2025 KIA TASMAN: KIA’S BOLD FIRST STEP INTO THE GLOBAL PICKUP SEGMENT

Exterior Dimensions & Bed Geometry

At 5,410 mm in length (213 in), 1,930 mm in width, and up to 1,920 mm in height, the Tasman is longer than a Ranger yet easier to garage than a full-size American truck 5,410 mm in length. The bed measures 1,512 mm long and 1,572 mm wide, swallowing an Aussie pallet with room to spare; total cargo volume is 1,173 L bed measures 1,512 mm.

Powertrains and Performance

Buyers can choose between a torquey 2.2-L turbodiesel and a punchy 2.5-L turbo-petrol, each paired with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. In global guise the diesel delivers 207 hp, while the petrol churns out 277 hp and sprints to 100 km/h in 8.5 s 277 hp and sprints. Australian-spec models are tuned to 154 kW/440 Nm to match local taxation and fuel-quality rules 154 kW/440 Nm.

Table 1 Engine & Capability Snapshot

*Global maximum in 2WD configuration payload 1,145 kg.

Chassis, Suspension & Off-Road Tech

A double-wishbone front and live-axle leaf-spring rear setup is augmented by Kia’s Sensitive Damper Control and Hydraulic Rebound Stop to tame washboard roads Sensitive Damper Control. Four-wheel-drive variants incorporate XTREK low-speed cruise control and an electronic locking rear diff for gnarlier tracks, while a Ground View Monitor streams terrain video to the infotainment screen to spot hidden stumps Ground View Monitor.

Interior: Triple Screens & Mobile Office

Slide inside and a 12.3-in digital cluster, 12.3-in infotainment, and 5-in climate display dominate a dash trimmed in recycled materials triple-screen layout. Kia even turned the center console into a fold-out desk so tradies can sign invoices on site or families can picnic during road-trip breaks fold-out desk. Dual wireless chargers, a Harman Kardon eight-speaker system, and OTA software updates future-proof the cabin Harman Kardon eight-speaker.

Room to Stretch

Thanks to the class-leading second-row footprint, adults enjoy up to 940 mm of legroom with reclining seatbacks that tilt 30°, mirroring the relaxation angle of Kia’s largest SUVs reclining seatbacks that tilt 30°.

Trim Walk & Pricing (Australia)

Kia anticipates that fleet-minded buyers will favor the workhorse S, SX, and SX+ grades, which start at AUD 38,010 drive-away and still pack twin 12.3-in screens and adaptive cruise AUD 38,010 drive-away. At the other end, the XPro 4×4 commands AUD 77,990 and scores all-terrain tires, 800-mm wading depth, and 252-mm ground clearance 800-mm wading depth.

Market Roll-Out & the Chicken-Tax Question

The Tasman will launch first in South Korea, then Australia, Africa, West Asia, and New Zealand during 2025; Kia says a U.S. launch is unlikely unless local production sidesteps the 25 % pickup tariff U.S. launch is unlikely. In Australia, Kia aims for 20,000 annual sales, enough to vault the brand past Mazda and challenge Ford for second place market-wide 20,000 annual sales.

Table 2 Key Milestones & Markets

Why the Tasman Matters

Kia took the long route—four years of testing, dozens of design clinics, and 20 initial styling concepts whittled to three full-scale models—to get its first pickup right 20 initial styling concepts. The result is a truck that blends SUV-like refinement with real workhorse chops: 3.5-tonne towing, pallet-wide bed, and a cabin that doubles as a mobile office. If Kia achieves its sales targets, the Tasman could reshape Australia’s ute hierarchy and bolster Kia’s reputation for daring to disrupt established segments.

Closing Thoughts

The 2025 Kia Tasman isn’t merely an SUV with a tub; it’s a purpose-built vehicle that carries heavy loads, crawls over rocks, and still pampers occupants with more tech than many luxury sedans. For markets starved of diversity in the dual-cab space, Kia’s freshman effort reads like anything but a rookie play.