Can The Tactical Upgrades Change Tasman’s Market Fate in 2025?
Kia has taken a tactical decision to make the Tasman a hardcore military-grade pickup. The South Korean automobile manufacturer has unveiled a rendered lineup of its first-ever pickup truck. Built by Kia’s Special Vehicle division, the Tasman military edition is a sharp contrast to the standard consumer model, which emphasizes a conventional yet rugged war machine design.
The ute delivers enhanced durability and advanced off-road technology built to tackle the toughest environments, ideal for defense forces and emergency services. Could it be the bold move that Kia required, potentially extending to the civilian standard model, which could ultimately revive its declining sales figures?
How Does The Tasman Military Edition Redefine Rugged Utility?
The official website has showcased two new defense-rendered models—one in military green and the other in camouflage colors. After receiving a significant backlash over its provocative and eye-catching design, Kia has opted for a more straightforward, robust appearance that aligns with the preferences of pickup truck buyers.
The first thing that will catch your attention is the new, clean and conventional styling of the steel front fenders and the hood. The over-the-top front grille and vertically stacked LED headlamps have been replaced with a more functional design, reinforced heavy-duty bull bars, factory-installed snorkels, and winch systems with deep water crossings up to 800 mm at around 4 mph. It further has an electronic locking differential (e-LD) and a specialized electric supply for tactical comms like antennas and advanced communication modules in remote areas.
Engine Specs and Off-Road Capability
The Tasman Military Edition retains the 2.2-liter diesel powertrain from its civilian model, which produces 208 hp and 326 lb-ft. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic torque converter and receives other crucial enhancements like a more spacious rear cargo box, with a capacity up to 1.1 tons. It offers multiple flexible options, as it can be converted from a flatbed to a van conversion or can house optional troop seats. The military-grade pickup offers a 29-degree approach angle, a 25-degree departure angle, and 224 mm of ground clearance.
Why Truck Buyers Aren’t Interested In The Kia Tasman
Toyota
Launched in 2024, the Tasman took on the pickup truck market in Asia and Australia with one arm tied behind its back. Kia fell short with the Tasman by setting a higher price compared to the well-established Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, while providing a lower payload capacity. Unlike its rivals, the Kia pickup truck came with one engine option, while Toyota and Ford offered hybrids and V6 options. With Kia leaning more towards the urban market as a lifestyle vehicle, rural buyers and fleets stayed away, as they had doubts over durability and resale value. Kia has overlooked an opportunity by offering the Tasman exclusively in select countries, thereby bypassing important markets such as the U.S.Â
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