KIA Tasman with just a 4 Cylinder… Thoughts?

I was really surprised to hear that KIA’s Tasman is a 4-cylinder. For a pickup, I’d expect at least a V6! They say it’s for environmental reasons, but still, it’s strange to see this, especially when it can supposedly tow a yacht. Even KIA’s smaller models like Sorento and Telluride have V6s.

Honestly, I was excited until I heard about this. How’s everyone feeling about this?

The 2.7L 4-cylinder turbo Silverados are out now and seem to perform well.

Sung said:
The 2.7L 4-cylinder turbo Silverados are out now and seem to perform well.

I’ve got one, no issues. It has a lot of power and isn’t underpowered at all. Mine can tow up to 9500 lbs with 2WD and 8900 lbs with 4WD. I’ve loaded it up with a lawn mower and a sedan on a trailer, and it hauls just fine.

It’s more about the power than the cylinders. Turbo 4-cylinders can make over 300 horsepower easily. People would still prefer a V6 even if it had less horsepower, though.

Here in Australia, most mid-size trucks are 4-cylinders, except for some performance models with 6-cylinders. They’re used for towing campers, caravans, and going off-road.

In Asia, similar trucks come with smaller engines, like 1.9 or 2.2L. So, is the Tasman underpowered? Maybe a bit, but it’ll handle job sites or adventure trips just fine.

With 311 lb-ft of torque and 8 gears, it should be able to manage.

Just wait, the next versions of Sorento and Telluride will probably end up with 4-cylinders too.

Cindy said:
Just wait, the next versions of Sorento and Telluride will probably end up with 4-cylinders too.

Sorento already only has a 4-cylinder option. They don’t offer a V6 anymore.

@zabeen
Well, there we have it .

Cindy said:
Just wait, the next versions of Sorento and Telluride will probably end up with 4-cylinders too.

We’ve had 2.2 diesel 4-cylinders for 14 years, so why would it be an issue?

@GriffinOtiz
That comment is probably more relevant for the US market.

@GriffinOtiz
Yep, I was referring to the US market where they’re moving from 8 and 6-cylinder engines to turbo 4’s.

Old Ford Rangers also came with 4-cylinders.

Where have you been? Most smaller trucks have 4-cylinder engines now. Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Frontier, Maverick… they’re all 4-cylinder. Even some 1/2 ton trucks can come with a 4-cylinder option now.

And by the way, Sorento is only 4-cylinder as well. Been like that for the last 10 years or so.

I drive a 2019 Ford Ranger with a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder. Feels just like a V6, and it can tow more than my old F-150 with a 4.6L V8. For the size of the Tasman and the way most folks use trucks, a 4-cylinder is more than enough.

It’s probably just because we don’t get this truck in the NA/US market.

Sorento doesn’t have a V6.

DolphGabbana said:
Sorento doesn’t have a V6.

Depends on where you are. Some regions do get a V6 Sorento, and it’s quite popular there, though maybe not in your area.

Not a surprise. This has been the trend for a while now.

Even the new Tacoma and 4Runner are sticking to 4-cylinders.

Bigger question is what transmission it has. Are we looking at a DCT or a traditional torque converter (like Genesis)?