2025 Kia Tasman: A Comprehensive Technical Guide
Kia has jumped head-first into the ultra-competitive midsize pickup class with the all-new Tasman, a body-on-frame ute engineered to rival stalwarts like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. The truck made its twin-continent debut in Hobart, Tasmania and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 29 October 2024, signaling how seriously Kia takes the “global” in global product planning. By 2025 the company hopes to move 20,000 units a year in Australia alone, a target that, if met, could catapult the brand to the country’s number-two sales position behind Toyota. Kia’s ambition—and the Tasman’s spec sheet—demand a closer look.
The Tasman is built on the second-generationMohave/Borregoladder-frame architecture, giving it the torsional rigidity and payload ratings pickup buyers expect.
Exterior Design
If the Tasman’s function is conventional, its styling is anything but. Renderings and pre-production photos reveal T-shaped daytime running lights flanking a bold “Tiger Face” grille and chunky black wheel-arch cladding. The rear features vertical LED light bars and integrated corner steps. In Australia, buyers can pick from nine paint colors, including two Tasman-specific hues—Tan Beige and Denim Blue—to match accessories like a Sports Bar or Double Decker sliding tonneau system.
Powertrains & Performance
Three engine combinations—two confirmed, one rumored—cover the spectrum from fleet duty to weekend overlanding:
| Engine | Output | Transmissions | 0-100 km/h | Top Speed | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L four-cyl turbodiesel | 154 kW / 207 hp, 441 Nm / 325 lb-ft | 6-spd manual, 8-spd automatic | 10.4 s | 185 km/h | AUS, NZ, ME |
| 2.5 L four-cyl turbopetrol | 207 kW / 277 hp, 421 Nm / 310 lb-ft | 8-spd automatic | 8.5 s | 185 km/h | Select markets |
| 3.0 L V6 turbodiesel* | ~186 kW / 250 hp (TBC) | TBA | TBA | TBA | Rumored |
*V6 option unconfirmed but under evaluation.
Both powertrains feature selectable 4WD with 2H/4H/4L modes, while higher trims add terrain-specific algorithms (Sand, Mud, Snow, Rock, and even Desert for Middle-East markets). Frequency-selective dampers and leaf-spring rear tuning aim for class-leading unladen comfort.
Capability Benchmarks
| Metric | Tasman (Diesel AT) | Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo | Toyota HiLux 2.8 | Mitsubishi Triton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braked Towing | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Payload (max) | 1,195 kg | 1,010 kg | 1,015 kg | 1,095 kg |
| Wading Depth | 800 mm | 800 mm | 700 mm | 700 mm |
| Ground Clearance | up to 252 mm | 237 mm | 217 mm | 220 mm |
Off-Road Packages
The flagship X-Pro is engineered for overlanding straight from the showroom. It adds all-terrain tires, reinforced dampers, an electronic rear diff-lock, and an XTrek low-speed crawl mode that allows the driver to focus on steering while the vehicle meters throttle and braking on steep grades. An optional Ground View Monitor projects a live feed of obstacles directly ahead of the bumper—technology carried over from Kia’s SUVs.
Interior & Technology
Step inside and the cabin feels more Sorento than work truck. Dual 12.3-inch widescreens form a seamless glass cockpit, paired with a 5-inch climate display below. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual phone chargers, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system are standard on mid-grade trims and above. Practical touches include class-leading rear-seat recline (22–30°) and a console armrest that flips into a mobile workspace for laptops or lunch stops. OTA software updates promise to keep maps and driver-assist systems current without dealer visits.
Bed & Cargo Solutions
Unlike rivals that restrict long beds to two-door cabs, Kia offers multiple tub solutions for the double-cab:
• Single Decker canopy with butterfly doors
• Double Decker sliding tonneau + roof rack
• Sports Bar with adjustable tie-downs
• Ladder Rack for work fleets
Australian models can be factory-ordered with a 240-V outlet in the bed wall, handy for power tools or campsite kettles. Cargo volume tops out at 41.4 cu ft (for the global 5-ft bed) or 1,173 L in Aussie spec.
Safety & Driver Assistance
All Tasman grades target a five-star ANCAP rating thanks to a robust ADAS suite:
• Forward Collision-Avoidance (junction & pedestrian)
• Lane Keep Assist & Highway Driving Assist 2
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with rear cross-traffic auto-brake
• Integrated trailer brake controller and sway mitigation
Some buyers may find the interventions overly assertive, but the calibration reflects Kia’s conservative safety philosophy.
Trim Walk & Pricing
| Trim | Drivetrain | Bed | Key Adds | AUS Drive-Away* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 4×2 | 2.2D / 6MT | Single | Steel wheels, cloth, AEB | A$46,490 |
| S 4×4 | 2.2D / 6MT | Single | 4WD, rear diff-lock | A$49,990 |
| SX 4×4 | 2.2D / 8AT | Single | Sat-nav, alloys, LED lamps | A$54,990 |
| X-Line 4×4 | 2.2D / 8AT | Double | Terrain modes, 360-cam | A$64,990 |
| X-Pro 4×4 | 2.2D / 8AT | Double | All-terrain pack, 252 mm GC | A$77,990 |
*Pricing pre-on-road costs; regional incentives may vary.
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
Real-world testing in Australia shows diesel consumption between 7.6 L/100 km on highway cruise and 10 L/100 km under load. Kia’s seven-year/unlimited-km warranty and capped-price servicing sweeten the deal for fleet managers seeking predictable ownership costs.
Market Roll-Out & Availability
Kia prioritized markets with mature midsize-truck demand, shipping the first production units to Australia and New Zealand in April 2025, followed by Korea, South Africa, the Middle East, and select ASEAN countries. North American sales remain off the table due to the 25 % “Chicken Tax,” though Kia engineers continue hot-weather testing prototypes at the Mojave Proving Grounds in California—hinting that a U.S.-built EV pickup may eventually fill the gap.
Competitive Position
The Tasman does not try to out-gun every rival on raw output; instead its strategy blends sufficient power, thoughtful packaging, and aggressive warranty terms. Fleet buyers will appreciate its payload and capped-price service program, while weekend adventurers get class-leading rear-seat comfort and robust X-Pro hardware.
Quick-Reference Checklist
| Area | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Platform | Body-on-frame, Mohave derived |
| Engines | 2.2 D (207 hp) / 2.5 G (277 hp) |
| Transmissions | 6-MT, 8-AT |
| Tow / Payload | 3.5 t / up to 1.2 t |
| Bed Lengths | 5 ft (Global), 6.5 ft (NA prototype) |
| Off-Road | Ground View Monitor, XTrek, 252 mm clearance |
| Cabin Tech | Dual 12.3-in displays, OTA, dual chargers |
| Warranty | 7-yr / unlimited km (AUS/NZ) |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kia Tasman isn’t just a toe in the water for Kia—it’s a cannonball splash. By grafting SUV-like comfort onto a work-ready ladder frame and backing it with the industry’s lengthiest warranty, the company has produced a pickup that addresses both head and heart. Whether it can poach loyal HiLux and Ranger owners remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kia has arrived in the ute business, and the Tasman gives buyers yet another compelling reason to shop beyond the usual suspects.
The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.