Engineering:Kia Tasman

From HandWiki

Short description: Mid-sized pick-up truck
Kia Tasman
Overview
ManufacturerKia
ProductionFebruary 2025–present[1]
Assembly
  • South Korea: Hwaseong (Autoland Hwasung)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size pickup truck
Body style
  • 2-door regular cab
  • 4-door crew cab
Layout
  • Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
  • Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
ChassisBody-on-frame
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 2.5 L Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi I4
  • Diesel:
  • 2.2 L Smartstream D2.2 CRDi Turbo I4
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,270 mm (128.7 in)
Length
  • 5,410 mm (213.0 in)
Width1,930 mm (76.0 in)
Height1,870–1,920 mm (73.6–75.6 in)

The Kia Tasman (Korean: 기아 타스만) is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2025. It is built on a body-on-frame chassis, and powered by turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.[3]

It was unveiled simultaneously in two locations on 29 October 2024 at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, and in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[4]

Etymology

The vehicle is named after the Tasman Sea, located between Australia and New Zealand. According to Kia, the name was chosen due to the importance of the Australian and New Zealand markets for the vehicle.[5]

Overview

The Tasman will be produced in South Korea, with Australia targeted to be one of the main markets for the vehicle. Kia claimed the Tasman will be "the most Australian vehicle" it has ever developed.[6] Kia Australia claimed a major involvement in the development of the pickup truck, and targeted around 10 percent of pickup truck market share in the country once the Tasman went on sale.[7]

The Tasman will be built on an all-new platform, and slated to compete with the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux, and will match their braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) and a payload of around 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).[8][9]

The name 'Tasman' was confirmed in April 2024,[10] before the first official appearance of the Tasman on 23 April 2024, when Kia Australia released images showing the vehicle wrapped in artistic camouflage sticker designed by local artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop.[11]

The Tasman, which required four years of development and more than 18,000 quality tests. Every Kia design studio worldwide contributed twenty initial Tasman design studies to the project. They were later reduced to three final full-size proposals shown to Kia regions and the winner was subsequently chosen. The Tasman has also been subjected to substantial clinics with potential buyers over the last 12 months.[12][13]

The Tasman is offered with four bed accessory configurations: Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar and Ladder Rack. There are chassis cab and single cab models.[14]

The Tasman Weekender concept was unveiled on 8 April 2025.[15]

  • Kia Tasman Weekender concept (front)
    Kia Tasman Weekender concept (front)
  • Kia Tasman Weekender concept (rear)
    Kia Tasman Weekender concept (rear)

Exterior

The Tasman features the Kia's Opposites United design philosophy with the Kia Tiger Face. There are vertically positioned lighting signature in the headlights, front windshield and rear window positioned at 45°, and the stamped Kia logo on the tailgate. The wheel arches incorporate additional elements within them such as additional storage, fuel port access and the front headlights.[14][16]

We are proud of what we have achieved. The design department within Kia has created something unique and there are a lot of positive responses from it [...] We knew we had to do something creative and different. And this is the beginning of a journey for Kia as well of course.[12]

— John Buckingham, Kia chief of vehicle exterior design

  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Kia Tasman X-Pro (front)
    Kia Tasman X-Pro (front)
  • Kia Tasman X-Pro (rear)
    Kia Tasman X-Pro (rear)
  • Kia Tasman Camouflage (front)
    Kia Tasman Camouflage (front)
  • Kia Tasman Camouflage (rear)
    Kia Tasman Camouflage (rear)

Interior

Interior

The interior of the Tasman was designed based on the theme of “use-case”.[14][16]

Inside, the Tasman features a triple screen layout with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 5-inch display for the HVAC controls and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Like all Kia products, the Tasman includes the brand’s ten must have sustainable items used for the crash pad, seats and interior carpet. Other interior features include dual wireless charging pads, a folding centre console, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 33-litre hidden storage area under the rear seat bases.[14]

