The Kia Tasman (Image courtesy of Hyundai·Kia Motor)
SEOUL, March 28 (Korea Bizwire) — Kia introduced its new mid-size pickup truck, the Tasman, at a Tech Day event held Thursday on Seoul’s Floating Island in Seocho District. Highlighting the company’s foray into authentic pickup territory, Kia emphasized the Tasman’s rugged durability, off-road prowess, and substantial payload capabilities.
Described by the automaker as the most off-road-capable vehicle in Kia’s history, the Tasman is equipped with a robust four-wheel-drive system and a range of drive modes enabled by its two-speed Active Transfer Case (ATC). The vehicle offers selectable modes tailored to terrain and driving needs:
- 2H for fuel-efficient rear-wheel driving,
- 4H for balanced traction on rough terrain,
- 4L for enhanced torque on extreme off-road surfaces, and
- 4A, an automatic mode that adjusts power distribution based on real-time road conditions.
Kia has also outfitted the Tasman with an electronic locking rear differential, a “Lock” mode optimized for mountainous terrain, and the “X-Trek” mode for enhanced off-road stability.
With a minimum ground clearance of 252mm and a raised air intake design, the Tasman can ford water up to 800mm deep at speeds of 7 km/h—an indication of its all-terrain readiness.
Built on a ladder-frame chassis using high-strength steel, the Tasman employs a body-on-frame construction to endure heavy loads. It boasts a payload capacity of up to 700 kilograms and a towing capability of 3,500 kilograms. The bed itself measures 1,512mm in length, 1,572mm in width, and 540mm in height, offering a cargo volume of approximately 1,173 liters (based on German VDA standards).
A Kia representative noted, “Our engineers have worked tirelessly to develop Kia’s first true pickup truck with exceptional product value. Through this event, we wanted to share their dedication to crafting a vehicle that meets the highest standards of performance and customer satisfaction.”
The Tasman represents Kia’s bold step into the competitive global pickup market, with its full debut and market rollout expected ahead of 2026.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
