After what feels like an eternity of teasing, the Tasman has officially made its debut. This Ford Ranger competitor will be available in South Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. True to form for a midsize pickup, the Tasman comes in various configurations.

Buyers will have the option of single- and double-cab body styles, along with a bare-bones chassis cab for business customization. As preview images suggested, the truck showcases a unique design from almost every angle. The rear view is relatively straightforward, save for the oversized Kia logo that some still mistake for “KN” on the tailgate. The standout feature is the side profile, sporting mustache-like body cladding. For those preferring a more traditional look, Kia will offer an option with a conventional wheel arch design.

At the front, the Tasman turns heads with its unconventional fascia, which features vertical headlights positioned at the sides. The bulging hood and another large Kia logo give it a muscular presence. Overall, it veers away from the expected Telluride pickup look, and that extends to its underpinnings as well, this is a body-on-frame truck, not a unibody construction.

Inside, the cabin is less rugged than the exterior suggests, leaning more towards a car-like environment with a striking triple-screen setup. There’s a 31-centimeter digital instrument cluster flanked by a 13-centimeter display in the center and another 31-centimeter touchscreen for the infotainment system. Despite the ample screen space, Kia hasn’t overlooked practicality, retaining a selection of buttons and switches for frequently used functions.

You’ll find all the hallmarks of a proper truck, including a locking differential button and a switch for low-range mode. Interestingly, the center console features a plaque displaying the truck’s dimensions: 5,384 millimeters long, 1,905 millimeters wide, and 1,905 millimeters tall. While the wheelbase isn’t noted there, we know the Tasman has a distance of 3,267 millimeters between the axles.

Depending on the market, buyers will have the choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions, along with two- and four-wheel-drive options. In Korea, the Tasman is powered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine delivering 277 horsepower and 421 Newton-meters of torque. While acceleration isn't typically a priority in this segment, it can sprint to 100 kilometers per hour in just 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 185 kilometers per hour.

In Australia, the Tasman features a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine rated at 207 horsepower and 440 Newton-meters of torque. It matches the top speed but takes 10.4 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour. In the Middle East and Africa, customers can opt for either the gasoline or diesel engine. Both configurations come equipped with a 79.9-liter fuel tank and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The payload capacity varies between 1,016 and 1,195 kilograms, while the cargo bed offers a volume of 1,174 liters.

Kia has equipped the Tasman with a double wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs. The manufacturer claims it can ford through water up to 800 millimeters deep at speeds of 7 kilometers per hour. For added security, certain interior components feature waterproof connectors. All-terrain tires on 17- and 18-inch wheels are available, along with multiple drive modes designed for various terrains: Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock.

Kia boasts class-leading headroom, shoulder room, and second-row legroom, plus the ability to recline the rear seats between 22 and 30 degrees. Lift the rear seats, and you'll find two hidden storage bins for valuables you prefer not to stow in the cargo bed. Other features include dual wireless charging pads, a Harman Kardon sound system, a folding console table, and grab handles in the A-pillars.

Korea will be the first market to welcome the Tasman in the first half of 2025, with the pickup truck later launching in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. The company sees Saudi Arabia as a key market for the vehicle, which is why the world premiere will take place at the Jeddah International Motor Show.