Kia is making a bold entry into the highly competitive mid-size pickup truck market with the all-new Kia Tasman. Unveiled to rival established players like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, the Tasman is Kia’s first-ever pickup truck and is built on a robust body-on-frame chassis. It’s designed to combine rugged functionality with the brand’s signature modern style and advanced technology.

Design and Exterior

The Tasman’s design follows Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy, resulting in a bold and boxy appearance. Key exterior features include vertically oriented headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, a muscular front bumper, and a large, slatted grille. The truck sits on 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and boasts chunky plastic cladding around the wheel arches. At the rear, C-shaped taillights and a stamped “Kia” logo on the tailgate give it a distinctive look. The vehicle’s dimensions are designed for practicality, with a length of 5,410mm and a wheelbase of 3,270mm. It also features a high ground clearance, with the top-end X-Pro model boasting a clearance of 252mm.

Power and Performance

The Tasman offers a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, depending on the market. In Australia and New Zealand, the primary option is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, which produces 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In other regions, such as Korea and the Middle East, a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is available, delivering 280bhp and 421Nm of torque, also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

For off-road enthusiasts, the Tasman comes equipped with a number of features to tackle challenging terrains. Higher-grade models include an electronic locking differential, a 4×4 mode with a low-range transfer case, and multiple terrain modes (Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock). The X-Trek mode allows for stable, low-speed off-road cruising. The vehicle also has an impressive water wading depth of 800mm. The Tasman’s towing capacity is a significant 3,500kg, making it a serious contender for both work and leisure.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the Tasman blends durability with modern, SUV-like comfort. The dashboard features a horizontal design and durable materials, with higher trims adding soft-touch surfaces and leather-accented upholstery. A key highlight is the triple-screen digital cockpit, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, along with a separate 5-inch screen for climate controls. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Practicality is a core focus, with features like a folding center console that can transform into a table, dual wireless charging pads, and a hidden storage area under the rear seats. The rear seats themselves are designed for passenger comfort, offering a reclining function and generous space.

Pricing and Release

The Kia Tasman has seen a phased global release, with orders already open in some markets. In Australia, the dual-cab pickup version arrived in July 2025, with single-cab and cab-chassis variants following later. Australian pricing for the dual-cab model ranges from a competitive starting point of around $42,990 for the entry-level S 4×2 model to approximately $74,990 for the flagship X-Pro 4×4. The pricing is set to compete directly with rivals, with the Tasman aiming to offer strong value and versatility in a bustling market.