Kia’s long-anticipated entry into the dual-cab ute arena has finally landed, and it teaches the veterans more than a thing or two in various areas… although probably not in the area of design.
It’s called the Kia Tasman. On paper, it seems like it was engineered to poke at the traditional establishment. Especially with that controversial design. Love it or hate it, we’re all talking about it. And that’s half the challenge in this segment.
Buyers can choose from S, SX and X-Line trims, with the flagship X-Pro tested here aimed squarely at the lifestyle-leaning end of the market, promising serious off-road capability paired with a surprisingly premium interior and packaging.
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: Specifications
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 154kW@3800rpm / 440Nm@1750-2750rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.5, 265/70
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2237kg
Power-to-weight: 14.52:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Our consumption: 9.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/DieselPower efficiency: 19.01kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.07 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.13 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.09 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.82 seconds at 133.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.776g*
100-0km/h braking: 43.95m in 3.37 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.194g*
Decibel at idle: 47*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 78*
Starting price: $74,990*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: How much does it cost?
Straight out of the gate at $74,990 (excluding on-road costs), it positions itself at the upper end of the segment, even nudging beyond the Toyota HiLux GR Sport (from $74,310) – that by itself sets expectations sky-high.
To Kia’s credit, the Tasman has undergone extensive local validation to ensure it is fit for Australian conditions – a feat most of the cheaper rivals cannot claim. And that requires investment.
Even so, the price, especially for this top-spec X-Pro, will be a tough pill to swallow considering it is a rookie on this field; we don’t know anything about resale value, workhorse longevity, or even just parts supply and servicing traits.
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: Interior & packaging
Kia has absolutely nailed this interior, creating what might be the most polished and thoughtfully packaged cabin in the segment. Materials, ergonomics and storage solutions all convey that Kia wanted to surprise owners the moment they climb in.
There’s a sophistication to the dash layout and trim detailing that feels more premium SUV than rugged ute, thanks to concise proportions that are both rugged yet modern, and it is all highly practical.
Twin wireless phone chargers, hidden USB-C ports in the back corners of the front seats, a flip-over centre console that transforms into a flat work space, zipper pockets on the backs of the front seats, dual glove boxes… it’s all honest stuff that you’ll actually use because it actually makes life easier.
The Tasman also presents clearly labelled buttons for climate and drive models, nice big toggle switches for the dash, and it’s refreshing to have tactile switche rather than drowning everything in touch-screen menus. But even the touch-screen is quite intuitive and isn’t right in your face.
Space for the contoured rear bench passengers is generous by class standards, particularly legroom. And the seatback reclines beyond the near-vertical angles seen in some rivals, making longer journeys far more tolerable for adults. Headroom and shoulder width are also competitive.
Fit and finish is excellent, and the choice of two-tone trim options on the X-Pro helps it stand out even further. About the only ergonomic flaw is the square-ish steering wheel. Some drivers will get along with it, others may find the corners slightly intrusive during low-speed manoeuvring. I think it looks weird, too.
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: Powertrain & handling
Australian-delivered models come with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic. It’s a solid, willing unit with plenty of mid-range flexibility, and it gets the X-Pro across 0-100km/h in a Vbox-tested 9.13 seconds. It is among the quickest of the four-cylinder diesel dual-cab utes on sale.
However, the transmission does tend to shuffle around a little more than ideal, often hunting gears on undulating highways to maximise the engine’s low torque figure compared with rivals. And this isn’t light in weight, tipping the scales at almost 2300kg. At times it’ll even hold seventh gear at freeway speeds instead of upshifting to maintain responsiveness, although, that does result in using 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h – slightly higher than some rivals.
That said, torque delivery feels suitable for towing and touring duties, and refinement is commendable. One can’t help but wonder how special this would feel with Hyundai-Kia’s now-retired Genesis 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six, but the existing setup still offers respectable real-world performance – unladen, at least.
Steering feel is a highlight. It’s light, precise and communicative, helping disguise the fact that the Tasman measures 5.4 metres long. Visibility from the driver’s seat is superb thanks to a tall glasshouse, making tight car parks less intimidating than expected. There’s a surround-view camera system for backup as well.
Ride quality sits on the comfortable end of the spectrum, so it’s ideal for rough country roads. However, the front end does feel a bit softer than some and a touch floaty/bouncy in bends with bumps on them – it doesn’t quite offer the dynamic polish of some rivals, such as the Ford Ranger, in these scenarios. But the Tasman is comfortable, and the locally tuned suspension deserves credit for delivering broad-spectrum usability, including any compromises from big payload and towing ratings.
Speaking of which, the X-Pro offers the full 3500kg braked towing capacity, with a GVM of 3250kg and GCM of 6200kg. That means you have 663kg of leftover GVM at max towing (with 350kg download). But, you’ll actually run into the GCM first; 463kg once you combine 3500kg and the 2237kg kerb weight together.
The X-Pro comes with all-terrain tyres, 252mm of ground clearance (up from 206mm in lower variants), and a manual-locking rear diff lock (others use a reactive lock system). There’s also multiple terrain modes including X-Trek and sand and mud, enhancing off-road traction without demanding constant driver intervention.
During our test the X-Pro performed very well, attacking and conquering the most serious line of our usual hill climb. The traction management system seems to be proactive in operation, both reducing wheelspin but not constantly trying to completely eliminate it. Although the suspension flex and wheel travel range isn’t the best, the traction management really helps to direct torque where it needs to go when any wheels leave the ground.
Its awkward body offers 32.2 degrees approach angle, which is above many rivals, as well as an impressive departure angle of 26.2 degrees. Despite its overall length, the break-over angle of 25.8 degrees isn’t too bad either. For off-road expeditions and having fun, this package is probably going to be more capable than what most buyers are going to expect of it. And on our leaderboard, it does sit right near the top for off-road performance.
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Interior: Segment-leading cabin design and practicality, with plenty of thoughtful touches to make your life easier; USB ports for everyone, zipper pockets in the back, cup holders and big door pockets.
- Not all touch-screen: Tactile switchgear for common functions mean less distraction on the road.
- Big cabin with big windows: Visibility is at the top of the class, helping to optimise manoeuvrability and parking.
- Genuine off-road capability: X-Pro specification brings more ground clearance, AT tyres, manual-locking rear diff, and excellent underbody clearance and angles. It’s one of the best in our opinion.
- Local suspension calibration: Australian back roads are less jittery than some rivals, and a soft-ish front end tune means good comfort in town.
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: Key considerations before you buy
- Expensive first crack: Pricing pushes beyond some established heavy-hitters, which could deter potential buyers.
- Eight-speed auto works hard: Nice spread of ratios and fast-shifting with smart mapping, but it does seem like it works hard to maximise the 440Nm engine torque. This might not be ideal for towing or heavy workloads.
- Design: It’s ugly.
- Comfort suspension tune: It’s going to appeal to the majority, but for those regularly hitting nasty bumps, such as on a farm, the front end tends to bounce more than it does in some rivals.
2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro: Key considerations before you buy
How does it rate against its rivals?
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Price
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Quality look & feel
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Interior tech
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Powertrain performance
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Ride & handling
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X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
With a design that stands out like a sore thumb, it certainly attracts attention. But that’s a real shame, because it should be getting attention in other areas; this has the best cabin of the class, it’s one of the most spacious, and the driving dynamics and off-road capability shame many of its rivals. It’s just a matter of seeing past that design.
