The Kia Tasman, the Korean carmaker’s first pickup truck, combines advanced off-road capabilities with SUV-like convenience features, the company said Thursday.
“Targeting global markets, Kia’s first authentic pickup truck embodies the brand’s renowned expertise,” said Choi Dong-ho, a researcher on the MLV Project 1 team at Hyundai Motor Group, during a press conference in Gangnam, Seoul. “It blends the rugged essence of a body-on-frame pickup with the comfort of a family SUV. Addressing the limitations of traditional pickups, the Tasman incorporates convenience features and enhances second-row seating comfort.”
To enhance its off-road performance, the Tasman underwent 18,000 rounds of rigorous testing in extreme environments — including Sweden’s snowy hills, Middle Eastern sand dunes and mountainous regions of South Korea — over more than five years. As a result, the Tasman’s average body strength has increased by 64 percent compared to Kia’s large Mohave SUV, with torsional stiffness — resistance to twisting under force — improved by 32 percent.
For the first time in a Kia vehicle, a ground-view monitor enables drivers to see areas hidden by the hood during off-road driving. Using the front camera to generate a composite image with virtual wheel overlays, the system allows drivers to better assess terrain conditions. The pickup also features an infotainment interface that displays real-time vehicle data, such as coolant and oil temperatures and battery voltage — particularly useful for navigating rough terrains.
The Tasman also maximizes its cabin space, offering a class-leading length of 2,214 millimeters by streamlining the second-row seatbacks. This design allows for sliding and reclining rear seats, enhancing comfort and flexibility in line with SUV standards. Kia has also focused on minimizing road noise and vibration to achieve SUV-level quietness.
Slated for launch this year, the Tasman will primarily target the Korean and Australian markets, with prices in Korea starting at 37.5 million won ($25,600).
hyejin2@heraldcorp.com
