Kia Tasman

The pickup truck, in the international markets, comes with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel mill, which is capable of generating a healthy 210 hp and 441 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. The 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. Additionally, there is also a 2.5-litre turbo petrol mill which is good for 281 hp and 421 Nm, with the option of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Tasman gets a water-wading capacity of 800 mm and appropriate approach, departure and break-over angles to ensure that it glides over most undulations on the roads. The terrain modes allow the driver to put it in the most comfortable settings for every condition. Also, the double wishbone front suspension and a rigid axle with lead springs at the rear result in a planted ride with heavy load-bearing capacity.

The Kia Tasman is on sale in multiple variants in the international markets. These include S, SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro. Also, one can choose between single-cab and dual-cab options. It will be interesting to see which trims will make it to our shores when it launches here.

The Kia Tasman carries a bold, muscular and rugged demeanour. At the front, the fascia contains an angry-looking grille and LED headlamp setup with an upright bonnet. The added panels on the bonnet and side fenders add a sturdy appearance. Down below, the bumper is tough with a hint of skid plate.

On the sides, the dual-cab layout becomes apparent and the sporty claddings on the wheel arches accentuate its off-roading image. Taking care of the ingress and egress for the passengers are the prominent side steps. The 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with off-road-focused tyres complement the overall stance of the pickup truck quite well. Finally, the tail end contains a decent-sized cargo bed, rather compact LED taillamps and a utilitarian bumper. The Tasman has a length of 5,410 mm, a width of 1,930 mm, a height of 1,870 mm and a wheelbase of 3,270 mm. All in all, Kia has been able to design the Tasman in such a manner that it looks capable and adventurous, albeit some might argue that it has gone overboard.

The interior of the Kia Tasman sets itself apart from the traditional utilitarian pickup trucks. The latter often carry basic amenities and a layout. However, with the Tasman, the dashboard design is modern, and it gets a prominent 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 5-inch HVAC screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, ensuring that the interior feels premium without losing its practical edge.

Furthermore, the seats are supportive and well-cushioned, which makes long drives more comfortable. With ample headroom and legroom, the cabin is suitable for both daily commutes and extended journeys. The top amenities include a modern steering wheel with multimedia controls, triple screens, textured dashboard, elegant AC vents, and pickup-focused door panels. Other bits include: Harmon Kardon Audio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Kia Connect, Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, Folding Centre Console Table, Underseat Storage and Cabin/Bed Inverters (200V / 400W).

Modern customers want the absolute top-notch active and passive safety amenities in their vehicles. Kia doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It equips the Tasman with numerous safety tech, including Level 2 ADAS, highway driving assist 2, rear cross traffic alert, 7 airbags, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, towing aids and boasts a full 5-star ANCAP safety rating Down Under.

In India, the lifestyle pickup truck category is not all that famous. We have products like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross. However, the sales have not been promising. Regardless, if the Kia Talisman makes it to our shores, it could be priced at a premium over these two models. Hence, it might not have any direct rival to speak of. 

The Kia Tasman can prove to be appealing for many new customers, while there might be some who would have a few concerns about it. The table below lists out the pros and cons.

The Kia Tasman could be a great product for all those who want their rugged pickup trucks to be tech-savvy. For Indian buyers, it remains to be seen what the pickup truck offers in terms of variants, pricing, features and powertrains. Only thereafter can one make an informed decision.