All-new Kia Tasman: Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux rival revealed

Kia has taken the wraps off its mid-size pickup truck offering - the Tasman. The pickup will grub shoulders with the established players in the market, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.?

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A Unique Look… to say the least

The Tasman’s styling is anything but ordinary. It features quirky design elements that distinguish it from other midsize pickups, starting with a bold front fascia, complete with vertical headlights pushed to the sides and a bulging hood that adds a muscular touch. We are not fans of that front profile… it makes the truck look like a Beaver.?

On the side, the Tasman has plastic body cladding, and customers will have an option for a more conventional wheel arch design where the black cladding surrounds the entire wheel arch rather than just the top.?

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Built for Tough Tasks: A Body-On-Frame Construction

Kia has designed the Tasman to handle challenging terrains and loads with its body-on-frame construction, setting it apart from unibody trucks like the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline. The robust underpinnings are engineered to make the Tasman a durable workhorse capable of handling rough conditions with ease.

For suspension, it comes with a double-wishbone setup in the front and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs, perfect for supporting heavy loads and towing. The Tasman also features waterproof connectors, allowing it to ford water up to 31.5 inches deep at speeds of up to 4.3 mph – a key advantage for off-road enthusiasts and business users alike.

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Power and Performance: Petrol and Diesel Options

Under the hood, the Tasman offers a range of powertrains tailored to meet different market demands. In Korea, it comes with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in a respectable 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph.

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For the Middle East and Africa region, customers will have additional diesel engine options. Both the petrol and diesel models feature a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds. With a payload capacity ranging from 2,242 to 2,635 pounds and a cargo bed volume of 41.4 cubic feet, the Tasman is well-prepared for demanding tasks.

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Spacious and High-Tech Interior

Inside, the Tasman breaks away from its rugged exterior with a car-like cabin packed with tech and comfort features. A triple-screen layout defines the dashboard, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch display in the center, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Unlike many modern vehicles that have fully embraced touchscreen controls, Kia retains traditional buttons and switches for easy access to frequently used functions.

Kia says that the Tasman has class-leading headroom, shoulder room, and rear legroom. The second-row seats can recline between 22 and 30 degrees, and hidden storage compartments are located beneath the seats for added practicality.

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Off-Road and Utility Features Galore

The Tasman is ready for serious off-road and utility tasks with features like a locking differential, a low-range mode switch, and all-terrain tires available in 17- and 18-inch sizes. Additionally, drivers can select from four driving modes tailored for different terrains: Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock.

Kia has also loaded the Tasman with practical features aimed at utility users. There’s an illuminated bed and a wide range of accessories, including a canopy with butterfly doors, a sliding tonneau cover, a roll bar, and a roof rack compatible with a rooftop tent.

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For businesses and adventurers alike, Kia will offer 13 accessories from day one, covering a range of add-ons from beadlock-style wheels to side steps. Practicality and usability are evident throughout the Tasman, and for those who value premium touches, Kia even includes a Harman Kardon sound system, dual wireless charging pads, and grab handles in the A-pillars.

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Pricing for the Middle East hasn't been revealed yet. The Kia Tasman was introduced in KSA during the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show, and it will be making its debut in the Middle East somewhere in the first half of 2025.?