The last couple of weeks have been exciting in terms of new truck announcements. First, we got a peak at the new Scout Motors lineup, and now Kia has surprised us all with the announcement of a new pickup truck offering.
Meet the Kia Tasman
The Tasman is Kia’s new midsized truck offering, debuting in the 2025 model year. However, there’s a bit of trick mixed in with the treat since Kia hasn’t confirmed or denied that the Tasman will be available in the United States. However, readers in Australia, the Middle East, and Africa can expect to see the Tasman available after its initial debut in South Korea.
Kia is offering customers a wide range of powertrains, trims, and accessories, but some options are limited based on location. For example, the Korean version will be powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine with 277 horsepower, whereas Down Under, the Tasman will feature a 2.2-liter diesel with 207 horsepower. Meanwhile, African and Middle Eastern Tasmans can be optioned with either motor. Those numbers put it well within striking distance of other midsized competitors outside of a few performance-focused models.
Beyond the powertrain, the Tasman will be available in both single and double-cab configurations and both 2WD and AWD. Initially, a base model, along with a couple of premium trim packages, will be available. The X-Line trim beefs up the Tasman with 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires. It’s available in the double cab configuration with a six-foot bed. That’s right, four doors and six feet of bed space. Hopefully, other midsized manufacturers take note and bring this useful combination back to their lineups.
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Rounding out the Tasman lineup, the X-Pro trim offers some offroad-focused features, including 9.5 inches of ground clearance, an automatic rear Electronic Locking Differential, and a couple of unique driving modes for offroad terrain.
If those options aren’t enough, Kia is getting ahead of the accessories game with 13 available pieces of kit to customize the Tasman further. These include bed racks, storage boxes, side steps, and more. Most surprisingly, the press release included photos of a tray bed-equipped Tasman. A double cab paired with a 6-foot tray bed from the factory? Be still my beating heart.
No surprise here, but the interior features a couple of 12.3 inch displays, dual wireless charging pads, a CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. There’s also a fold-down work surface and plenty of power outlets and storage bins scattered throughout the cab.
We’re all for some friendly competition, and while we’d prefer a true four-wheel drive, there are plenty of all-wheel drive adventure rigs that see serious backcountry miles. Hopefully, the Tasman will make it to the U.S. market, and we can get behind the wheel for a test drive. You can learn more about the Tasman from the Kia Global Site.
