Midsize Pickup Truck Battle: 2025 Kia Tasman Vs. 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Kia has finally unveiled its first pickup truck model, the Kia Tasman. We’ve been watching the Kia Tasman’s development for some time and even discussed the many benchmarks it would need to meet to be a serious contender in its segment.

The Kia Tasman is offered in three flavors: the base model, the X-Line, and the X-PRO. The base model is the entry-level rear-wheel-drive mid-size pickup truck, but the higher-ranking X-Line and X-Pro are the all-wheel-drive derivatives, with the X-Pro positioned as the off-road-ready trio member.

It is directly positioned as a rival to Toyota’s mid-size Tacoma pickup truck. So, how does the Kia Tasman X-Pro compare to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?

Design: Bold And Boxy Vs. Sculpted And Muscular

First impressions are essential, and the appearance of any vehicle is its first impression. That said, the exterior design of the Toyota Tacoma is palatable and easily digestible, but the new Kia Tasman is a bit more challenging, to put it mildly.

Kia Tasman

According to Kia, Tasman’s unconventional style was intentional. Its design aims to project a sense of capability and confidence. The bold and pronounced grille and bumper design are intended to showcase the Tasman’s width. Another noteworthy element of the Tasman’s front fascia is the vertical headlights that flank the large grille, with elements like the hood trim and grille frame emulating Kia’s Tiger Face design. Another characteristic visible when viewing its silhouette is the wheelbase and its substantial ride height. A defining visual element of the side profile is the 17-inch alloy wheel wrapped in all-terrain tires exclusive to the X-Pro.

When scrutinizing the Kia Tasman’s side profile, its short front overhang and upright windshield are immediate stand-out features of its silhouette. Above the wheel arches are fenders that serve as distinctive design elements and storage bins. A large stamped logo on the tailgate is a focal point of the Tasman’s rear, overshadowing the tailgate handle and the stoplight integrated into the tailgate.

Toyota Tacoma

The team behind the design of the Toyota Tacoma was also behind the design of the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia. The idea behind the design of these models was to resemble Toyota’s models. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma design was intended to present the mid-size pickup truck as a “badass adventure machine.”

A narrow physique and wide upper grille were implemented to mimic Toyota’s original HiLux model. The front fascia is underscored by an aggressive skid plate accentuated by high-mounted headlamps. The main highlight of the front fascia is a hexagon grille design flanked by functional side air intakes. The Tacoma’s short overhangs contribute to its approach angle. Bold wheel arches, contoured midsection, and diminished rear overhang distinguish its silhouette.

The rear is characterized by vertical taillights, a shapely tailgate, and a stamped Tacoma logo that curtails the pickup truck’s design.

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Engines: Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Fury

The Kia Tasman range is offered with two engine configurations. The first is a 2.5-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine that is on par with Toyota’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-pot. The second configuration is a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 207 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Some markets only have the option of one of these configurations, like the Korean market, which will only have the option of the 2.5-liter gasoline engine, whereas the Australian market only has the option of the smaller diesel configuration. Some markets, like the African and Middle East, will be afforded the choice of both.

The 2.5-liter gasoline engine isn’t a new addition to Kia’s lineup and was used in the Kia Stinger GT-Line. In that configuration, the four-cylinder engine consisted of an aluminum engine block and aluminum cylinder heads featuring 16 valves, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, and a 300 hp output. The diesel engine is another engine previously employed on a different model. In the case of the 2.2-liter diesel engine, its previous employer was the all-wheel-drive Hyundai Santa Fe.

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The Tacoma range is exclusively powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, albeit with slight composition variances depending on each Tacoma derivative’s grade. A non-hybrid variant of the 2.4-liter i-Force four-cylinder engine powers the TRD Off-Road model, constructed of aluminum cylinders and an aluminum engine block housing 16-valve cylinders and leveraging port and direct fuel injection. The i-Force engine also utilizes a twin-scroll turbocharger with wastegate valve control and an air-cooled intercooler.

Foundations, Suspension Systems, And Drivetrains

Both pickup trucks are based on body-on-frame platforms. The Kia Tasman features an “optimized” platform with a 3,270 mm wheelbase. The composite bush structure that mounts the platform furthers its stability and rigidity. A double-wishbone front suspension supports the Tasman, which was developed to accommodate its proposed rough-and-tumble lifestyle. The rigid rear axle is supported by leaf spring suspension that utilizes vertically mounted shock absorbers. Kia’s frequency Sensitive Damper Control and Hydraulic Rebound Stop Technology were implemented to reduce vibrations felt in the cabin and improve body control. The X-Pro derivative, the off-road inclined offering, has a standard full-time 4WD system.

The Toyota Tacoma is based on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform, also used in the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia. The chassis is made of high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds, frame cross-members, and a new front cross-member, improving rigidity compared to the previous generation. Additionally, aluminum is used to reduce weight in the upper body. The TRD Off-Road grade features monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks for extended wheel travel and an end-stop control valve with improved damping force. Independent double-wishbone suspension, while the rear is equipped with coil spring multi-link suspension. It also leverages front and rear stabilizer bars and an Adaptive Variable Suspension system. Like the Tasman, the Tacoma features a full-time 4WD system with an electric locking center differential.

Payloads, Water-Fording, And More

These are integral aspects of any off-road-ready pickup truck. While the Tacoma is a larger model with a greater ground clearance, the Tasman’s approach, breakover, and departure angles haven’t been disclosed. Still, given that its ground clearance is less than that of the Tacoma, these figures will likely be lower. Interestingly, the Tasman has much higher towing and payload capacities. The Tacoma has a 60.3-inch-long cargo bed that is 21.2 inches deep and 56.4 inches wide. The Kia Tasman’s bed is 59.5 inches long, 21.2 inches deep, and 61.8 inches wide.

Interior and Tech: Rugged Exteriors With Luxurious Interiors

The interior of the Kia Tasman juxtaposes its rugged exterior. Kia has employed a modern yet minimal interior layout for the Tasman. Two 12.3-inch displays have been joined together behind a single glass pane to serve as the digital driver cluster and infotainment screen. The rest of the dashboard features large air vents configured in a honeycomb pattern. The center console features a large folding table, dual wireless charging pads, and hidden storage bins beneath the rear seats.

Toyota’s Tacoma features an 8-inch multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard that can utilize Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This pickup truck’s interior also features a Qi wireless charging pad. Fabric-trimmed seats with leather side interests are key aspects of Tacoma’s conservative interior layout.

Price and Winner: Too Soon To Tell

It is too soon to tell who the winner is because pricing is a significant deciding factor in which model emerges victorious. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a base MSRP of $42,900, but the price of the Kia Tasman hasn’t yet been released, and its availability in the United States hasn’t been confirmed either. Before it’s greenlit for landfall in the US, Kia will likely observe how it fares and competes with models like the Toyota Hilux in markets like the Middle East and Africa.

If Kia’s Tasman pickup truck does well in other markets, it will likely introduce it to the US market. That’s when the showdown can really begin.

Sources:
Toyota
,
Kia