Kia South Africa has officially entered the country’s fiercely contested bakkie segment with the arrival of the Tasman — a vehicle that represents one of the most significant product expansions in the brand’s local history.
Long known for its passenger cars and SUVs, Kia now turns its attention to a segment that lies at the heart of the South African market. But rather than adapting an existing platform, the Tasman has been developed from the ground up as a purpose-built double cab, engineered to meet the demands of both work and lifestyle users in some of the toughest conditions in the world.
The result is a bakkie that blends traditional durability with a more modern, design-led and technology-rich approach — while remaining firmly focused on real-world capability.
Power & Drive
At the core of the Tasman is Kia’s proven 2.2-litre SmartStream turbodiesel engine, delivering 154 kW of power at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. This broad torque band is particularly well suited to the demands of a bakkie — whether navigating technical off-road terrain, towing heavy loads, or maintaining relaxed cruising speeds on long-distance journeys.
Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission, contributing to both efficiency and refinement, while allowing the engine to remain within its optimal operating range across a variety of driving conditions.
Underpinning the vehicle is a robust ladder-frame chassis, paired with a double wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs — a combination that ensures durability and load-carrying ability, without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Exterior
The Tasman makes an immediate impression with its physical presence. Measuring 5,410 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and riding on a 3,270 mm wheelbase, it sits firmly within the upper tier of the double-cab segment in terms of size and road presence.
These dimensions not only contribute to a commanding stance, but also translate into a spacious cabin and a highly usable load bin — ensuring that the Tasman delivers on both passenger comfort and practical utility.
Kia has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the Tasman delivers genuine off-road capability, rather than simply adopting the aesthetic of an adventure vehicle.
With ground clearance of up to 252 mm and a wading depth of 800 mm, the Tasman is well equipped to handle challenging terrain and water crossings.
Approach angles of up to 32.2°, departure angles of up to 26.2°, and a breakover angle of up to 25.8° further enhance its ability to tackle steep inclines and uneven surfaces with confidence.
Drivability
Selectable drive modes — including Eco, Sport, Normal, and Tow — are complemented by dedicated terrain settings for low-grip conditions, allowing the vehicle to adapt to surfaces such as sand, mud, and loose gravel.
In more demanding conditions, systems such as X-TREK mode allow for controlled, low-speed progress over rough terrain, reducing driver workload and improving confidence when the going gets tough. A rear electronic differential lock further enhances traction by intelligently distributing torque to where it is needed most, helping the vehicle to maintain momentum in challenging off-road scenarios.
Downhill Brake Control (DBC) adds an extra layer of assurance, automatically managing vehicle speed on steep or technical descents without requiring constant driver input.
Beyond its off-road ability, the Tasman has been engineered to meet the expectations of buyers who rely on their vehicles for serious work.
With a gross vehicle mass of 3,250 kg and a gross combined mass of 6,200 kg, the Tasman is capable of handling substantial loads. Payload capacity exceeds one tonne, while a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg places it firmly among the leaders in its class.
The load bin has also been designed with practicality in mind, offering generous dimensions and a volume of over 1,300 litres (SAE), ensuring that it is as functional on the job site as it is on a weekend getaway.
Interior
While the Tasman delivers the toughness expected of a traditional bakkie, Kia has also focused on elevating the in-cabin experience.
A fully integrated digital display setup — combining a 12.3-inch driver cluster, a central infotainment screen, and a dedicated climate control interface — brings the Tasman in line with the brand’s latest passenger vehicle offerings.
The cabin is designed to balance durability with comfort, offering generous space for both front and rear occupants, along with modern connectivity features and advanced driver assistance systems.
These include a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, ranging from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking — reinforcing the Tasman’s positioning as a thoroughly modern interpretation of the double-cab bakkie.
The range
The local Tasman range will be offered in a clearly structured line-up, catering to both work-focused buyers and those seeking a more lifestyle-oriented double cab. The range comprises the Tasman LX 4×2 and LX 4×2 Colour Coded derivatives, followed by the Tasman SX 4×4 and SX 4×4 Colour Coded models, and is topped by the flagship Tasman X-Pro 4×4 and X-Pro 4×4 Colour Coded variants.
The “Colour Coded” derivatives introduce a more refined exterior appearance, with key exterior elements finished in body colour to create a more cohesive, premium look, appealing to buyers who prioritise style alongside capability.
The Tasman LX 4×2 serves as the entry point to the range, offering a durable and dependable solution for work-focused applications.
The LX 4×2 Colour Coded builds on this foundation, adding a more polished visual presence for buyers seeking a balance between functionality and everyday usability.
Stepping up, the Tasman SX 4×4 introduces all-wheel-drive capability, making it well suited to customers who require additional traction for off-road use or challenging conditions.
The SX 4×4 Colour Coded enhances this derivative with a more refined exterior finish, positioning it as a versatile all-rounder for both work and lifestyle use.
At the top of the range, the Tasman X-Pro 4×4 is designed with off-road performance in mind, offering the highest level of capability for demanding terrain and adventure-focused driving.
The X-Pro 4×4 Colour Coded combines this capability with a more premium visual treatment, appealing to buyers who want a fully equipped, lifestyle-oriented double cab without compromising on performance.
The introduction of the Tasman marks a pivotal moment for Kia South Africa. Entering the bakkie segment is no small undertaking, particularly in a market as competitive and brand-loyal as South Africa’s.
However, by combining proven mechanical components, strong off-road credentials, and a more refined overall package, Kia is positioning the Tasman as a compelling alternative to established players.
It is a vehicle designed not only to meet expectations — but to challenge them.
**Attached spec sheets for each derivative**
The new Kia Tasman goes on sale on Thursday, 9 April 2026. Recommended retail pricing for the range is as follows:
Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD LX R679,995
Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD SX R789,995
Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD X-PRO R999,995