2025 Kia Tasman Pickup Is An Ugly Duckling
The new 2025 Kia Tasman marks the automaker's first entry into the midsize truck segment, taking aim at established rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Designed with versatility in mind, it offers single- and double-cab body styles, as well as a chassis cab for customized builds, and will be sold in markets like South Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Powertrain options will vary by region—with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque available in South Korea, while Australia gets a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine with 207 hp and 325 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Tasman: All The Details
The Tasman includes both two- and four-wheel drive options paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity up to 7,716 pounds and payloads between 2,242 and 2,635 pounds.
Kia has engineered the Tasman for off-road durability, with a double-wishbone front suspension, rear leaf springs, water fording capability up to 31.5 inches, and multiple terrain modes like Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock.
Inside, it leans more car-like with a three-screen layout, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. Additional features include class-leading interior space, rear seat reclining, dual wireless charging pads, and an optional Harman Kardon audio system.
The Tasman will launch first in South Korea in early 2025, with additional regions following. It's unclear if Kia has any plans to explore North American sales. If the brand chooses to go down that route it will either need to sort out a North American assembly facility or subject the Tasman to a 25% Chicken Tax.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the cut-throat world of IndyCar.
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Ugly duckling hardly strong enough...really ugly from almost every angle including the interior. And I admire trucks and own a Stinger but this design is an embarrassment.