After a lengthy teaser campaign, the 2025 Kia Tasman has finally been unveiled, signaling the South Korean automaker’s intent to compete in the hotly contested midsize pickup segment. Dominated by the Hilux and Ranger, among other pickups, the Tasman aims to stand out with its rugged styling, cutting-edge tech, as well as capability that truly challenges the established players.
Pickups are a statement vehicle, and with the 2025 Kia Tasman, the South Korean automaker is making a bold entrance. The design of the Tasman is unapologetically boxy, with not a curve in sight. In a quest to undergo a “fresh approach to aesthetics”, the Tasman’s design is clearly the main talking point. The front end is very upright, with vertically stacked LED headlights that are integrated into the horizontal black trim piece that serves as the Tasman’s wide fenders.
Admittedly, this is a very bold design choice that even Kia admits is a bit too polarizing for some. As a result, Kia will offer a wide range of accessories that make the fenders easier for the eyes to appreciate. Finally, at the rear, the Tasman has equally rugged LED taillights with a C-shaped graphic, while the Kia logo is stamped onto the tailgate itself.
Thankfully, the interior of the 2025 Kia Tasman is easier to the eyes, and one that we’d universally agree looks very interesting and very modern. Depending on the variant, the Tasman’s interior can be downright utilitarian or, as seen in these photos, a premium place to be in. There’s a nice mix of premium yet sustainably sourced and recycled PET fabric, along with bio-PU synthetic leather. Multi-color ambient lighting in places like the dash, the doors, and the center console add even more personality to the Tasman’s interior.
Practicality and ingenuity are king in the Tasman, and as you’ll see, the center console is highly versatile due to the electronic gear shifter being located on the steering column like many Kia EVs these days. There are two wireless charging pads, along with generously-sized cupholders and a very large center console box which also houses a folding table.
Like many Kia models these days, the Tasman has two 12.3-inch screens that run the latest connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. This has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. There’s also a 5-inch segment display, which is where the touch capacitive climate controls are located. While we’re not usually fans of such a control layout, Kia has thankfully preserved physical buttons and knbos for the climate and other vehicle functions.
Moving towards the bed of the Tasman, Kia has clearly designed this pickup for lifestyle and utility purposes. A range of accessories is available, wherein its 13 accessories can be integrated into four different bed configurations: Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack. Not only that, but as is, the bed already has features like bed illumination, an integrated power outlet, a mini-table, and a sliding cargo floor.
Your payload capacity will depend on the engine choice and variant, and it ranges from 1,017 to 1,195 kg. That makes the Tasman among the best in the pickup segment, on par with heavy lifters like the Hilux and Ranger. Your engine choices include either a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 277 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque, while the other engine is a familiar and highly-refined 2.2-liter turbodiesel that produces 207 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. This is mated to an eight-speed automatic as standard, though a six-speed manual is available for the diesel.
All of that power is sent either to the rear wheels or all four wheels, and Kia’s engineers have given the Tasman all the tools to make it a very capable pickup. You’ve got the expected locking rear differential that’s electronically controlled, though this is only reserved for the X-Pro variant. The electronic locking differential can be activated manually, or automatically depending on which of the four terrain modes you select: Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock. The terrain mode selector is available on all four-wheel drive (4WD) variants, while an additional X-Trek mode is fitted to the X-Pro variant.
Finally, the 2025 Kia Tasman rides on a body-on-frame chassis that’s composed of a front double wishbone suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs and vertically mounted shock absorbers. Pickups aren’t normally known for their ride quality, which is why Kia has fitted it with Sensitive Damper Control and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.
The 2025 Kia Tasman is a global model that will be sold in most regions, including Southeast Asia. There is no confirmation yet if the Tasman is going to arrive in the Philippines. However, considering the popularity of pickups in our market, it’s almost a no-brainer for Kia to bring this model into the Philippines.
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