The Kia Tasman is the brand’s first pickup that’s not specifically a no-frills vehicle in the commercial segment. The company’s truck competes in the midsize segment against models such as the Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, and Toyota Hilux.
With no past trucks to pull from, Kia’s designers took the opportunity to create a model with a look unlike anything else in the segment. A vehicle with a radically different appearance from its competitors isn’t always a selling point, though. Some online comments suggest that folks don’t like the new rig’s blocky styling.
Kia Says Folks Are Warming Up To The Tasman’s Look
While some early discussions indicated that Tasman’s exterior appearance might turn off buyers, this might not be the case. There are still plenty of folks who are potentially interested in the new pickup, at least according to Kia.
“You’re all aware of the commentary around launch from an aesthetic standpoint, but we’re really starting to see a narrative shift in terms of opinions,” Kia Australia general manager of marketing Dean Norbiato told Drive from Australia. “A lot of people, the more time they see it and spend with it, we are seeing a separation in opinion from the initial launch.”
He indicated that once people have seen the truck in real life, instead of pictures, they often gained a changed feeling about the pickup. Kia already reportedly has 20,000 expressions of interest for the Tasman in Australia, even though the truck wouldn’t begin deliveries there until July 2025. Most of these folks are private individuals, but some are fleet customers. Before really knowing if the model is a success, we have to see how many people actually decide to purchase the new pickup.
This is a bit like the situation with the latest BMW 4 Series, M3, and other models from the German brand. The company’s designers decided to stretch the famous kidney grille lower in order to occupy more of the vehicle’s face.
What Is A Kia Tasman?
Kia will offer the Tasman pickups in two- and four-door cab configurations, depending on the market. All models will ride on a body-on-frame chassis with a solid rear axle and a leaf-spring suspension. In some regions, buyers will be able to get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic gearbox, this drivetrain will get the truck to 62 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 115 miles per hour.
There will also be a turbodiesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder making 207 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It’ll also also use an eight-speed gearbox. With this setup, the truck will be able to hit 62 miles per hour in 10.4 seconds and a maximum of 115 miles per hour.
Kia will maximize the Tasman’s off-road capability by offering a variety of tech on the pickup. Buyers will be able to get an optional all-wheel-drive system with selectable driving modes. There will also be an automatically engaging rear electronic-locking differential. The ground view monitor system will provide a view of the upcoming terrain from the cameras.
The Tasman’s exterior appearance is what really separates the truck from its competitors. Blocky shapes form a significant part of the pickup’s body, including elements such as the fender flares and headlights. It’s an unconventional look in a market where even these utility vehicles are taking on more aerodynamic shapes.
The interior has a completely different aesthetic. The top trim levels receive a mix of materials, including a contrasting finish for the center console and faux-leather upholstery. Digital displays for the instruments and infotainment add a high-end look to the cabin. Metal-finished buttons also give the truck a more premium appearance.
TopSpeed’s Take
A vehicle’s exterior design is the first thing a person sees, and the appearance needs to be somewhat attractive to entice buyers. However, a truck’s ability to perform is also a major consideration when buying a pickup. Based on the Australian exec’s statement, people start enjoying this rig more when they actually get to experience this upcoming pickup.
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