Kia Middle East brought the all-new Kia Tasman (2025) to Jordan with an exclusive desert test-drive event. The program took place mid-September 2025 and put the brand’s first-ever pickup through its paces on a grueling off-road route . Over the course of the drive, media and guests navigated diverse landscapes – from the depths of the Dead Sea basin all the way to the rose-red city of Petra . Shifting sand dunes in Wadi Araba, rocky trails near Al-Beida, and winding mountain roads were all on the itinerary. According to Kia, this challenging course was chosen specifically to showcase the Tasman’s strength, durability and lifestyle appeal . In short, the Jordanian desert proved to be the ultimate proving ground for Kia’s bold new pickup.
The Kia Tasman’s rugged exterior turns heads on any trail. Kia’s “Opposites United” design theme is evident in the Tasman’s bold front end, muscular wheel arches, and modern lighting . It even offers the industry’s first factory-backed customization program, with 12 OEM accessory packages, nine exterior colors, and four interior schemes . On our drive, the Tasman in vivid Cityscape Green stood out against the desert dunes, looking every bit the part of an adventure-ready Kia pickup truck. Inside, the cabins blended toughness with refinement: rich materials and clever storage cubbies complement a dashboard that feels more SUV than work truck. (Kia notes that the Tasman’s interior follows a “Unity of Opposites” philosophy, pairing elegant surfaces with rugged utility .)
Desert Drive Experience
Two days of driving gave us a true taste of the Tasman’s off-road capability. The first leg of the journey began near the Dead Sea and stretched across the Jordanian desert. Sand and slope were the name of the game: drivers tackled a 30-degree side hill to test lateral stability, and funneled through bumpy mogul descents to exercise the Tasman’s X-Trek low-speed cruise-control system . At one point we climbed a steep incline so sharp it felt like tackling a wall – in that moment the Tasman’s turbocharged engine and chassis tuning proved up to the task. Kia engineers had designed these obstacles to mirror the 18,000+ development tests the vehicle underwent during its build . By the end of each day we had ventured from sand dunes to rocky switchbacks and even forested passes – and the Tasman never once ran out of capability. Drivers commented on how confidence-inspiring the truck felt, even over the roughest terrain, thanks to its advanced stability systems and sturdy frame.
Power and Capability
The Tasman’s technical specs underscore why it excelled on this route. Key highlights include:
- Powertrains: A choice of a 2.5L turbocharged petrol engine (8-speed auto) or a 2.2L turbo diesel engine (6-speed manual or 8-speed auto) , delivering strong torque for off-road climbs.
- Off-Road Geometry: Best-in-class approach, ramp-over and departure angles. The X-Pro model we drove had a 252 mm ground clearance and a 32° approach angle , letting it clear steep dunes and rocks with ease.
- Payload & Towing: Up to 1,195 kg of payload capacity and 3.5-ton towing capability , making it capable for both work and play.
- Terrain Tech: Multiple drive modes including a special Desert Mode for the Middle East, an automatic rear-locking differential, and reinforced skid plates under the body to protect the undercarriage on rough trails.
These specifications translate to real-world confidence. On loose sand, the Tasman’s tailored Desert Mode dialed in traction control just right, while the automatic low-range 4WD (X-Pro trim) kept power flowing. The reinforced chassis never bottomed out even when we manged a drop over a large creek bed. All along, the truck’s SUV-like comfort impressed us – the long suspension travel smoothed out the biggest bumps, and the four-wheel independent setup felt planted in spite of it all. In short, the Tasman handled the desert obstacles without drama.
Comfort, Tech and Reactions
Inside the Tasman, the adventure-ready vibe continued. Reviewers in our group noted the unusually quiet, high-tech cabin for a pickup. The Tasman’s dashboard features a large touchscreen and well-arranged controls, and rear passengers get best-in-class legroom thanks to a long wheelbase . High-end touches like a premium Harman/Kardon audio system (standard on higher trims) and Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 for smartphone-based entry added refinement. Connectivity and safety tech were also on display – including Kia Connect telematics and an available Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) that park-steers the Tasman into tight spots .
After the drives, the tone among participants was enthusiastic. Many commented that the Tasman feels more polished inside than any traditional pickup, while still having the toughness needed for real off-roading. Kia’s own Product VP Ahmed Al-Sudoudi described the Tasman as a “bold” statement that combines “strength, innovation, and individuality” . He noted that the Jordan drive had clearly shown the truck’s ability “to conquer the toughest terrains in the region, while offering Kia’s signature comfort and technologies” . In other words, the Tasman left no doubt: this is Kia’s pickup for a new generation of drivers who want utility and style.
Conclusion: Kia Tasman ready for Your Adventure?
The Kia Tasman’s Jordan desert launch made one thing clear – this pickup isn’t afraid to play off-road. Its rugged good looks, serious capability, and family-friendly comfort stood out against Jordan’s epic landscapes. For buyers in the Middle East looking for a “Kia pickup truck” with modern flair, the Tasman represents Kia’s smartest take yet on the segment . If you’re excited to experience the Tasman for yourself, contact your local Kia dealership to schedule a test drive. The 2025 Kia Tasman is arriving in showrooms soon – and after seeing it tackle Jordan’s wild terrain, it’s clear it’s built to inspire.
