019t test the Tasman\u2019s off-road credentials in this short taster drive we did drive it on the road. Kia is talking up SUV<\/a> levels of ride comfort in the Tasman thanks to the likes of urethane bump stops and frequency-sensitive valves in the shock absorbers. While generally good and, with plenty of wheel travel in particular and more sophistication than most rivals, it can\u2019t ever fully cheat the body-on-frame construction so to call it car-like is pushing things slightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Otherwise it steers like a modern pick-up and handles like one, too, which means you have to respect its size and speed of response. Even so, it doesn\u2019t require anywhere near as much adjustment from a car than in days past. One corner and you\u2019ll have worked out that it\u2019s nowhere near as intimidating to drive as you\u2019d think.<\/p>\n

The best bit about the Tasman, which is initially offered in dual cab form with a single cab to come, is the interior. Here you really could be in a top-end SUV. The material quality is superb, and while there are familiar parts from Kia\u2019s road cars like the dual screen display, there are plenty of Tasman-specific features that really give it its own character.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These include sturdy grab handles in all the right places, some of the best interior door handles you\u2019ll ever use (they feel very expensive but oh-so robust) and clever little usability touches like the Tasman\u2019s dimension and key off road stats displayed on a graphic on the centre console. Great seat comfort, too. The only real concern would be getting it dirty and covered in sand.<\/p>\n

Kia is a company exuding confidence at the moment, and again it shows in the Tasman. It is not another me too pick-up truck, rather an interesting addition to the segment in its own right. Given it\u2019s already being made in right-hand drive for Australia, it\u2019s a shame that the Tasman won\u2019t be offered here.<\/p>\n

Trim\u00a0<\/b>Kia Tasman X-ProPrice<\/strong> $74,990 AUD (\u00a336,000) Engine 2497cc, four-cylinder, petrol, turbocharged\u00a0Power<\/strong> 277bhp at 5800rpmTorque<\/strong> 311lb ft at 1700-4000rpmGearbox<\/strong> 8-spd automatic\u00a0Kerb weight<\/strong> 2237kg0-62mph<\/strong> 8.5sec\u00a0Top speed<\/strong> 115mphRivals<\/strong> Ford Ranger<\/a>, Toyota Hilux<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65511,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65510"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65510\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}