For passenger space, the Tasman has 940mm of headroom, shoulder room and legroom for rear seat space. The rear seats are able to recline up to 30°.[14]

The load bed in the Tasman measures at 1,512 mm (59.5 in), 1,572 mm (61.9 in), and 540 mm (21 in), in length, width, and height, respectively. This has a cargo capacity at 1,173 L (41.4 cubic feet), a maximum load bed payload of 1,145 kg (2,524 lb) in 2WD mode, and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,700 lb).[14]

Safety

For the suspension, the front uses a double wishbone setup and the rear uses a rigid axle setup with leaf springs combined with vertical shock absorbers. Both setup features Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.[14]

The AWD system automatically switches to provide enough traction on different road surfaces and has three standard driving modes - ECO, Smart and Sport. In addition to the standard driving modes, there are various terrain modes available depending on the relevant market. Other drivetrain features are Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD), an X-Trek mode that allows for low-speed off-road driving, and Kia's Ground View Monitor (GVM) camera system. The Tasman is available with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) safety systems, both systems have been adapted with trailer profile functionality.[14]

ANCAP test results
Kia Tasman (2025)[17]
Test Points %
Overall: StarStarStarStarStar
Adult occupant: 34.14 85%
Child occupant: 41.86 85%
Pedestrian: 46.82 74%
Safety assist: 14.42 80%

Markets

The initial rollout will target markets including Korea, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, and the Middle East. Notably, Kia has announced that the Tasman will not be available in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, at least not for the 2025 model.[18]

Oceania

Australia

The Tasman went on sale in Australia on 17 April 2025, with customer deliveries later commenced in July 2025. At launch, the Tasman was available as a dual-cab pick-up model and it is available in five variants: S, SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro. All variants powered by the 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine and all variants comes standard with 4x4 (four-wheel drive), except for the base S variant which comes standard with 4x2 (rear-wheel drive).[19]

In August 2025, the single-cab and dual-cab chassis models were added to the line-up for the S and SX variants. All single-cab and dual-cab chassis model variants are standard with 4x4 (four-wheel drive), except for the single-cab chassis S variant.[20]

New Zealand

The Tasman went on sale in New Zealand on 17 April 2025 and it is available with five variants: TX 4WD, TXR 4WD, TXS 4WD, X-Line 4WD and X-Pro 4WD. All variants powered by the 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine and comes standard with four-wheel drive.[21][22]

Asia

Brunei

The Tasman has been launched in Brunei on 28 August 2025 and it is available with three variants: LX, EX and X-Line, all variants were powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine.[23]

Cambodia

The Kia Tasman is scheduled to be launched in Cambodia on 5 September 2025. It is available in two variants: the X-Line and X-Pro, both variants are powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine.[24] [25]

