Kia has launched its first pickup truck (or utility/ute, as it’s known in Australia) in history. Although the production of the Kia Tasman officially started in February 2025, it was unveiled in October 2024. Kia has made a bold entry in the highly competitive pickup market, which has been ruled for decades by Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
The Tasman is not meant to be a lifestyle plaything, but rather a tough working vehicle with a traditional ladder frame chassis. The Tasman, whose pricing is expected to start at approximately AED 120,490, is set to arrive in the UAE by the end of 2025, where pickups need to offer both practicality and prestige.
Its design positions it as a versatile option for contractors, families, and adventurers by blending rugged off-road capability with modern comfort. Read the complete article to learn all the details of the Kia Tasman and understand why it’s becoming popular in the UAE.
Genesis & Market Positioning
The Tasman Sea, a large water body between Australia and New Zealand, is the source of the name “Tasman”, representing endurance, strength, and exploration. It's a good name for Kia's pickup, which was developed and tested in Australia, one of the harshest ute environments in the world.
Why Australia? Because if a truck can withstand endless corrugated outback roads, rocky river crossings, and sandy coastal trails, it can handle almost everything, including the heat and sand of the Middle East. Therefore, Kia mainly relied on its engineering team in Australia to improve suspension, durability, and towing capabilities.
By doing so, Kia isn't just trying to create another pickup. The Tasman is positioned as a middle-ground between lifestyle pickups and rugged work vehicles.
It's powerful enough to appeal to families seeking SUV-level comfort in a truck body while still being useful for tradespeople. This dual positioning is key to its appeal in global markets.
Design & Architecture
The Tasman appears to be a modern double-cabin 5 seater lifestyle pickup, tough, upright, and ready for work. It has an appealing exterior look with a strong body. Kia has utilized its "Opposites United" design philosophy, which combines sleek detailing with rugged utility.
- The exterior look is bold, featuring a large grille framed by bold, vertical LED lights, giving Tasman a unique, virtually futuristic look.
- The body-on-frame chassis ensures strength and durability, necessary for towing, off-roading, and carrying heavy loads.
- Multiple body styles are available in the UAE, including single cab, double cab, and chassis cab. Thus, it caters to everything from commercial fleets to lifestyle adventurers.
Kia knows well that modern pickup buyers like customized features. For this reason, it is offering a variety of accessories, such as sports bars, ladder racks, and the visually impressive Weekender concept pack, which is intended for overlanding and camping. You can add roof tents, racks, and additional storage to turn the Tasman into an adventure car that can be driven anywhere.
KIA Tasman Colors:
There are 9 different exterior color options available, depending on the variant and trim, including Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Interstellar Grey, Cityspace Green, Runaway Red, Steel Gray, Tan Beige, and Denim Blue.
Performance & Technical Specs
Kia Tasman maintains a straightforward yet competitive performance. At launch, buyers have two engine options, including a 2.5-litre petrol engine for those who value smooth performance, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel for those who need torque, fuel efficiency, and towing muscle. The maximum power is 277hp / 5,800 rpm, and the maximum torque is 421.7Nm / 1,750~4,000rpm.
There are two different transmission options: an 8-speed automatic for daily convenience and a 6-speed manual for traditional drivers. AWD is offered on upper trims and optional on base models. The following numbers appear strong on paper:
- Wheelbase: 3270 mm
- Overall length: 5410 mm
- Width: 1930 mm
- Height: 1870–1920 mm
- Fuel Tank: 80 Litres
- Ground Clearance: 252mm
- Bed Length: 1,512mm
- Bed Width: 1,572mm
- Bed Height: 540mm
- Payload capacity: up to 1145 kg
- Towing capacity: up to 3500 kg
These digits place it in the same class as the Hilux and Ranger, which are both considered premium vehicles in the UAE. Kia has equipped the Tasman with remarkable technology for off-road enthusiasts:
- Changing surfaces is as easy as turning a dial because of the terrain modes (Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock).
- In rough conditions, Downhill Brake Control enables regular upgrades or controlled descents.
- It can claw its way through deep sand or rocky trails because of a locking rear differential and low-range gearing.
In short, the Tasman isn't just a lifestyle pickup, yet it's also built to withstand rough terrain.
Interior Comfort & Practicality
The Tasman seems less like a practical work truck and more like a modern SUV inside. Kia is aware that modern buyers value comfort just as much as functionality, and it reflects this.
- It has made long trips much more comfortable with the class-leading space delivered to rear passengers, which includes reclining seats that tilt up to 30°. The seats are supportive and well-shaped.
- It has a motor-driven power steering and a power driver seat with lumbar support.
- The materials used inside are durable yet comfortable, and they are made to withstand rough use without being very basic. The layout of the door panels and dashboard is clear and simple, making them pleasant to use.
