2025 Kia Tasman Buying Guide
Your complete handbook to Kia’s first-ever pickup truck – trims, pricing, specs, and smart shopping tips.
Kia has never sold a body-on-frame truck, so the Tasman is a watershed model designed to tackle markets dominated by the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. It premieres on a ladder-frame chassis, offers diesel and gasoline engines, and blends SUV-like refinement with real work-ute toughness.
The ute was simultaneously revealed in Hobart, Tasmania, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 29 October 2024, andAustralian deliveries begin mid-2025. Kia targets20,000 local sales a year– enough to vault the brand to Australia’s No. 2 spot behind Toyota if achieved.
Trim Walk-Through & Pricing (AUD)
| Trim | Drivetrain | Cab | Indicative Price* | Key Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 4x2 or 4x4 | Single / Dual | from $38,010 | Fleet / tradie value |
| SX | 4x2 or 4x4 | Single / Dual | from $52,740 (SX 4x4 dual-cab) | Mainstream buyers |
| SX+ | 4x4 | Dual-cab | mid–$60K | Lifestyle mix |
| X-Line | 4x4 | Dual-cab | low–$70K | Design-led recreation |
| X-Pro | 4x4 | Dual-cab | $74,990–$77,990 | Off-road enthusiasts |
*Drive-away costs vary by state and accessories.
Engines & Performance
Two confirmed powertrains share a live rear axle and selectable 4WD:
| Engine | Output | Transmission | 0-100 km/h | Economy (combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl turbodiesel | 154 kW / 440 Nm (AUS tune) | 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual | 10.4 s | 7.4–8.1 L/100 km |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl gasoline (global) | 277 hp / 421 Nm | 8-speed auto | 8.5 s | 9.5–10 L/100 km est. |
A 3.0 L V6 diesel is “under evaluation” but unconfirmed.
Towing, Payload & Bed Practicality
The Tasman matches rivals with a 3,500 kg braked-trailer rating and around 1,000 kg payload. Its 5-ft (1,173 L) bed includes side cubbies that double as a camp table, and a damped tailgate. Optional ladder racks, sports bars and tonneau covers are factory-approved.
Interior & Tech
Step inside and it feels more Sorento than work truck. The dash carries dual 12.3-inch displays with a separate 5-inch HVAC screen, plus an expandable centre console that flips into a table – handy for on-site laptops or picnic lunches. Rear passengers get class-leading leg room and up to 30-degree seat recline.
Safety kit is equally generous: AEB, adaptive cruise, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 2 and a trailer brake controller are standard on most trims, and the core range has already scored a five-star ANCAP rating.
Off-Road Credentials
The X-Pro trim adds reinforced suspension, terrain modes and a locking rear diff for serious tracks, while every 4x4 has 800 mm wading depth and Kia’s XTrek crawl mode. A Ground View Monitor projects the trail directly onto the infotainment screen.
At-a-Glance Strengths & Weaknesses
| Where it Shines | Where to Look Closely |
|---|---|
| Plush, SUV-like cabin space | Diesel lacks the punch of V6 rivals |
| Seven-year, unlimited-km warranty | Ride jiggle over sharp potholes |
| Integrated trailer brake & 3.5-t tow | Some safety alerts feel over-zealous |
| Competitive pricing for S/SX grades | Top trims pricey without extra power |
How the Tasman Stacks Up
| Spec / Model | Kia Tasman X-Pro | Ford Ranger Wildtrak | Toyota HiLux Rogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2 L 4-cyl diesel | 2.0 L bi-turbo diesel | 2.8 L diesel |
| Power / Torque | 154 kW / 440 Nm | 154 kW / 500 Nm | 150 kW / 500 Nm |
| Towing (braked) | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Warranty | 7 yr / unlimited | 5 yr / unlimited | 5 yr / unlimited |
| Base Price (AUD) | $74,990 | $71,190 | $70,760 |
Buying Tips
• Tradies and fleets: the S or SX 4x4 gives you the same chassis and tow rating as pricier trims for tens of thousands less.
• Lifestyle users: budget for factory side steps, roof racks and a tonneau – they’re optional on most grades.
• Off-roaders: X-Pro’s all-terrain tyres and diff lock are worth the premium if you live on dirt; otherwise add aftermarket suspension to an SX+.
• Finance: Kia’s seven-year warranty and capped-price servicing improve residuals, so leasing can be surprisingly sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Tasman come to the United States?
Unlikely, because imported pickups face a 25 percent tariff. Kia is instead plotting an EV truck for the U.S. by 2027.
Is there a petrol or hybrid option?
Australia launches with the 2.2 L diesel; the 2.5 L turbo-petrol is slated for other regions. A hybrid has not been announced.
Can I fit a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch?
No. Like most midsize utes, the ladder frame is rated for bumper-pull loads only.
What colours and accessories are available?
Kia offers six factory colours, two wheel finishes, sports bars, ladder racks, bull-bars, snorkels and a factory-approved winch kit.
Source Highlights
Kia’s own site says the Tasman lets owners fine-tune its features to personal style.
DailyRevs notes the X-Pro arrives with reinforced suspension, terrain modes and a locking diff.
Carscoops confirms the ute skips America due to the “chicken tax”.
Drive.com.au reports Kia’s ambition to sell 20,000 units per year in Australia.
Wikipedia details the triple-screen cabin and 30° rear-seat recline.
MyNRMA testing found the diesel drinks about 8.1 L/100 km.
Chasing Cars breaks down fleet-friendly pricing for the SX 4x4 dual-cab at $52,740.
MotorAuthority confirms the 2.5-liter petrol engine’s 277-hp output.
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