Kia Tasman arrives in Sri Lanka redefining double cab segment with unrivalled off-road capabilities

Kia Motors Lanka has ignited a new frontier in Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape with the arrival of the all-new Kia Tasman – a vehicle that does not merely enter the pickup segment, but seeks to transform it.

Marking a defining moment for the brand, the Tasman is Kia’s first pickup truck, developed from the ground up to challenge every convention associated with the category.

Built to move seamlessly between the demands of work and the expectations of everyday driving, it introduces a new standard of versatility, refinement and rugged capability to local roads.

The Tasman’s design and engineering is driven by a singular ambition: to create the most off-road-capable vehicle Kia has ever produced.

The result is a pickup built to thrive where others hesitate, across rough terrain, through water crossings, and under heavy load, without compromising on comfort, space or technology.

“The arrival of the Tasman represents a pivotal milestone not just for Kia, but for the evolution of the pickup truck in Sri Lanka,” Kia Motors (Lanka) Chairman Mr Mahen Thambiah said.

“This is a vehicle that has been conceived without compromise, combining strength, intelligence and refinement in a way that reimagines what a pickup can be.

For customers who demand durability, capability and everyday comfort in equal measure, the Tasman delivers on every front.”

Engineered on a robust, all-new body-on-frame platform, the Tasman delivers best-in-class strength with a payload capacity of up to 1,151kg and towing capability of up to 3,500kg.

This formidable foundation enables what Kia describes as ‘unparalleled go-anywhere ability,’ supported by advanced four-wheel-drive systems and specialised terrain modes that adapt seamlessly to varying conditions.

Its off-road credentials are underpinned by a sophisticated combination of engineering and technology.

A two-speed Active Transfer Case offers multiple drive configurations, while an Electronic Locking Differential ensures optimal traction across challenging surfaces.

Terrain-specific drive modes fine-tune performance for diverse environments, including sand, while features such as X-Trek Mode enable low-speed off-road cruising, allowing drivers to focus entirely on control and precision.

The Tasman’s capability extends beyond traction and torque.

With a ground clearance of up to 252mm, optimised suspension geometry, and the ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, it is designed to confront extreme environments with confidence.

Critical components are strategically positioned to withstand harsh conditions, reflecting a development process that spanned deserts, tundras and mountainous terrain across the globe.

Yet, what truly sets the Tasman apart is its duality. Beneath its rugged exterior lies a level of comfort and refinement rarely associated with pickups.

The cabin offers best-in-class second-row legroom, headroom and shoulder room, complemented by thoughtful innovations such as sliding and reclining rear seats — a segment-first feature that enhances passenger comfort on longer journeys.

The interior experience is further elevated by Kia’s Panoramic Wide Display, integrating a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 5-inch segment display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen into a seamless interface powered by the brand’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC).

Paired with a Harman Kardon premium sound system and enhanced acoustic insulation, the Tasman delivers an environment that is as refined as it is functional.

The pickup features a 2.2-liter diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 210PS and 441Nm of torque, the engine can propel the Tasman from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds.

Practicality remains central to the Tasman’s design. Its cargo bed, engineered for durability and efficiency, offers generous volume and features a suite of intelligent solutions including tie-down systems, cargo rails, integrated lighting and onboard power capability. This is a pickup built not just to carry, but to enable.

The Tasman also carries a distinctive character shaped by its development journey, described by Kia as its most ‘Australian’ vehicle to date, reflecting a spirit of resilience, ingenuity and hard work.

This ethos is evident in every aspect of its design and performance, reinforcing its readiness for demanding environments and uncompromising tasks.

The introduction of the Tasman builds on Kia’s growing presence in Sri Lanka, where models such as the Sorento have established a strong reputation for quality, performance and value.

With the addition of its first pickup, the brand now extends that legacy into a segment defined by strength and utility, bringing with it a new dimension of sophistication and innovation.

More than just a new model, the Kia Tasman represents a decisive step forward. It is a vehicle that challenges expectations, expands possibilities, and sets a new benchmark for what a pickup can achieve.

Kia Motors Lanka has been synonymous with global design, technology, and quality leadership in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry since 1996, and provides a 5-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever occurs first), on all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, underscoring the brand’s confidence in the quality, reliability, and innovation of its products.