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[The Guru = Reporter Na Shin-hye] If you’re into camping, a pickup has probably crossed your wish list. I spent two days with Kia’s first true pickup, the Tasman—driving it on pavement, taking it off-road, and camping with it—to see how it performs in real life. The result? Its unexpected creature comforts and genuine off-road chops are both impressive.
◇ Tasman-tailored program ‘Tasman Intensive’
Kia showcased the pickup at a one-night, two-day driving program called “Tasman Intensive” at the HMG Driving Experience Center in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do. The center sits on the Korea Techno Ring test track and is the country’s largest branded driving facility, with eight different driving courses. It’s also just about a 15-minute drive from Cheongpodae Beach, making it an ideal spot for a summer weekend getaway.
The Tasman Intensive program is built entirely around the Tasman, blending the practical advantages of a pickup for rugged terrain with everyday usability for families and couples. The demo vehicle was the off-road-focused Tasman X-Pro trim. Compared with the base 4WD, it offers 252 mm (9.9 in) of minimum ground clearance—28 mm (1.1 in) higher—and comes standard with all-terrain tires. It also includes off-road features like X-TREK mode, Rock mode, and a Ground View monitor.
◇ Off-road driving technique training
The day started with off-road driving technique training. Before hitting the course, a professional instructor walked us through the vehicle’s systems and how to use them. Thanks to that clear coaching, even drivers with no off-road experience finished the course safely.
The off-road course includes slopes, gravel, sand, bumps, and water sections. The steep slope left the biggest impression—at times the ground disappears from view on a gradient of roughly 35°. That’s when the Tasman’s Ground View monitor really shines. It records with a forward camera and shows the ground beneath the vehicle on a wide screen in sync with movement, so you can see surface conditions and vehicle position in real time. X-TREK mode is another standout: by controlling engine torque and brake hydraulics it keeps the truck at a steady low speed. On descents you can let the system manage braking without constantly modulating the pedal, which makes technical mountain driving much more manageable.
◇ Thrilling gravel road experience
After the course we moved on to a gravel road experience. I rode shotgun and felt the instructor’s aggressive lines with every bump and slide. This is the section where the Tasman’s capability becomes visceral: even under a heavy rain advisory, the all-terrain tires tackled the course confidently. We powered over wet gravel at about 80 km/h (50 mph), drifting and splashing through puddles—an adrenaline rush you won’t get from your average test drive. Honestly, it felt more exciting than some amusement-park rides.
◇ Everyday comfort on regular roads
Then it was time to return to normal roads. I drove about 42 km (26 miles) on public roads to reach the mountain course. Compared with a typical passenger car, the Tasman doesn’t feel as sprightly off the line, but it performs respectably for a pickup. Inside, the cabin was quieter than I expected, and the Harmon audio system is a real plus—clean highs, balanced mids, and no harsh frequencies. It suits every music genre.
The interior and convenience features barely scream “pickup.” Honeycomb-patterned climate vents and a distinctive handle texture raise the cabin’s design game. There’s a small storage pocket in front of the passenger seat for wipes, cards, or a phone, plus wireless charging, cup holders, and a console table between the seats—little touches that add up to real everyday convenience.
◇ Mountain driving made easy; camping made romantic
Hitting the mountain course felt a bit like stepping into an adventure movie. Heavy rain had turned the trails slick, but the Tasman powered through. Using X-TREK mode, the truck climbed a muddy hill that felt around 30°, pushing through with notable strength. With Ground View and Surround View monitors helping you read the terrain, even jagged mountain trails lose their intimidation. These features make it easy for drivers who aren’t used to big vehicles to adapt quickly. As a camper, I immediately pictured loading heavy gear and cruising up to a mountainside campsite without breaking a sweat.
The day wrapped up at Eueundol Auto Camping Site, which overlooks the West Sea. For campers, falling asleep to the sound of waves is pure romance. The site provides a full set of camping gear, so you don’t have to pitch a tent from scratch—great news if it rains or snows. Sleeping to the patter of rain and waking to waves is a dream for many campers. On our visit the temperature was 18°C (64°F)—chilly for May—but electric blankets and well-equipped cooking gear inside the tent kept the night cozy. A children’s play area sits right on the beach, and you can rent extras like sand toys, board games, and hammocks, making it a family-friendly spot for a relaxed coastal getaway.
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