FORD RANGER KILLER? This New Kia Tasman Pickup Will Leave You SPEECHLESS!
The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Kia steps into the pickup truck market with the Kia Tasman, its first-ever truck. This rugged, midsize truck has already captured attention worldwide, and it’s no wonder why: designed to compete with popular models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, the Tasman combines Kia’s unique design with serious off-road capability. For a deeper dive into the Tasman’s features and specifications, check out our blog Kia Tasman Revealed: The Game-Changer Every Truck Lover Needs to See!. But there’s one major twist that has North American truck fans talking—the Tasman won’t be available in the U.S. or Canada.
Overview
Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman represents a bold entry into the midsize truck segment, designed to compete with popular models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. With a rugged exterior, versatile engine options, and an emphasis on off-road capabilities, the Tasman aims to capture the hearts of truck enthusiasts around the world.
Key Specifications:
- Engine Options: 2.5-liter gasoline engine (277 hp) and 2.2-liter diesel engine (207 hp)
- Towing Capacity: Approximately 7,716 lbs
- Payload Capacity: 2,242 to 2,635 lbs
- Body Styles: Single cab, double cab, and chassis cab
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has been a staple in the midsize truck category for years, known for its rugged build and impressive performance capabilities. With a history of reliability and versatility, the Ranger has become a go-to choice for those seeking a dependable workhorse that can handle both daily driving and off-road adventures.
Key Specifications:
- Engine Options: 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine (270 hp)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs
- Payload Capacity: Approximately 1,800 lbs
- Body Styles: SuperCab and SuperCrew
Design and Aesthetics
Kia Tasman
The Tasman sports a modern and distinctive design, setting it apart from the usual pickup crowd. The front features an oversized Kia logo, vertical headlights, and a muscular fascia that gives it a tough yet stylish appearance. Unique design elements, like mustache-shaped body cladding and bold hood contours, add character but may be polarizing for some.
Inside, the Tasman offers a user-friendly layout with a modern triple-screen setup—a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch central display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. This combination of advanced tech and traditional controls ensures easy access to essential functions, whether on the highway or off-road.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger maintains a rugged and aggressive aesthetic that has defined its identity for years. With a bold front grille and muscular wheel arches, the Ranger exudes confidence on the road. Its design is functional yet stylish, appealing to a broad audience of truck enthusiasts.
The interior of the Ranger offers a more traditional truck feel, with durable materials and an ergonomic layout. Depending on the trim level, the Ranger can feature an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, alongside physical controls for ease of use. Ford has prioritized practicality, ensuring that the interior is both comfortable and functional.
Performance and Capability
Kia Tasman
The Tasman is built with performance in mind, offering two robust engine options: a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. The gasoline variant produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel option delivers 207 horsepower and an impressive 325 lb-ft of torque. This diverse engine lineup allows drivers to choose the performance that best fits their needs, whether it be for daily commuting or heavy-duty tasks.
In terms of off-road capabilities, the Tasman shines with its body-on-frame construction, which provides the durability needed for rugged terrains. The truck also features impressive ground clearance and water fording capabilities of up to 31.5 inches, making it well-suited for adventurous drivers.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine strikes a balance between efficiency and power, making it a solid choice for both towing and off-roading. The Ranger also offers four-wheel-drive options for enhanced traction and control on challenging surfaces.
The Ranger has a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs, slightly less than the Tasman, but still competitive in its class. With a robust suspension system and off-road features like Terrain Management System, the Ranger excels in various driving conditions, whether it’s navigating rocky trails or handling snowy roads.
Interior Comfort and Features
Kia Tasman
Inside the Kia Tasman, comfort meets practicality. The cabin features best-in-class legroom and a spacious rear seating area, making it a family-friendly option. The addition of dual wireless charging pads and a premium Harman Kardon sound system enhances the driving experience, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
The hidden storage compartments in the rear seating area offer extra space for valuables, while the versatile layout makes it suitable for both work and leisure activities. The Tasman is designed to cater to a variety of users, whether for business owners needing a reliable workhorse or families seeking a spacious vehicle.
Ford Ranger
The Ranger’s interior is designed with a focus on functionality and durability. While it may not have the same level of luxury as the Tasman, it provides a comfortable driving experience with ample headroom and legroom. The materials used are rugged and built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system offers a user-friendly interface with smartphone integration, providing drivers with access to navigation, music, and hands-free calling. The Ranger also features various safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision assist, enhancing overall driving confidence.
Customization and Accessories
Kia Tasman
Kia plans to offer 13 official accessories for the Tasman right from launch, allowing buyers to customize their trucks to meet specific needs. Options include a sliding tonneau cover, roll bar, and canopy with butterfly doors, among others. This level of customization makes the Tasman appealing to a wide range of drivers, from business owners to adventure seekers.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger also offers a variety of accessories and trim levels that allow for personalization. Buyers can choose from different packages that include options like off-road tires, upgraded suspension systems, and additional tech features. Ford has a robust aftermarket support system, making it easy for owners to enhance their trucks to suit their preferences.
Conclusion
Both the Kia Tasman and Ford Ranger present compelling options in the midsize truck market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Tasman, with its rugged design, versatile engine options, and extensive customization potential, stands out as a bold new contender. Meanwhile, the Ranger offers a proven track record, reliable performance, and a well-established reputation.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize the innovative features of the Tasman or the trusted capabilities of the Ranger, both trucks are sure to impress in their own right. For more insights into the Kia Tasman and its game-changing potential, be sure to read our blog Kia Tasman Revealed: The Game-Changer Every Truck Lover Needs to See!.
FAQ Section
- Will the Kia Tasman be available in North America?
No, the Kia Tasman will not be sold in North America. It is primarily targeted for markets in South Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. - What engine options does the Kia Tasman offer?
The Tasman offers a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine, providing options for varying performance needs. - What is the towing capacity of the Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman can tow up to approximately 7,716 lbs, making it a strong contender in the midsize truck category. - How does the Ford Ranger perform off-road?
The Ford Ranger is equipped with a Terrain Management System and a robust suspension, allowing it to handle various off-road conditions effectively. - What are the interior features of the Kia Tasman?
The Tasman features a triple-screen layout, dual wireless charging pads, a premium sound system, and spacious rear seating with hidden storage compartments. - How does the towing capacity of the Ford Ranger compare to the Kia Tasman?
The Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs, which is slightly lower than the Tasman’s capacity. - Can I customize the Kia Tasman?
Yes, Kia offers 13 official accessories for the Tasman, allowing for extensive customization to fit various needs and lifestyles. - What safety features does the Ford Ranger include?
The Ranger comes equipped with various safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. - Which truck offers better fuel efficiency, the Kia Tasman or the Ford Ranger?
Fuel efficiency can vary based on engine choice and driving conditions, but detailed EPA ratings are not yet available for the Tasman as it is a new model. - What body styles are available for the Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is available in single cab, double cab, and chassis cab configurations, providing options for different user needs.