Kia Middle East & Africa recently hosted an exclusive desert driving experience in Jordan to showcase the capabilities of the Kia Tasman, Kia’s first-ever pickup truck. This event highlighted the Tasman’s strength, durability, and appeal through a challenging off-road route spanning diverse terrains from Amman to the historic city of Petra.
Following its global debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show in October 2024, and a strong pre-order response across the region, the desert drive in Jordan reinforced Kia’s commitment to redefining the pickup segment.
Participants enjoyed an immersive journey through Jordan’s breathtaking landscapes, starting from the depths of the Dead Sea to the iconic rose-red city of Petra. The route included shifting sand dunes in Wadi Araba, rocky terrains in Al-Beida, and winding mountain roads, carefully selected to demonstrate the Tasman’s off-road prowess, versatile performance, and SUV-like interior comfort.
The driving experience pushed the Tasman to its limits, overcoming obstacles and terrains reflecting the results of over 18,000 tests conducted during development. Drivers navigated rugged bumps to test the X-Trek system, tackled a 30-degree side slope to assess lateral stability, and climbed steep inclines demonstrating torque distribution and suspension performance.
Commenting on the event, Ahmed Al-Sudoudi, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Kia Middle East & Africa, said:
“With the Tasman, Kia opens new horizons in the pickup segment. As the brand’s first pickup, the Tasman establishes itself with boldness, innovation, and uniqueness. The Jordan desert drive proved its ability to conquer the toughest terrains in the region, while offering Kia’s signature comfort and technologies. The Tasman empowers owners to excel, turning every journey into a statement of confidence and capability. It also reflects Kia’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the Middle East, delivering vehicles tailored to the region’s unique needs.”
More than Just a Pickup
Backed by over 20 years of research and 50 years of military vehicle experience, the Kia Tasman is engineered to excel across diverse terrains. With a ground clearance of 252mm and a 32-degree approach angle in the X-Pro variant, it is designed specifically for rugged conditions. Advanced off-road driving modes, including a desert mode tailored for Middle Eastern terrains, reinforced underbody protection, and precise engineering ensure superior capability on sand dunes, rocky paths, and steep slopes.
At the same time, the Tasman balances high durability with SUV-like comfort, featuring a spacious, comfortable cabin for long journeys across mountainous passes or vast deserts.
Jordan’s desert driving experience also embodies Kia’s design philosophy of “Unity of Opposites,” combining bold exterior styling with an elegant interior that offers best-in-class legroom, smart storage solutions, and advanced in-cabin technology.
As a new and influential player in the pickup sector, the Kia Tasman attracts a new generation of customers seeking uniqueness, practicality, and performance. With its mix of strength, versatility, and customization options, the Tasman reaffirms Kia’s long-standing commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility.
