Kia’s rise to its current position in the automotive sector has been exponential.

For many, a key moment in the brand’s history was the Stinger, a sedan fired squarely at the premium performance segment dominated by the Germans — something unthinkable to many for the rising Korean brand.

In 2026 Kia has reloaded and fired another salvo, this time at its other Asian rivals, and into the most cut-throat sector there is — the dual-cab pickup with the Tasman. Just like the Stinger, the competition better be aware.

EXTERIOR

Since the Tasman is all-new and ground up, there’s no template for its appearance. It only needs a familial connection. That thread is Kia’s ability to push the design envelope in multiple directions.

With their SUVs looking like they fell out of a sci-fi flick, the Tasman joins that and adds its own flavour, being futuristic, yet retro. The aggressively boxy styling gives an old-school, tough, toy-like form, yet the vertical lighting and its version of the tiger grille make it more dual-cab pickup as processed through a modern, first-person shooter video game. It looks rough, tough and ready to either hit the local trails or have Master Chief in the bed holding off Covenant soldiers.

But it’s not just looks. Lower plastic trim means protection for when the road disappears. Roof rails allow for tie-down points, as do mounting points in the bed. The rear bumper corners have integrated steps, while the tailgate itself is damped. Finer details include a small storage box integrated into the right rear overfender and bed lights.

INTERIOR

The cabin isn’t as unhinged as the exterior. When compared to class rivals it’s miles away in terms of technology, space, design, and material quality. Keyless entry carries one past the Tasman-branded puddle lamps and into an interior that is more fine wine than red solo cup.

It’s very upscale, having multiple soft-touch surfaces and leather stitching alongside the other design accents. Still, the Tasman’s interior retains the practicality wanted on a vehicle of this type, such as a fold-out centre console, seats that reveal safe storage spaces, large tactile buttons for the frequently used major functions, and easy operation with work gloves. The sunroof, subtle, ambient lighting at night, and great use of the glass endow the Tasman with a very airy cabin in which the rear passengers don’t have to sacrifice much comfort.

The Integrated Panoramic Display matches the future theme, giving drivers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Kia’s speedy and intuitive infotainment system runs flawlessly from a similar 12.3-inch touchscreen next to it.

The menus contain more tech than most sedans. All the main vehicle functions can be set to auto and forgotten about, from wipers, lights, to the climate control. There’s also Kia’s expansive suite of driver assist and safety features to make operating the Tasman a breeze.

ON THE ROAD

This is no unibody pickup pretender. Kia went the hard route, using tried and true industry design methods. Under the Tasman is body-on-frame construction for maximum off-road prowess. There’s 252mm of ground clearance, and 800mm of wading depth. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are 32.2, 25.8, and 26.2, respectively. It can handle up to 1,000kg of payload and tow up to 3,500kg. No all-wheel drive here, just real high and low four-wheel drive capabilities, along with several drive modes. The Kia can run untroubled in two-wheel drive, or left to automatically decide when it needs four-wheel drive, or further when to engage the rear locking differential. So off-road rookies need not fear the Tasman.

Under the bonnet, Kia’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel provides 207bhp and 325lb/ft of torque through a smooth-shifting, eight-speed transmission. A Kia staple in various other vehicles, the motor retains its positives, being powerful, smooth, and frugal at the pump. The key one being that, in combination with the high level of cabin refinement, it doesn’t sound like a diesel from the driver’s seat. Suspension is able to handle whatever is thrown at it and retains enough controllability for driving confidence on the road.

VERDICT

The pickup market has long been split into two: the commercial and the lifestyle buyer, both having slightly overlapping needs. There’s no question that the Tasman is aimed at the latter, the person who uses the pickup every day as primary transport, but only because they need its abilities for their weekend activities. Thus, it’s biased towards that side of the equation being equipped more like a premium sedan than a basic work vehicle, but with the peace of mind that it has the capabilities of a true pickup. Worryingly for the competition, this does not feel like a first effort. The Kia Tasman is a carefully crafted product that has hit the ground gunning for greatness.

The Kia Tasman applies the latest function-based pickup design language to the Kia family look, from the tiger grille, to a confident side profile, with unique and practical geometric fender highlights, gives the vehicle a commanding stance. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The Kia Tasman’s interior is just as bold as the exterior offering enduring pickup truck quality, a wealth of technology, and a spacious luxury and practicality. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The venerable 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel has been brought into the Kia Tasman to provide refinement, power, and frugality at the pump under the bonnet. (Photo: Rory Daley)

There are plenty of small and practical elements scattered around the Tasman. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The interior quality, feel, and space is above many in the dual-cal pickup market, especially for the rear occupants. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The bed is on par with class rivals. (Photo: Rory Daley)