- There is a centre console table that can be extended to accommodate laptops or paperwork, as well as ingenious fold-out side storage for those who use it as a mobile office. Rear seat models offer fold-up seats or under-seat storage to accommodate bigger stuff.
- The dashboard has two wireless charging pads, Harman Kardon high-end audio, and a panoramic digital display.
- Kia has also not neglected pragmatism. In addition to 240V/400W inverters to power tools, devices, or camping gear, there is hidden storage of 45 litres beneath the back floor.
Daily use is made simpler and more exquisite by small features like LED rear lamps, a shift-by-wire steering column, ECM (Electronic Chromic Mirror), and integrated corner steps for bed access. The blend of pickup functionality and SUV-like luxury sets the Tasman apart from its more functional competitors.
Major Tech Features:
Since it's a Kia, the new Tasman has many tech features, summarized as:
- Panoramic wide display 12.3" + 12.3" Full TFT LCD
- Supervision cluster with 12.3-inch TFT LCD
- 5-inch Climate Control Screen
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Phone Chargers Pads (in higher trims)
- Large Folding Console Table(in higher trims)
- Dual-zone Climate Control
- Auto Air conditioning dual zone
- Powered Seats
- Rear Reclining Seats
- Harman-Kardon Premium Audio
- Level 2 ADAS Safety Feature
- 360-degree rear-view Camera on the Audio display
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Safety & Driver Assistance
The Tasman is packed with safety technology in addition to its emphasis on toughness. It is equipped with an entire range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) from Kia, which include:
- Lane Following Assist 2, which maintains the truck's centering on roads.
- Trailer-adaptive driver assistance is essential for people hauling large loads.
- Off-road stability support, which combines a locking differential and traction control for challenging situations.
Here is a summary of Kia Tasman's advanced safety features:
- Airbags: Dual front, side, curtain, and centre airbags
- Front and rear high-performance damper
- Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist & junction detection
- Lane Keep Assist with steering intervention
- Adaptive Cruise Control for safer highway driving
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with collision warning
- Rear-View Camera with dynamic guidelines
- Highway Driving Assist (higher trims)
- 360° Surround-View Cameras for parking & off-road manoeuvres
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (higher trims)
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist
- Child anchor and rear occupant alert
- Rain sensor
- Trailer Sway Control with integrated trailer brake controller
To compete with the safest cars in its class, Kia is targeting a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Families who are planning to purchase a truck that can serve as their main family vehicle will find this particularly useful.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Specs & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L Petrol (277 hp), 2.2L Diesel (210 hp / 421.7 Nm) |
| Payload | 1145 kg |
| Towing | Up to 3,500 kg braked, 750 kg unbraked |
| Dimensions | 5,410 mm (L) × 1,930 mm (W); 3,270 mm WB; GC 252 mm |
| Interior | Triple-screen layout, recline/back seats, hidden storage, console desk |
| Tech | Harman Kardon, wireless charging, 240V/400W inverters |
| Safety | Targets 5-star ANCAP rating, full ADAS suite including AEB, HDA, 360° camera |
| Off-Road Capability | Terrain modes, diff lock, low-range, X-Trek mode |
UAE Market Entry & Local Highlights
With a starting price of AED 118,290, it is a competitive choice to vehicles like the Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, and Toyota Hilux. Customers can expect at least two trims at launch: Double Cab and Chassis Cab. For buyers searching beyond the latest release, there’s also a strong market for Used KIA Cars For Sale in the UAE, giving customers more budget-friendly options without sacrificing Kia’s reliability.
Customers can expect at least two trims at launch:
- Double Cab: Targeted at Families, lifestyle buyers, and off-road enthusiasts.
- Chassis Cab: Designed for companies that require adaptability for unique builds.
Kia is mainly dependent on the Tasman's ability to cross dry landscapes while maintaining first-rate interiors for everyday commuting in the United Arab Emirates. It is being marketed as a truck that is equally comfortable in the Liwa Desert and Downtown Dubai.
Conclusion
The Kia Tasman shows a massive change for Kia as a brand. Kia hasn’t just created another pickup. It has launched a truck that doesn't require midpoints by blending cutting-edge technology, modern comfort, and bold styling with serious workhorse credentials.The Tasman is arriving at the perfect moment for the UAE market, where buyers demand versatility, something that can cross dunes, tow a caravan, carry tools, and still look good outside.
Even though Toyota and Ford may still dominate the UAE/ Middle East market, Kia's Tasman offers new life, affordable prices, and a special combination of comfort and capability that can make it one of the most popular pickups of 2025.
The message is clear that Kia is more than just a brand of SUVs and sedans. The Tasman demonstrates its ability to compete with the pickup legends of the market.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.