Kia has unveiled its first-ever pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, designed to rival the popular Toyota Hilux. The Tasman was revealed at the Jeddah International Motor Show and is set to be launched globally in 2025. This marks Kia’s entry into the highly competitive pickup truck market.
The Kia Tasman boasts a bold and rugged design with a colossal bonnet, black grille, and rugged bumper. The LED headlamps with integrated vertical LED DRLs and prominent wheel arches give it a distinctive look. Inside, the Tasman features sustainable materials, a triple display setup (12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a 5-inch display), and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The Tasman is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 281 PS and 421 Nm of torque, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine generating 210 PS and 441 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The petrol variant can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, while the diesel variant takes 10.4 seconds.
Designed for off-road adventures, the Tasman features a ladder-frame chassis, double wishbone front suspension, and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs. It offers multiple terrain modes (Rock, Snow, Mud, and Sand) and a rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) for enhanced off-road performance.
The Tasman has a maximum ground clearance of 252 mm and a water wading capacity of 800 mm. It can tow up to 3,500 kg and has a payload capacity ranging from 1,017 kg to 1,195 kg. The cargo bed comes in four configurations: Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack.
The Kia Tasman is expected to be priced competitively with the Toyota Hilux, starting at around $30,000 for the base variant and going up to $40,000 for the top variant. It will be available in markets such as the Middle East, South Korea, Australia, and Africa.
It is not clear whether the Tasman will make its way to India. The only lifestyle pick-up truck in India is the Toyota Hilux and we would love to have another option that we can choose.
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