Kia Unveils Tasman and EV4 Models, Signalling Bold Expansion into Pickup Truck and Electric Sedan Segments

on Jun, 17 2025

Kia Tasman: Built to Blaze New Trails

With the Kia Tasman, the brand enters the competitive global pickup segment with confidence. The model is designed from the ground up to eschew the accepted compromises of conventional pickups, seamlessly transitioning between on- and off-road driving while providing customers with a practical, highly versatile package engineered to meet their diverse needs.

Built on a new body-on-frame platform, the Tasman is engineered for rugged off-road performance, outstanding load-carrying capacity and exceptional durability. Its reinforced body-on-frame structure not only delivers best-in-class strength – for payloads up to 1,151 kg and towing capacity up to 3,500 kg – but provides the foundation for the Tasman's unparalleled go-anywhere ability.

Tuned shock absorbers utilise frequency-sensitive valves and urethane bump stops to optimise ride quality over varied surfaces. Model-specific tires further enhance ability, with HT (Highway Terrain) tires ensuring smooth on-road driving for the base trim, and larger- diameter AT (All-Terrain) tires enabling the off-road focused X-Pro model to overcome even more rugged terrain.

Key specifications:

Wading depth of up to 800mm at speeds of up to 7km/h
Ground clearance of 252 mm (X-Pro model), and departure and ramp-over angles of up to 32.2, 26.2 and 25.8 degrees respectively
Payload of up to 1,151 kg and towing capacity of 3,500 kg
Pick up bed cargo capacity of 1,212 liters, with 1,194mm width between the wheel arches allowing it to accommodate standard-size pallets (in global markets)
Divider slots for wooden partitions, tie-down hooks and cargo rails with cleats, a bed liner, side-mounted lighting, 220V inverter for versatile power needs
Interior cabin measures at 2,214mm-long – second-row seats are also equipped with Kia's segment-first sliding-linked reclining function – and boasts a 33-liter under-seat storage compartment beneath the rear seat cushions
Two-Speed Active Transfer Case (ATC) offers four selectable drive modes – 2H (rear- wheel drive), 4H (high-range 4WD), 4L (low-range 4WD), and 4A (automatic all-wheel drive)
Terrain-specific drive modes, using an optimised 4WD drive logic (designed newly for Tasman) e.g. a ‘Desert’ mode (available in the Middle East and Africa) specially calibrated to handle sand dunes with ease; and an ‘X-Trek Mode’ providing low-speed off-road cruise control (under 10km/h)
Choice of 2.5 L petrol or 2.2 L diesel engines (region dependent)

The pickup bed offers 1,212 L of cargo space, integrated tie-down hooks, bed lighting, and 220V inverter support – with extensive accessory options like sliding trays, canopy kits, and side steps.

Inside, the Tasman delivers best-in-class rear seat space and convenience, including a segment-first sliding-linked reclining function and 80 degrees wide-open rear doors, all wrapped around a premium infotainment system powered by Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit and Harman Kardon audio.

According to Kia, the Tasman’s state-of-the-art drivetrain technology was tested and proven in numerous locations, including the snowy tundra of Sweden, scorching deserts in the Australian outback and the AI Qudra desert in the UAE, and steep inclines in the US and Korea.

The model’s rigorous and extensive testing and development is showcased through the ‘One More Round’ campaign, which followed the pickup as it underwent 1,777 specific tests conducted over more than 18,000 cycles of evaluation.

Kia EV4: Redefining the Compact Electric Sedan

The Kia EV4 is built on Hyundai Motor Group's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV4's advanced 400-volt architecture provides an ideal balance of strong performance, highly efficient range and rapid charging times.

Two drivetrain options are available for both the EV4 sedan and hatchback. The Standard model features a 58.3kWh battery, while the Long Range version is powered by an 81.4kWh battery. Both are paired with a 150kW front-wheel drive motor that delivers 283Nm of peak torque (i.e. pulling power), for smooth, responsive acceleration.

The EV4 will be available in both four-door and five-door variants to suit regional preferences, with global sales rolling out throughout the second half of 2025.

