One of the most anticipated vehicle releases in 2025 in Australia was by far that of the all-new Kia Tasman ute. Available in either a 4×2 or 4×4 dual cab or a 4×4 cab chassis with multiple trim levels, the Tasman is the most Australian Kia ever developed.
The Kia design team deliberately shunned the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades. An expansive radiator grille and bumper design emphasise the pickup’s width and the upright windshield and rear glass contribute to the Kia Tasman’s bold silhouette. At the rear, the tailgate showcases a utilitarian character. I have to say I am in the camp that believes the Tasman is ugly and considering it was outsold by the top selling vehicle in Australia, the Ford Ranger, by more than 11 to one in December 2025, many others may be of the same opinion? But if you can get away from the polarising looks then the Kia Tasman is a family ute worth considering.
The Tasman is powered by a 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 154kW of power and 441Nm of torque, and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine sounds quite smooth for a diesel on start-up but feels like it needs more pull on the road. The official combined fuel consumption of this X-Pro variant is 8.1L/100km and for my week driving predominately around town I used 9.2L/100km.
The on-road drive modes available include Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, and Tow and I spent my time mostly in Normal mode. Under My Drive mode you can adjust the powertrain and steering feel to your preferences. Terrain modes included on all Tasman models are Snow, Sand, and Mud. The X-Pro model provides an additional Rock mode, specifically designed to enhance performance on challenging mountainous terrains.
All Tasmans feature a ladder-frame construction with high-mount double wishbone suspension and solid-axle four-layer leaf spring rear suspension layout, that bring optimal off-road ruggedness, traction and load-carrying ability. Despite the thousands of hours of development that have gone into the Tasman, it still offers a typical ute like ride and is not as good as the best in class Ford Ranger V6 range and the Tasman has a poor turning circle.
Genuine off-road status is underlined by the 4×4 Active two-speed transfer case used by all Tasman 4×4 models. With high range modes (2H/4H), four-wheel drive low-range (4L) and most importantly for me 4×4 Active (4A) mode offering the ability to send power between the front and rear axles automatically in, depending on where traction is required. Having a 4A makes driving a ute daily as a family vehicle a similar proposition to driving an AWD SUV and gives you a little bit more confidence when driving in wet conditions.
This robust X-Pro trim, finished in Tan Beige here, is equipped with 17-inch gloss-black wheels with all-terrain tyres and fuel tank undercover protection. It has been specifically engineered for enhanced off-road performance characteristics with 28mm higher ground clearance than standard 4×4 Tasman, totalling 252mm. At this height I do think the X-Pro should have some sort of side step to help you get up and into it, because it’s high. It has an approach angle of 32.2 degrees, a rampover angle of 25.8 degrees, and a 26.2 degrees departure angle. All Kia Tasman variants have the ability to ford water up to 800mm deep at a speed of 7km/h. Kia’s Ground View Monitor provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain. By utilising the Kia Tasman’s camera and infotainment screens, the technology shows what is going on at ground level, allowing the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle precisely in tight areas.
Further enhancements to the X-Pro variant include an automatically engaging rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) and X-Trek mode. X-Trek mode enables the vehicle to maintain a low speed off-road without the need for manual acceleration or braking, ensuring smooth navigation through rough terrain. The e-LD, located in the rear differential, provides advanced control over locking and unlocking, enhancing the vehicle’s adaptability and control in off-road scenarios.
All Tasmans have a payload rating exceeding 1,000kg, with the X-Pro 4×4 capable of carrying 1,013kg. All Dual Cab Pick-Up variants are also available with a reduced payload option specifically aimed at meeting the criteria for novated leases, which often require a payload of under 1,000kg. The Tasman has a braked tow rating of 3,500kg, and unbraked loads are limited to 750kg.
Trailer mode is automatically activated when a trailer is connected, appropriate active safety functions are deactivated or scaled back to suit, and there’s a trailer connection check list. The Trailer page within the multimedia menu enables the driver to set up specific towed loads and store these settings so they’re ready to go every time you tow. The Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is seamlessly integrated from the factory and enables the driver to accurately calibrate the braking force of electronic trailer brakes through 20 levels to optimise stability and therefore safety while towing. An override function is also within easy reach of the driver.
Push button style keyless entry is available on all door handles and the keyless start button is located on the gear selector column and these features are available across the Tasman grades. On the interior the X-Pro gets artificial leather appointed seats, a premium Harmon Kardon sound system, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a sunroof with manual mild, heated second row seats, cooled front seats in addition to seat heating, a powered passenger seat, and two memory positions for the driver’s seat. I particularly liked the chunky door handle design and the air vent design on the Tasman. This is the Onyx Black/Medium Grey upholstery and both front seats seat has power adjustment for recline, forward/back, seat height/tilt front and rear, two-way lumbar support. Like other Kias, the driver also has buttons on their side of the passenger seat to adjust the recline and move the seat forward and back.