References

  1. ↑ https://autotechinsight.spglobal.com/car-cutaways/29/february-2025
  2. ↑ "2025 Kia Tasman ute: Korean Ranger rival spied again" (in en). 2023-06-19. https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-tasman-ute-korean-ranger-rival-spied-again. 
  3. ↑ Misoyannis, Alex (2024-03-10). "2025 Kia Tasman ute may be four-cylinder only – report" (in en-AU). https://www.drive.com.au/news/2025-kia-tasman-four-cylinder-only-report/. 
  4. ↑ Evans, Dean (2024-10-30). "Kia Tasman ute is officially here... in Saudi Arabia" (in en-nz). https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/kia-tasman-reveal-part-1-the-world-s-best-kia-ute-is-bound-for-nz/. 
  5. ↑ Evans, Dean (2024-10-30). "Kia Tasman reveal, part 1: the world's best Kia ute is bound for NZ" (in en). https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/kia-tasman-reveal-part-1-the-world-s-best-kia-ute-is-bound-for-nz/. 
  6. ↑ Andrew, Chesterton (2024-03-02). "2025 Kia Tasman ute: Powertrains, towing, launch timing and everything else we know so far about crucial Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival - Car News" (in en). https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-tasman-ute-powertrains-towing-launch-timing-and-everything-else-we-know-so-far. 
  7. ↑ Collie, Scott (2024-04-28). "2025 Kia Tasman ute: Everything we know about Ranger, HiLux rival" (in en). https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-tasman-ute-everything-we-know-about-ranger-hilux-rival. 
  8. ↑ Robson, Tim (2023-06-07). "Ute beauty: Kia targets Ford Ranger for new commercial vehicle range" (in en). https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/kia-ute-targets-ford-ranger-for-commercial-vehicle-range. 
  9. ↑ "2025 Kia Tasman ute launching with four-cylinder power - report" (in en). 2024-03-11. https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-tasman-ute-launching-with-four-cylinder-power-report. 
  10. ↑ Mulach, Jordan (2024-04-11). "2025 Kia ute: Tasman name confirmed for "most Australian Kia yet"" (in en). https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-ute-tasman-name-confirmed-for-most-australian-kia-yet. 
  11. ↑ "2025 Kia Tasman: First official look highlights Australian roots" (in en). 2024-04-22. https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-tasman-first-official-look-highlights-australian-roots. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Newton, Bruce (2024-10-30). "Kia defends Tasman styling" (in en-AU). https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/kia-defends-tasman-styling-147829/. 
  13. ↑ "More features, more utility: Kia's design chief introduces the new Tasman pickup truck" (in en). 2024-11-03. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-11-03/business/industry/More-features-more-utility-Kias-design-chief-introduces-the-new-Tasman-pickup-truck/2169379. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 "Kia Tasman redefines the pickup truck with purposeful design and innovative technology, delivering true practicality" (in en). 2024-10-29. https://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com/news/CONT0000000000163573. 
  15. ↑ Padeanu, Adrian (2025-04-08). "The Kia Tasman Weekender Is Korea's Raptor Fighter" (in en). https://www.motor1.com/news/755898/kia-tasman-weekender-concept/. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Novak, Olek (2024-11-06). "Kia Tasman: the inside story behind its polarising design" (in en-AU). https://www.chasingcars.com.au/news/car-industry/kia-tasman-the-inside-story-behind-its-polarising-design/. 
  17. ↑ "ANCAP results for Kia Tasman". ancap.com.au. 2025. https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/d35132. 
  18. ↑ "Kia Tasman Revealed: The Game-Changer Every Truck Lover Needs to See!". 2024-10-31. https://www.orleanskia.com/kia-tasman-revealed-the-game-changer-every-truck-lover-needs-to-see/. 
  19. ↑ Mulach, Jordan (2025-04-17). "2025 Kia Tasman price and specs: Australian orders open for Korean brand's first ute" (in en). https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-kia-tasman-price-and-specs-australian-orders-open-for-korean-brands-first-ute. 
  20. ↑ Misoyannis, Alex (2025-08-01). "2026 Kia Tasman price list complete as single-cab, dual-cab chassis announced" (in en). https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-kia-tasman-price-list-complete-as-single-cab-dual-cab-chassis-announced/. 
  21. ↑ Louisson, Peter (2025-04-17). "Local pricing announced for Kia Tasman ute" (in en-US). https://www.autocar.co.nz/local-pricing-announced-for-kia-tasman-ute/. 
  22. ↑ O'Carroll, Damien (2025-04-17). "Kia announces NZ pricing for Tasman ute" (in en-nz). https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/kia-announces-nz-pricing-for-tasman-ute/. 
  23. ↑ "New pickup truck launched in Brunei" (in en). 29 August 2025. https://borneobulletin.com.bn/new-pickup-truck-launched-in-brunei. 
  24. ↑ "Kia Tasman X-Line" (in en). 29 August 2025. https://www.kiamotors.com.kh/page/model_description/12. 
  25. ↑ "Kia Tasman X-Pro" (in en). 29 August 2025. https://www.kiamotors.com.kh/page/model_description/13. 

Script error: No such module "Navbox timeline".



Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Engineering:Kia_Tasman&oldid=3913230"