02-07-2025
Kia Tasman Proves Its Off-Roading Prowess On Video
The Ford Ranger Raptor couldn't do it. The BYD Shark couldn't either. But the new kid on the block, the Kia Tasman, just made it up Beer O'Clock Hill, one of the most notorious off-road climbs in the world. Team Bree Offroad recently gave the Tasman a chance to conquer the hill, and performed far better than you'd expect.
Conquering Beer O'Clock Hill
Source: YouTube @Team Bree Offroad
Beer O'Clock Hill is a brutal 100-meter climb (109 yards) with a 50-degree incline and holes as deep as half a meter (1.6 feet). With loose gravel and sharp rocks scattered across the path, it presents a serious challenge even for high-end off-roaders. When the Ranger Raptor tried to dash up the hill, the steering rod snapped. The BYD Shark didn't fare much better, suffering a destroyed radiator and a bent chassis. While driver skill matters, build quality makes a difference too. When Team Bree's Lucas took the Tasman up the hill, he kept a steady pace and reached the top without too much drama. Afterward, they lifted the truck to inspect it. Surprisingly, there was no major damage — only a few expected scrapes on the plastic undertray, as expected
Tasman's Off-Road Hardware
Source: YouTube @Team Bree Offroad
The all-wheel-drive Kia Tasman is powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine that makes 207 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offers a 47 cubic-foot bed, a 2,200-lb payload capacity, and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs. In X-Pro trim, the Tasman rides on 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It boasts a 32.2-degree approach angle, a 26.2-degree departure angle, and 9.9 inches of ground clearance. A rear-locking differential, impressive traction control, and Kia's Ground View Monitor system — which displays the terrain directly ahead — all play a role in its Beer O'Clock peformance.
The Redefined Brand Image
Source: Kia
Just a few years ago, Kia was seen as a brand that made unremarkable cars for everyday drivers. That has changed. With performance cars like the Stinger GT, genuinely attractive-looking SUVs like the Telluride, and cool EVs like the EV6, Kia means business. The rugged new Tasman pickup is proof that Kia plans to keep pushing boundaries. It won't be coming to the US market anytime soon, but if it ever does, the Tasman might give the Ford Maverick, and even the Ranger, a serious run for their money.
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