Your Complete Guide to the 2025 Kia Tasman Pickup

The pickup truck market is buzzing with a new name, and for good reason. Kia is officially entering the rugged, body-on-frame truck segment with its highly anticipated 2025 Kia Tasman. This guide gathers everything we know so far about this bold new contender, from its tough design and powerful engines to its expected capabilities and features.

What is the 2025 Kia Tasman?

The Kia Tasman is the brand’s first true global pickup truck built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis. This is a significant move for Kia, placing it in direct competition with established giants in the mid-size truck category. Unlike the car-based Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Tasman is designed from the ground up to be a durable workhorse and a capable off-road adventurer.

The name “Tasman” is inspired by the rugged beauty of Tasmania, the Australian island state, and the Tasman Sea that separates Australia and New Zealand. It also honors Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who was the first European to sight the island. This name choice signals Kia’s intent for the truck to be tough, adventurous, and ready for anything.

While development has been centered in Australia to fine-tune it for harsh conditions, the Tasman is a global vehicle. It is slated for release in markets including Australia, South Korea, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

A Bold and Rugged Design

Kia has made a name for itself with bold styling, and the Tasman is expected to continue that trend. Based on numerous spy shots of camouflaged test vehicles, the truck has a distinctly boxy and muscular silhouette. It avoids the smooth, crossover-like lines of some modern trucks in favor of a more traditional, commanding presence.

Key design features we expect to see include:

  • Upright Front End: A tall, flat grille and vertically oriented headlights will likely give the Tasman an aggressive face, similar in spirit to other tough trucks like the Ford F-150 or Kia’s own Telluride SUV.
  • Muscular Fender Flares: Prominent, squared-off wheel arches suggest a wide, stable stance and readiness for off-road tires.
  • Practical Cab and Bed: The Tasman will be offered in double-cab configurations, providing seating for five and a versatile cargo bed designed for work and recreation.
  • Modern Lighting: Expect full LED lighting, including distinctive signature daytime running lights at the front and uniquely styled taillights that blend modern tech with a rugged look.

It is important to note that many early online images of the “Tasman” actually show the Kia Mohave Masterpiece concept SUV. While that concept’s bold style might influence the final product, the production Tasman will have its own unique and functional truck design tailored to its mission.

Powertrain and Performance Specs

To be a true “rugged truck,” the Tasman needs a capable powertrain. All credible reports point to Kia using a proven engine from its existing lineup to ensure reliability and performance.

The primary engine option is expected to be a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel. This engine is currently used in popular Kia models like the Sorento SUV and Carnival minivan. In those applications, it produces around 199 horsepower and a very healthy 325 lb-ft of torque. This high-torque output is ideal for a pickup truck, providing excellent pulling power for towing and hauling heavy loads.

This diesel engine will likely be paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. To handle tough terrain, the Tasman will undoubtedly offer a robust four-wheel-drive system complete with a low-range transfer case for serious off-roading.

While the turbo-diesel is the confirmed starting point, there is speculation that other powertrains could be offered in the future or in different markets. A V6 gasoline engine, possibly a version of the 3.5-liter V6 from other Kia models, could be an option for buyers seeking more horsepower. Further down the line, an all-electric version is also a strong possibility as Kia continues to expand its EV lineup.

Capability: Towing and Payload Targets

The benchmark for success in the global mid-size truck market is clear. The Kia Tasman is being engineered to compete directly with the best in the business. This means its capability targets are ambitious and aimed squarely at segment leaders like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

  • Target Towing Capacity: The goal for the Tasman is a braked towing capacity of approximately 3,500 kg, which translates to about 7,716 pounds. This figure would put it at the top of its class, making it suitable for towing large trailers, boats, or campers.
  • Target Payload Capacity: For the cargo bed, Kia is targeting a payload of around 1,000 kg, or 2,205 pounds. This level of capacity ensures the Tasman can handle heavy equipment for work or all the gear needed for a long overland adventure.

Achieving these numbers requires the strong body-on-frame foundation that Kia has developed specifically for this truck.

Interior, Technology, and Safety

Inside, the Tasman is expected to blend rugged functionality with the modern technology and comfort Kia is known for. The interior will likely feel familiar to anyone who has been in a recent Kia Sorento or Telluride, but with more durable materials and practical design touches suited for a truck.

We anticipate a dashboard dominated by a large, panoramic display housing both the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen. This system will support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with navigation and a host of vehicle settings.

Expect a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to be available, including:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go

These features will make the Tasman not only a capable workhorse but also a safe and comfortable vehicle for daily driving and long road trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 2025 Kia Tasman be sold in the USA? As of now, Kia has not announced plans to bring the Tasman to the United States or Canada. The initial launch is focused on markets where mid-size trucks like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger are dominant. The North American market’s preference for full-size trucks makes it a more challenging segment to enter.

What will the Kia Tasman compete against? The Kia Tasman’s primary competitors on the global stage will be the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, and Nissan Navara.

Will there be an electric Kia Tasman? Kia has confirmed it is developing two electric pickup trucks. One is expected to be a dedicated EV on a new platform, while the other could be an electric version of the Tasman. An all-electric Tasman is a very strong possibility in the years following its initial 2025 launch.

When is the official release date? Kia is expected to officially reveal the Tasman in late 2024, with production beginning in South Korea in early 2025. Sales in key markets like Australia are anticipated to start in mid-2025.