Following a lengthy teaser campaign, Kia has finally whipped the wraps off the Tasman, with the South Korean automaker’s highly anticipated, first-ever bakkie making its official debut at the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia. Penned in for South African introduction in the second half of 2025, the Tasman was unveiled in double-cab body style (a single-cab derivative is also on the cards), showcased in a quartet of flavours: Baseline, X-Line, X-Pro, and a customised X-Pro derivative.
The Kia Tasman is a progressive pickup truck that follows its own path – not the competition.
“Kia’s first-ever pickup truck was created from the ground up to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. “The Kia Tasman is a progressive pickup truck that follows its own path – not the competition. The Kia Tasman combines true pickup values with exceptional capability and practicality, and advanced features that defy conventional thinking … enabling customers to broaden their horizons.”
Underpinned by a body-on-frame chassis, the Tasman’s bodywork measures 5 410 mm in length and 1 930 mm in width. Baseline and X-Line models have a ground clearance of 224 mm, while the more adventure-focused X-Pro variant’s standard suspension lift gains it an additional 28 mm for a total of 252 mm. Kia says the Tasman’s load bed offers “best-in-class” carrying capability. The automaker claims a cargo capacity of 1 173 litres and a maximum payload of up to 1 195 kg. In addition, the Tasman’s braked tow rating is 3 500 kg.
The Tasman was revealed with the choice of two four-cylinder engine options, a turbo-petrol unit producing 207 kW and 421 N.m, and a turbocharged oil-burner churning out 154 kW and 441 N.m. Both powertrains will be available with eight-speed automatic transmissions, while the diesel unit will, in select markets, also be offered with a six-speed manual cog swapper.
“Created especially for explorers, adventurers, and people who like to get things done, the Kia Tasman is designed to serve as a dependable companion in every situation,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. “The Kia Tasman is a pickup truck that effortlessly blends lifestyle and utility, and represents our commitment to always bring bold and innovative ideas to our customers.”
“The Tasman presents an exciting new opportunity for Kia globally, and, indeed, in South Africa,” said Paul Turnbull, CEO of Kia South Africa. “We are hard at work to make the Tasman’s local introduction a reality, and, based on current planning, we aim to do this in the second half of 2025.”
