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This article appeared on the paid content service DealSite TV Plus at 11:10 PM on May 24, 2026.
Off-roading felt surprisingly composed and comfortable, and the overnight camp had everything you’d want. The Tasman Intensive held May 23 at the HMG Driving Experience Center in Taean, Chungnam, delivered a tightly curated off-road adventure followed by a mood-filled, effortless camping experience.
Tasman Intensive is a program built exclusively for Kia’s first pickup, the Tasman. It kicks off on the center’s off-road course, tackles real mountain trails, and wraps up with an overnight stay at a West Coast campground.
The test vehicle was the Tasman X-Pro, the trim tuned for serious off-road use. It offers 252 mm (9.9 in) of ground clearance—28 mm (1.1 in) higher than the standard 4WD model—and comes standard with all-terrain tires. Kia also equips the X-Pro with off-road features like X-TREK mode and a ground-view monitor.
The center’s course mixes gravel, sand, rutted sections and water channels to simulate a variety of rough-terrain conditions. Under pro instructors’ guidance, drivers switch terrain modes for each segment and drive the route themselves. The standout moment is a stretch with slopes of up to about 35 degrees. Climbing it felt like riding a steep roller-coaster—there was nothing but sky as we crested the incline. The truck powered up confidently, and the descent was slow, controlled and free of jolts.
After the course run, we dove straight into a gravel-road rally on a dirt-and-stone surface. We pushed the gravel at roughly 70 km/h (about 44 mph)—a speed that would likely bog down a regular car or send it sliding. The Tasman, however, stayed planted and exited the gravel as smoothly as if it were on pavement. Instructors credited the X-Pro’s standard all-terrain tires; their grip kept the truck steady on loose surfaces.
From the center we drove about 42 km (roughly 26 miles) one-way to reach the mountain trails. What surprised me most was how SUV-like the ride felt—cushy and controlled. Road vibration was minimal, and even after tackling rough ground, the cabin remained quiet and composed. You also get modern driver aids like smart cruise control and highway driving assist—amenities you’d expect in a contemporary SUV.
The mountain off-road section is roughly 4–5 km round-trip. It’s where the Tasman’s terrain-specific modes really shine. Rock mode, in particular, delivers aggressive traction control that helps the truck climb jagged mountain tracks with confidence and minimal fuss.
On steep climbs and tricky descents, the ground-view monitor was the most helpful feature for the driver. It streams a live view of the ground ahead on the infotainment screen so you can preview the surface and pick your line. That real-time feed reduces blind spots created by the vehicle’s tall body and makes precise driving possible.
Tasman Intensive doesn’t stop at driving. It also includes a full camping experience designed to showcase the pickup’s practicality. The camp was set at E-eundol Auto Campground, right on the West Coast beach. Organizers supplied all camping gear, so participants only needed to bring food and themselves. Tents and sleeping bags were provided, and the cooking setup was complete with an induction cooktop, electric grill, cookware set and kitchen tools. A smart TV and LED lights added to the cozy, atmospheric vibe.
Campers will find the Tasman genuinely useful. The side storage behind the passenger seat links to the vehicle’s locking system, keeping gear secure; its cover doubles as a handy makeshift table. The bed’s built-in 220V, 200W inverter lets you power electronics and lights while outdoors.
A Kia representative said, “Tasman Intensive is a journey that demonstrates, step by step, what this vehicle can do in different situations. Its off-road capability, the completeness of X‑Pro–exclusive features, comfortable ride, advanced conveniences and cargo versatility all come together to leave a cohesive impression.”
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