Kia Tasman Pickup Showcased in Jordan Desert Drive

Kia Middle East & Africa has showcased its first-ever pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, in an exclusive desert driving experience across Jordan. The event followed the model’s world premiere at the Jeddah International Motor Show in late 2024 and strong customer interest during its pre-booking phase.

The desert drive took participants from the Dead Sea to Petra, navigating Wadi Araba’s shifting dunes, rocky climbs in Al Bayda, and winding mountain roads. The route was designed to highlight the Tasman’s rugged off-road ability, versatile performance, and SUV-like interior comfort.

During the experience, the Tasman was put through obstacles including steep inclines, mogul descents, and a 30-degree side hill, showcasing the effectiveness of its “X-Trek” system, suspension setup, and torque distribution. Kia says the model has undergone more than 18,000 tests during development to ensure durability.

Built with over 20 years of research and drawing on the brand’s military vehicle expertise, the Tasman offers 252 mm of ground clearance, a 32-degree approach angle on the X-Pro variant, reinforced underbody protection, and advanced drive modes, including a dedicated “Desert Mode” designed for Middle Eastern terrain.

Inside, the Tasman balances its toughness with SUV-inspired comfort. Kia claims the cabin offers best-in-class rear legroom, smart storage solutions, and advanced in-car tech.

Ahmed Soudodi, Vice President, Product and Marketing at Kia Middle East & Africa, commented: “With the Tasman, Kia is breaking new ground in the pickup segment.

“The test drive experience in Jordan demonstrates its ability to conquer the region’s toughest terrains while delivering the comfort and technology that define Kia.

“It further reflects Kia’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the Middle East as we bring vehicles that meet the region’s unique demands while expanding customer choice.”

The Kia Tasman has been engineered with the region in mind, having undergone extensive testing across Middle Eastern terrains. Compounded by the fact that it made its global debut in Saudi Arabia, the Tasman is looking to disrupt the lifestyle pickup market here, traditionally dominated by Americans.

Keep track of the latest Kia Tasman prices in the UAE & KSA in our buyer guide.