2025 Kia Tasman: A Bold New Contender in the Global Pickup Arena

Powertrains: Diesel First, Gas Optional

Australia and most export markets launch with a 2.2-litre Smartstream turbo-diesel making 207 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The same diesel is quoted at 0–62 mph in 10.4 s and a 115 mph top speed in Kia’s global press kit, while a 2.5-litre gasoline inline-four rated at 277 hp will be offered in select regions such as South Korea – details confirmed when the truck appeared at the Jeddah Auto Show where it featured a live rear axle and selectable 4WD for serious off-roaders.

Key Specifications at a Glance

(Data extracted from Wikipedia product page, MotorAuthority first-drive notes and Carscoops technical explainer.)

Cabin & Infotainment: Triple Screens, Hidden Storage

Slide into the dual-cab Tasman and you’re greeted by a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment panel and a 5-inch HVAC screen rolled into one sweeping display – a setup that mirrors Kia’s latest SUVs but with harder-wear switchgear and neoprene door pockets for dirty gloves. Beneath the rear bench sits a 33-litre hidden compartment, while a fold-flat centre arm-rest transforms into a laptop table, touches Kia promotes for tradies who live out of their vehicles. The launch press material also touts dual wireless charging pads and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, equipment normally reserved for premium wagons.

Off-Road Engineering: Developed in Australia

Kia’s local ride-and-handling team dialled in frequency-selective dampers and Hydraulic Rebound Stop tech to tame the leaf-spring rear axle, then validated the ute over corrugated outback tracks, sandy deserts and flooded creek beds – proudly claiming water fording depth of 32 inches in its global spec sheet. The flagship X-Pro 4×4 variant layers on terrain modes, an electronic rear locker, 17-inch AT rubber and 252 mm of ground clearance, upgrades packaged specifically to tempt Ranger Wildtrak or HiLux Rogue buyers looking for showroom-ready adventure rigs straight from the X-Pro product brief.

Trim Walk & Australian Pricing

*Victorian drive-away pricing as detailed in RACV early review notes.

Market Strategy: Everywhere but North America

Prospective American buyers spotted camouflaged Tasmans around Mojave, yet Kia America says the ute “is not planned for U.S. showrooms owing to the 25 % chicken tax on imported pickups.” The prototypes were merely undergoing global durability work at Kia’s California Proving Grounds according to the company’s statement. Initial retail sales instead begin at home in South Korea, roll into Australia and New Zealand by July 2025, and continue into Africa and the Middle East thereafter.

Sales Ambitions & Warranty Edge

Kia Australia believes it can shift 20,000 Tasmans a year, which would vault the brand to second place in national sales behind Toyota – an audacious forecast considering the Ranger, HiLux and Isuzu D-Max currently dominate the charts as outlined by Drive’s launch coverage. Every ute is covered by Kia’s seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, and factory accessories such as steel trays, bull-bars and roof racks enjoy identical coverage, a sweetener likely to resonate with fleet buyers.

Early Verdict

Although its diesel four lacks the punch of some V6 rivals, the Tasman counters with SUV-grade cabin tech, clever storage touches and a long warranty. Factor in competitive pricing, genuine 3.5-tonne towing and locally tuned ride comfort, and Kia’s first ute shapes up as a credible new choice for tradies and adventurers alike. Whether it can conquer Australia’s fiercely loyal pickup buyer remains to be seen, but the Tasman has already done what many thought impossible: put the Kia badge squarely in the middle of the worksite.