by Kia Tasman X-Pro: Kia’s first pickup that breaks stereotypes
In many ways, it’s strange that Kia has not entered the pickup market for so long. Even more unexpected is that the newcomer decided to enter not with a cautious unibody car-like design, like the Honda Ridgeline, but with a full frame.
For a brand that was once considered a budget alternative and spent most of a decade trying to convince consumers otherwise, this market will not be easy to conquer. Pickup enthusiasts are known for their territorial loyalty.
Is the Tasman really as ugly as in the photos?
In a word, yes. But not in the horribly repulsive style of the SsangYong Rodius. The rest of the vehicle is well-proportioned. However, the face… There’s no getting around it. If you are familiar with pareidolia, the psychological phenomenon where people instinctively see faces in inanimate objects, you will understand why the Tasman unsettles most people.
The human brain subconsciously looks for faces in car design. In the Tasman, you find something that has no eyes: the headlights are not only darkened but also integrated into the front fenders. Turning on the daytime running lights helps slightly, but it’s just a band-aid on a wound that could have been made more attractive.
If you look past the front end, the rest of the Tasman looks good. Its square cabin suits the pickup aesthetic well, unlike the high beltlines of competitors. This model for South Asia, strangely, does not have the 6.3-liter storage option in the rear fenders like the Australian version, and the top X-Pro trim doesn’t even have a sunroof. The X-Pro gets 17-inch wheels with taller Hankook A/T 265/70 tires.
What else does the Tasman do differently?
The interior is the real star. Inside the Tasman, the first thing that strikes you is how little it feels like a truck. Kia has clearly used parts from its SUVs, and that is not a criticism. The materials are truly impressive for this segment. This is not the usual “wash and forget” approach that pickup buyers have accepted for decades.
The centerpiece is a panoramic display with two 12.3-inch screens, which resembles the EV9 more than a workhorse. However, the touch-based climate controls are where Kia’s modernity works against it. Touch panels for quick access to the main screen, maps, etc., are annoying, and no premium aesthetic justifies this. It contradicts the rest of the interior, which has a pleasant number of physical buttons for off-road functions like differential locks, 4×4 control, and off-road modes, as well as basic functions like climate control.
On the other hand, small victories: the fold-out table in the center console is exactly the kind of unconventional thinking that makes you appreciate what Kia has done with the Tasman. And the interior door handles are among the most pleasant to use of any car I have tested.
How does all this translate on the road?
We tested the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 210 hp (154 kW) and 440 Nm of torque, placing it ahead of the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton on paper, though it falls behind the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok with six-cylinder engines. In practice, it is even better. Torque comes in early and confidently, which will be useful with a trailer. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, the whole package feels unhurried and well-thought-out, which suits the Tasman’s character well.
Our testing did not include serious off-roading, so we will reserve judgment on that, but the equipment suggests it is ready for tasks. The X-Pro has a large set of off-road tools: in addition to standard modes (Sand, Mud, Snow, Rocks), there is X-Trek—a low-speed cruise control for off-road driving that manages throttle and brakes on difficult terrain without driver input.
The ground view monitor projects a camera image of what is directly under the front of the vehicle onto the infotainment screen—this is a genuinely useful tool for navigating obstacles. It is a feature that until recently was only available on much more expensive vehicles like the Range Rover.
Regarding engine sound, it is not silent. After idling, there is a slight diesel hum that reminds you what’s under the hood. But Kia has added so much sound insulation that it never becomes intrusive. Harshness is there if you look for it, but most of the time, you won’t.
Honestly, the four-cylinder engine only makes itself known when you push it beyond its comfort zone. Unfortunately for Kia, this zone is somewhat limited due to the powertrain. If there were a V6 option, things might be different. I have no doubt the chassis would handle it. And while I am generally satisfied with the diesel’s torque, I know there are those who will crave more. In fact, a bit more cubic centimeters or a couple of extra cylinders could make the Tasman almost unstoppable. It lacks absolute power for tackling heavy tasks with more confidence.
We understand there are some differences between this South Asian model and the Australian one. Without comparing both, it’s hard to say if it’s marketing, but the Tasman we had was incredibly softly sprung. Not to the point where the ride became bouncy, but compared to competitors, it feels much more comfortable.
I dare say, this is the most SUV-like pickup I have driven. If rumors that Kia might make a closed version of the Tasman, similar to how the Fortuner relates to the Hilux, then they are on the right track.
How practical is it?
The cargo bed has a volume of 1173 liters, which, according to Kia, surpasses most competitors. The bed is well-thought-out, with integrated tie-downs along the inner perimeter, making it easy to install accessories. Kia offers a growing list of factory options, including a two-tier storage system that creates a locked upper level. This can be useful if you are carrying a mix of items you want to protect and those that are not afraid of moisture.
Inside the cabin, practicality is also top-notch. The 33-liter under-seat storage bin is best in class, and unlike competitors where this space technically exists but is inconvenient to use, the Tasman’s implementation is clean and accessible. On higher trims, the rear seat slides and reclines, which the Ford Ranger also offers, but it still feels like a luxury compared to the fixed seats of the Hilux. Kia also claims best-in-class second-row legroom, shoulder room, and headroom, and while this is hard to verify without a tape measure, the rear seat genuinely feels spacious, making long trips less tiring for passengers.
The fold-out table in the center console also belongs in the practicality conversation, as it is a feature that the worker filling out forms at a job site or the family on a stopover will use daily.
Where competitors still have an advantage is in the breadth of their accessory ecosystems. Toyota and Ford have had years to develop accessory networks for the Hilux and Ranger, respectively. The Tasman’s accessory catalog is growing but starts from zero, and buyers wanting a specific canopy, drawer system, or platform configuration may find their options more limited than they are used to.
Verdict
The Kia Tasman arrives with a desire to prove a lot, and for the most part, it does. It is a truly successful first attempt in a segment that has shamed more experienced manufacturers. The interior is best in class, the diesel engine is both refined and torquey, and the practicality is hard to argue with. For a debut pickup, this is an excellent result.
The Tasman was tested in Sri Lanka, where it costs around LKR 29,000,000 (~$91,000) in the X-Pro trim due to taxes. That is a significant sum. A Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger of equivalent specification will cost anywhere from LKR 25,000,000 ($79,100) to LKR 27,000,000 ($85,500), meaning the Tasman carries a substantial premium over established brands, not a lower price.
Kia will need to convince buyers not only that the Tasman is good, but also that it is good enough to justify the higher price for an unknown product in a segment where the HiLux, in particular, has built a near-mythological reputation for reliability over decades. Fortunately, as this review has shown, it has many strengths. Whether this is enough to overcome the price premium and brand unfamiliarity is a question only time and the market will answer.
It is worth noting that Kia consciously took a risk by choosing an unconventional design and focusing on comfort rather than strict utility. This may alienate conservative buyers but could simultaneously attract a new audience looking for a pickup that is not just a work tool but also a comfortable vehicle for daily use. The success of the Tasman will depend on how quickly Kia can build trust in its new model and expand its accessory network to compete with established market leaders.
