Kia Tasman: The Pickup That Arrives to Break the Mold in Argentina

Kia Argentina, represented by Astara, has made a splash in the most competitive segment of the local market. The South Korean firm presented the Tasman, its first pickup ever, and did so with a proposal that promises to shake up the midsize truck segment. Available in three versions —EX gasoline, EX diesel, and X-Pro gasoline— the model arrives to compete head-to-head with the segment leaders.

The Tasman, whose name evokes the island of Tasmania, the «island of inspiration,» sits on a ladder frame with a double cab body. It measures 5410 mm in length, 1930 mm in width, and 1870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3270 mm. The front suspension is independent double wishbone, while the rear uses a rigid axle with leaf springs, a classic configuration for heavy-duty work.

But what really catches the eye is its design. Kia decided to break with everything known and moved away from the traditional aesthetic language of the segment. The truck bets on a robust and imposing image, with a large grille and a bumper with marked lines that reinforce its presence. The characteristic Tiger Nose grille, framed by vertical LED headlights, gives it a unique identity that does not go unnoticed.

Under the hood, the range offers two options: a 2.5 turbo TGDI gasoline engine with 277 hp and 420 Nm of torque, and a 2.2 CRDI turbodiesel with 207 hp and 440 Nm. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, selectable 4×4 drive with low range and modes 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L, plus a locking rear differential. In an initial off-road contact, the pickup showed solid performance, responding competently on climbs, fords, and obstacles.

In terms of capabilities, the Tasman declares a ground clearance of 224 or 252 mm depending on the version, a wading depth of 800 mm, and angles of 32.2° approach, 25.8° breakover, and 26.2° departure. Its cargo bed can hold up to 1058 kg and the maximum towing capacity reaches 3500 kg, numbers that put it on par with segment references.

Inside, the pickup does not skimp on technology. It features a 30-inch triple screen (12.3″ + 12.3″ + 5″), compatibility with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charger, and multiple USB-C ports. It also adds keyless entry and start, remote start, and electric tailgate opening from the Smart Key. For comfort, it offers eco-leather upholstery, front seats with electric adjustment, heating and ventilation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof. In the rear seats, Kia highlights a system for adjusting the inclination and longitudinal sliding of the seats, a solution that the brand claims is exclusive within the segment.

In safety, the Tasman comes fully loaded: six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist and hill descent control, driver attention alert, post-collision automatic braking system, and ISOFIX anchors. Added to this is a package of driving assists that includes autonomous emergency braking with turn function, lane keeping and lane following assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, safe exit alert, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic assist. The top-of-the-range version adds pre-collision assist for parking maneuvers, blind spot monitor (BVM), and tire pressure monitoring system. Not a minor detail: this model obtained the highest safety rating in ANCAP tests.

Regarding prices, the automaker reported the following values and announced that it will soon communicate its financing lines. The entire range comes with a factory warranty of five years or 100,000 kilometers. With this bet, Kia not only enters the most competitive segment in the country but does so with a truck that promises to make waves.