The new Kia Tasman has finally been unveiled, and it’s coming to South Africa.
The Korean automaker confirmed that it aims to bring the bakkie to our shores in the second half of 2025, whereupon it will be competing with some of the country’s best-selling vehicles.
The Tasman is a midsize pickup, which means it is performing in the same category as familiar favourites like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, but Kia’s latest creation seems more than up to the task based on its stats.
Depending on the market, the bakkie will be sold with either a petrol or diesel engine, and it’s a safe bet that South Africa will receive the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel block with 154kW and 441Nm.
This compares quite favourably to the power you’ll find in many other lifestyle double cabs, which is evidently the segment Kia has set its sights on.
With the exception of the base workhorse units, the bakkie will be exclusively sold with a four-wheel-drive system, which is connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
This will allow the Korean pickup to tow up to 3,500kg, and carry in 1,195kg in the rear bed.
Additionally, owners will be able to select between three driving modes for Eco, Smart, and Sport, as well as four terrain settings comprising Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock.
It also has a rear diff lock and an off-road cruise control function known as “X-Trek.”
A tough segment
These are the midsize double-cab bakkies that are currently available in South Africa with similar specifications to the new Kia Tasman.
Note that the Mitsubishi Triton is absent from the list as the current generation is about to be discontinued, but the carmaker has yet to launch the new models in our market.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD double cab Limited 4×4
- Starting price – R599,900
- Power – 120kW/390Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.4l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,000kg
- Load capacity – 1,000kg
Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe double cab 4×4 S11 Karoo Storm
- Starting price – R657,999
- Power – 103kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 9.3l/100km
- Towing capacity – 2,500kg
- Load capacity – 995kg
JAC T9 2.0CTI double cab 4WD Super Lux
- Starting price – R659,900
- Power – 125kW/410Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.8l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,500kg
- Load capacity – 1,000kg
GWM P-Series 2.0TD double cab LTD 4×4
- Starting price – R694,950
- Power – 120kW/400Nm
- Fuel consumption – 9.5l/100km
- Towing capacity – 1,200kg
- Load capacity – 650kg
Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD double cab 4Action 4×4
- Starting price – R719,900
- Power – 110kW/350Nm
- Fuel consumption – 9.1l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,000kg
- Load capacity – 1,015kg
LDV T60 2.0D Bi-Turbo double cab Max Luxe 4×4 auto
- Starting price – R790,000
- Power – 160kW/500Nm
- Fuel consumption – 9.3l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,000kg
- Load capacity – 750kg
Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab PRO-4X 4×4
- Starting price – R844,000
- Power – 140kW/450Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.1l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,500kg
- Load capacity – 1,003kg
Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab XLT 4×4
- Starting price – R854,500
- Power – 154kW/500Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.5l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,500kg
- Load capacity – 946kg
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Raider Auto
- Starting price – R858,600
- Power – 150kW/500Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.0l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,500kg
- Load capacity – 790kg
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab LSE 4×4
- Starting price – R869,500
- Power – 140kW/450Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.9l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,500kg
- Load capacity – 995kg
VW Amarok 2.0BiTDI double cab Style 4Motion
- Starting price – R961,200
- Power – 154kW/500Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.5l/100km
- Towing capacity – 3,500kg
- Load capacity – 946kg
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