Body Design Realizing the Characteristics of an Authentic Pickup
Off-Road Specifications and Towing-Specialized Features for Rough Terrain Driving
Driving Experience Crossing On- and Off-Road
On the 27th, Kia held the 'The Kia Tasman Tech Day' at Sebitseom Floating Island located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, showcasing various technologies applied to the authentic pickup truck, Tasman.
On this day, Kia introduced various on- and off-road technologies applied to the Tasman and created a separate space displaying related parts to enhance understanding. A Kia official said, "Tasman is the result of continuous efforts by researchers to develop the brand's first authentic pickup," adding, "Through this event, we want to convey the researchers' efforts to develop a vehicle that satisfies customers."
Body Design Realizing the Characteristics of an Authentic Pickup
The Tasman applies a new pickup platform to realize the characteristics of an authentic pickup, such as sufficient loading capacity, off-road performance, and high durability.
The Tasman’s platform uses a 'Body on Frame' structure, securing durability suitable for a maximum load capacity of 700 kg and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg. The Body on Frame structure places the powertrain and body on a ladder-shaped steel frame. Compared to regular passenger cars, it can better withstand heavy loads, providing the foundation for excellent loading capacity, high durability, and outstanding off-road driving performance.
The Tasman is designed optimized for off-road driving, securing a high minimum ground clearance of 252 mm (based on the X-Pro model), and major components such as the transmission, exhaust system parts, and fuel tank are positioned above the frame to prevent damage during off-road driving.
Additionally, for the first time in Kia, the air intake is located inside the side fender at a height of 950 mm, with the intake direction arranged opposite to the vehicle’s forward direction to prevent water from entering the engine through the intake during water fording. This enables a water fording capability of 800 mm depth at a speed of 7 km/h.
The Tasman maximizes the utility of its cargo space. The cargo bed measures 1,512 mm in length, 1,572 mm in width, and 540 mm in height, providing approximately 1,173 liters (based on VDA standards) of storage space and can carry up to 700 kg.
Off-Road Specifications and Towing-Specialized Features for Rough Terrain Driving
The Tasman applies various off-road specifications based on a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. First, Kia equipped the Tasman with a 2-speed ATC (Active Transfer Case) to provide optimized driving modes for various driving conditions. The 2-speed ATC is a component that transmits the engine’s driving force to the front and rear drive shafts, allowing the driver to select one of four driving modes: ▲2H ▲4H ▲4L ▲4A depending on the driving situation.
Moreover, the Tasman is equipped with infotainment features useful for off-road driving, such as the 'Ground View Monitor,' which displays the terrain beneath the vehicle to assist the driver’s precise vehicle control, and the 'Off-Road Page,' which allows checking the temperatures of the engine, transmission oil, coolant, and the vehicle’s driving status.
The Tasman optimizes cooling performance to respond to increased engine load during towing and applies towing-specialized features, securing a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg.
Driving Experience Crossing On- and Off-Road
To ensure stable driving comfort, Kia connected the Tasman’s chassis frame and body using two separate mount bushings and four integrated mount bushings. Additionally, Kia applied a high-mount double wishbone type suspension with enhanced durability and anti-corrosion performance to the Tasman’s front suspension, securing stable driving performance and high ground clearance.
Furthermore, Kia equipped the base model of the Tasman with HT (High-way Terrain) tires suitable for on-road driving and paid attention to noise reduction by applying laminated soundproof glass to the front windshield and first row.
Kia applied various convenience features to the Tasman and secured the largest second-row space in its class. The Tasman is equipped with highly practical convenience features such as a ccNC-based panoramic wide display, Harman Kardon premium audio system, folding console table, and dual-type wireless charging system.
Considering the difficulty of reclining the second-row seats in a mid-size pickup, Kia optimally designed the second-row seats and applied the class-first sliding-linked reclining function to the Tasman. The 'Wide Open Hinge' allows the second-row doors to open up to 80 degrees, making it more convenient to load cargo.
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