"With the EV4, Kia has spared no detail to transform the C-segment electric sedan sector with a unique blend of leading-edge design, advanced digital technology and compelling user features," said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia.

He added:

Created to meet the needs of a new generation of drivers, the EV4 significantly broadens the depth and appeal of Kia's global range of award-winning electric vehicles. The EV4 also underscores the next stage in Kia's bold mission to lead the world in the provision of innovative and inspiring sustainable mobility solutions for all.

Kia has stated that the EV4's sleek silhouette reflects the brand’s "Opposites United" design philosophy, with harmony achieved through contrasting elements. The vehicle's dynamic contours blend sharp, distinctive lines with bold technical detailing.

The use of recycled materials throughout the body and cabin also underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability. For example, 20 per cent recycled content sourced from car interiors is incorporated in the front and rear bumpers and side garnishes.

"Every line and surface of the EV4 has been sculpted not only for visual impact but also to optimise aerodynamic efficiency,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. “At the same time, we've placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, integrating recycled materials throughout the vehicle. The EV4's design reflects Kia's vision of the future, and our unwavering determination to produce customer-centric vehicles that are efficient, environmentally responsible and emotionally engaging."

On the road, Kia's engineers have delivered numerous refinements across the EV4's electric powertrain to enhance the overall driving experience. New hydraulic motor mounts improve ride comfort and reduce vibration, while lightweight aluminum brackets in the motor support structure help lower overall vehicle weight, improving both agility and efficiency.

Noise and vibration have also been addressed through a reconfigured drive system featuring backlash-reducing inboard joints for a quieter, more refined ride.

Kia EV4 Notable Features:

Segment-leading aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.230 Cd
A manual, front-mounted charging door paired with an enhanced charging status indicator – a first for Kia
Increased lighting efficiency by 17 per cent, reducing power consumption by 12 per cent, and cutting lighting unit weight by 52 per cent
Regenerative i-Pedal 3.0 braking – a segment first for Kia, this technology gives drivers greater flexibility to adjust the car's regenerative braking strength and enjoy intuitive one-pedal driving by finding the optimum level of regenerative braking response to match their driving style
A multifunctional sliding table, reclining Rest Mode, and unified infotainment ecosystem
Charging times as low as 31 minutes (DC fast charge, 10-80 per cent)
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality
Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2) technology, which includes enhanced ADAS' functionality with Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Remote Parking Assist Entry to improve safety and convenience
Digital Key 2.0, enabling drivers to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using their smartphone or smartwatch
Over-the-air (OTA) updates and Features-on-Demand (FoD), allowing owners to access new features and keep their systems up to date without visiting a service centre

A Platform for the Future

Both vehicles reflect Kia’s ongoing transition from a traditional car manufacturer to a sustainable mobility solutions provider. From urban electrification to rugged utility, the EV4 and Tasman represent strategic pillars in Kia’s multi-segment expansion.

The debut comes amid growing EV adoption in Southeast Asia, where markets like Cambodia are accelerating infrastructure development and demand for both clean energy vehicles and capable commercial-use pickups.

B2B Cambodia had the opportunity to test drive both models during the global media drive in South Korea in late May, where industry experts – including Vutha, the founder of the popular ‘Carshow TV in Cambodia’ YouTube channel – shared their perspectives on how the EV4 and Tasman could shape the ASEAN automotive landscape.

“My impression after the test drive here in Korea – I’m very happy with this car. I didn’t expect it to be this good because it has everything: safety, luxury, and performance,” Vutha said.

“After testing it today with the driver, I could really see all the features inside the car. One thing I loved most was how it handles downhill driving. When going downhill, you don’t have to keep pressing the accelerator, just activate the auto mode and lightly press the pedal, the car does the rest. It’s smooth, safe, and I really want to buy it,” he added.

On the Tasman’s potential in Cambodia, Vutha noted:

I believe it will win [against local off-road vehicles], mainly because of its appearance. Originally, KIA didn’t have a pickup model, only SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. This is KIA’s first off-road and pickup-style vehicle.

He encouraged others to experience the vehicle for themselves.

“That’s just my opinion, but I encourage you to test drive it yourself at KIA Cambodia,” he concluded.

This article was adapted from supplied press releases.