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?
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.
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.