All Tasmans feature Kia’s latest integrated panoramic display, comprised of 12.3” driver, 5” climate control screen that retains physical toggles also, and 12.3” multimedia displays that support wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Kia Connect needs to be established to use the voice control as well as innovative in-car services and it has Over-The-Air updates. The higher spec Tasmans get two wireless phone chargers and two USB-C ports here and one 12V socket under the arm rest. Media sources include DAB/FM, AM radio, Bluetooth, USB music, USB video, Sounds of Nature and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Wireless Android Auto worked well for me and the only issue I found was that when I had Android Auto connected it was a bit hit or miss when it came to me getting the radio to play and I couldn’t work out the steps I needed to do to get this to work?
Cabin usability and storage is highlighted by the arm rest that can be folded out flat to create a table for your laptop or lunch. The centre console has the dimensions of the Tasman imprinted on it and has a gloss black plastic finish with speckles in it, so it just looks dusty all of the time. You get an upper and lower glovebox and good sized drink bottle storage in the front door cubbies.
I found that the leg room for the rear seats was tight even if the front passenger moved forward to give the person behind them more room and then the front passenger’s leg room became tight. The rear seats also lacked under thigh support, but the headroom is good. The centre seat folds down as an arm rest with two rigid cup holders in it and slots for phones and there are good sized drink bottle storage cubbies in the rear doors.
Two ISOFix/two rear tether child seat restraint points that have proper metal anchors points that are labelled to avoid any confusion behind the rear seats, which is good, but they are very narrow so clipping some seats in may be tricky. ANCAP noted that the installation of typical child restraints available in Australia and New Zealand showed most child restraints could be accommodated in most rear outboard seating positions, though neither booster seat could be correctly installed in the rear outboard seating positions.
Rear passengers have two central air vents with individual direction and on/off controls. There is one USB-C port on the side of each front seats and one 240V max 400W standard plug below the air vents. Something I haven’t seen before, and like, are the zip up pockets behind each of the front seats with another slimmer pocket above. I also liked the single rubber floor mat that protected the entire carpet area. There’s storage under rear seats, which can be flipped up and stay up while you access the space below them.
The tailgate locks and unlocks with the entire vehicle and on the X-Pro there is a button on the key fob to release the tailgate, which has soft open, and manual close. The tub is lined with hard plastic and measures 147cm deep and 119cm between the wheel arches. There’s one 240V max 400W standard plug in the tub and four substantial tie downs with an adjustable point on tracks on either side of the tub, which also has two lights with on/off switch. There’s one step on either side of the tub at the rear, but they are high up so you need to put some effort in to get up there and as it doesn’t have a cover you would need to put groceries on the rear seats anyway. The X-Pro gets storage in the bulky rear fenders and there is a full-size tyre under the rear of the vehicle.
The Kia Tasman is fitted with an autonomous emergency braking system capable of functioning at highway speeds, a lane support system with lane keep assist and emergency lane keeping functionality, blind spot monitoring with the X-Pro also having blind spot view displayed on the driver’s dash when you indicate, and adaptive cruise control. All dual cab variants, excluding X-Line and this X-Pro, have a five-star ANCAP (2025) safety rating. For convenience you get a front and rear-view camera with a 360-degree view and 3D walk around camera combined with front and rear parking sensors. It also has auto lights, auto high beam and auto rain sensing wipers.
All new Kias come with a 7-Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty and one year of complimentary Roadside Assist. Owners can renew their Roadside Assistance package yearly, for up to eight years, by simply returning their vehicle to an Authorised Kia Dealer for its annual scheduled service. For the Tasman, service intervals are once a year or 15,000km, whichever comes first, and the total service costs for the first seven services is at capped at $4,093. You can also purchase either 3 years ($1,371), 5 Years ($2,834) or 7 Years ($3,929) service plan either at the time of the vehicle purchase or during the first 11 months of owning your new Kia.
Designed to compete in one of the industry’s largest segments, Kia’s first ute marks a significant milestone for Kia Australia. Similar to the voyages of Abel Tasman, who was the greatest of the Dutch navigators and explorers and the first European to sight Tasmania, New Zealand, Tonga, and the Fiji Islands back in the 17th century.
Prices for the Kia MY26 Tasman X-Pro Dual Cab ute start from $74,990 excluding on road costs and as tested with the Premium Paint ($700) this Tasman X-Pro was $75,690 plus on-roads. Until the 31st January 2026, you can receive a complimentary Accessory Pack when purchasing the Tasman X-Pro. Offers available on in-stock new and demonstrator vehicles, while stocks last. The Accessory Pack consists of a Tow Bar Kit, Tubular Side Steps , and a Soft Tonneau Cover. You can Build & Order your new Kia Tasman on-line or visit your preferred Kia dealer for more information.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Has 4A mode | The exterior design is challenging to the eye |
| The fold out front arm rest | Ride is similar to a typical ute |
| Proper rear tether anchorage points | Rear seat leg room is tight |
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.