Deep in the rugged terrain of Queensland, Australia, a new player in the pickup truck world has just made a bold statement. The 2025 Kia Tasman, a diesel-powered beast, tackled one of the toughest off-road challenges known to truck enthusiasts—Beer O’Clock Hill—and came out on top. This brutal climb, notorious for breaking even the most capable vehicles, left competitors like the Ford Ranger Raptor and BYD Shark battered, but the Tasman powered through with grit and minimal damage. Here’s why this achievement is turning heads and what it means for truck fans looking for a vehicle that can handle the toughest trails.
Taking on Beer O’Clock Hill: A True Test of Toughness
Located at The Springs 4x4 Adventure Park, two hours southwest of Brisbane, Beer O’Clock Hill is no ordinary off-road challenge. Spanning just 100 meters, this punishing hillclimb features a jaw-dropping 50-degree incline, deep ruts, loose gravel, and sharp rocks that can tear apart even the most prepared rigs. It’s a place where modified 4x4s often struggle, and stock vehicles rarely dare to tread. Yet, the Kia Tasman X-Pro, the flagship model of Kia’s first-ever dual-cab pickup, took on this beast and conquered it on its first attempt.
The hill has a reputation for chewing up and spitting out some of the biggest names in off-roading. A Ford Ranger Raptor, known for its off-road prowess, met its match when its steering rod snapped during an attempt. The BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid ute, suffered catastrophic damage, with a wrecked radiator and a bent chassis. Even modified vehicles from brands like Toyota and Nissan have lost springs, dampers, and differentials on this unforgiving slope. So, when Team Bree Offroad’s Lucas Bree took the wheel of a pre-production Tasman, expectations were cautious—but the results were anything but.
Equipped with nothing more than a set of Mickey Thompson Boss all-terrain tires, the Tasman climbed the hill with a steady, controlled pace. Unlike others that relied on raw speed and momentum, the Tasman’s approach was methodical, showcasing its engineering and capability. When the team inspected the undercarriage after the climb, they found only minor scuffs on the plastic undertray—no bent metal, no broken components. Lucas Bree, a seasoned off-road expert, called it “incredible” for a vehicle with only a rear differential lock to make it up such a challenging hill. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that Kia’s new pickup is ready to compete with the best.
Built for the Battle: The Tasman’s Off-Road Arsenal
The Kia Tasman isn’t just a flashy newcomer—it’s built to handle serious off-road conditions. At its heart is a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine pumping out 207 horsepower and a stout 325 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers smooth, reliable power to all four wheels. The Tasman’s all-wheel-drive system is designed to tackle tough terrain, and in the X-Pro trim, it’s loaded with features that make it a standout in the dirt.
The X-Pro variant rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, offering excellent grip on loose surfaces. With a 32.2-degree approach angle, a 26.2-degree departure angle, and 9.9 inches of ground clearance, the Tasman can navigate steep inclines and rocky obstacles without scraping its underbelly. A selectable electronically-locking rear differential provides extra traction when the going gets tough, while advanced traction control software, including a dedicated Rock mode, ensures the truck stays planted even on treacherous surfaces like Beer O’Clock Hill.
One of the Tasman’s secret weapons is Kia’s Ground View Monitor system, which uses cameras to display the terrain directly ahead of the truck. This gives drivers a clear view of obstacles, making it easier to pick the best line through rough patches. The truck also boasts a 47 cubic-foot bed, a 2,200-pound payload capacity, and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, making it as practical for work as it is capable off-road. Compared to competitors like the GWM Cannon Alpha, which needed both front and rear differential locks to conquer the same hill, the Tasman’s ability to succeed with just a rear locker highlights its sophisticated engineering.
From Underdog to Off-Road Champion
Kia’s journey to this moment hasn’t been overnight. A few years ago, the brand was known for building reliable but unexciting cars for daily commutes. That perception started to shift with models like the Stinger GT, a performance sedan that took on German rivals, and the Telluride, a ruggedly handsome SUV that won over families and adventurers alike. The EV6, Kia’s sleek electric vehicle, further proved the brand’s ability to innovate and compete in new segments. Now, the Tasman pickup is the latest proof that Kia is no longer playing it safe—it’s pushing boundaries and taking on the giants of the truck world.
The Tasman’s success at Beer O’Clock Hill isn’t just a marketing stunt; it’s a signal that Kia has done its homework. The truck was designed with input from Australian off-road enthusiasts, ensuring it’s tailored to handle the kind of brutal conditions found in places like The Springs 4x4 Adventure Park. The X-Pro model, priced at $74,990 before on-road costs in Australia, sits at the top of the Tasman lineup, offering extras like off-road metrics on the touchscreen, underbody fuel-tank protection, and X-Trek mode for enhanced capability. It’s a premium option, slightly pricier than rivals like the Toyota HiLux GR Sport ($74,310) and Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 ($74,840), but its performance suggests it’s worth the investment.
What’s Next for the Tasman?
While the Tasman isn’t available in the U.S. yet, its performance has sparked plenty of chatter among truck enthusiasts. Posts on platforms like X have praised its ability to outshine established players, with one user calling it a “proper off-road weapon” after watching it climb Beer O’Clock Hill with minimal modifications. Another post highlighted how even LandCruisers struggle on this hill, making the Tasman’s near-stock success all the more impressive. The truck’s rugged design and proven capability have also caught the eye of aftermarket companies like ARB, which has already shown off concepts for bullbars, alloy trays, and canopies to enhance the Tasman’s off-road credentials.
Kia has hinted at even more exciting possibilities for the Tasman. At the 2025 Seoul Motor Show, the company unveiled the Tasman Weekender concept, a beefed-up version with body-colored fender flares, 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and a lifted suspension. While it’s just a concept for now, Kia hasn’t ruled out a production version to rival high-performance utes like the Ford Ranger Raptor. With plans for dual-cab chassis and single-cab variants to join the lineup later in 2025, the Tasman is poised to offer something for everyone, from workhorse buyers to hardcore off-roaders.
Why the Tasman Matters
The Kia Tasman’s conquest of Beer O’Clock Hill is more than just a cool video for truck fans—it’s a sign that the pickup market is getting more competitive. For years, brands like Ford, Toyota, and Nissan have dominated the off-road scene, but Kia’s entry shows that new players can shake things up. The Tasman’s ability to tackle a hill that broke a Ranger Raptor and crippled a BYD Shark proves it’s not just another truck; it’s a serious contender built to handle the toughest challenges.
For those who love the thrill of off-roading, the Tasman offers a fresh option that combines modern tech with old-school toughness. Its diesel engine, robust suspension, and smart traction systems make it a vehicle that can go where others can’t. While it may not hit U.S. shores anytime soon, its performance Down Under has already sparked dreams of what it could do on American trails. If Kia ever brings the Tasman stateside, trucks like the Ford Maverick and Ranger might have to step up their game to keep up.
