Kia Tasman models and trims
Kia NZ has announced the local lineup of Kia Tasman ute will consist of two key models at launch, the on-road focused Tasman X-Line, and the more off-road focused Tasman X-Pro, both offered in double-cab wellside bodies, both with the same engine and gearbox, and both with full-time all-wheel drive.
The key difference between the two models is the wheel/tyre packages and the suspension, plus a few off-roading extras.
X-Line models comes with 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres, and it sits noticeably lower, and is the easier of the two to ingress/egress.
The X-Pro model gets 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres, designed for both on- and off-road.
The net result is a ride-height difference of 28mm between the two models, half of which is attributed to the 17- vs 18-inch tyre diameter, and the other half from retuned suspension that gives it a lift. It might be just 3cm, but it’s a distinct difference getting into and out of each model, with the X-Pro offering 252mm of ground clearance.
There are five key body variants, from the single-cab chassis to optimise bed space, dual-cab chassis, to a full-blown off-road spec, made possible by the range of accessories and configurations – Kia NZ expects at least 10 variants of Kia Tasman across the range of bodies and models.
Four bed accessory configurations include single decker, double decker, Sports Bar and Ladder Rack, with the first three available from launch. A total of 13 Kia accessories will be offered including two types of side steps and a beadlock-style wheels.
The Tasman’s Single Decker features a canopy and butterfly door design, and a roof rack and rooftop tent. The Double Decker features a trunk equipped with butterfly doors and sliding tonneau cover, for customisable cargo space. The Sports Roll Bar comes with a functional frame for mounting outdoor lifestyle equipment, while the Ladder Rack is also compatible with rooftop tents.
Kia also hinted at a couple of easter egg ideas within the Tasman, along the motifs of Aussie/Kiwi fauna and flora. We’ll dig around the find out more...
Kia Tasman engine
Kia was keen to highlight the thought put into the engine in the Tasman. While others are downsizing, they state, it was important for the Tasman to retain key attributes of towing (3.5 tonne) and payload (over 1000kg), while keeping power and torque at solid levels. So, the NZ Kia Tasman will feature a 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, producing 154kW and 441Nm. Coincidentally, an identical power output to the Ford Ranger’s 2.0 twin-turbo, but 59Nm less.
The gearbox is also an eight-speed automatic, and if those specs sound familiar to others in the model range, good work, because it’s basically the same Sorento 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that does a great job in the seven-seat SUV, with 158kW and 357Nm.
In the Tasman, it’s good for performance times of 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds. Economy is still to be confirmed, but suggestions are a very thrifty target of just 7.6l/100km.
There is suggestion of hybrid versions in the future, and even the possibility of a performance version, though a Ranger Raptor-rivalling Stinger-powered twin-turbo V6 version of the Tasman did appear to be a nice dream, rather than projected reality. We’ll even name it: the Tasman X-Cess...!
Double wishbone front suspension and a rear rigid axle with leaf springs is all rather conventional, though they are enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology, to minimise vibration passed into the cabin, and for better body control on- or off-road.
Kia Tasman off-roading skills
While the Kia Tasman X-Pro is very much the off-roader of the starting line-up, the Tasman has a range of off-roading credentials built-in: the engine air intake is located inside the wheel fender, for example, helping all Tasman variants ford water depths up to 800mm at 7km/h.
From climates as extreme as snow in Sweden to the sands of Saudi and the Aussie outback, the Tasman has specific drive modes for each of those to cope with various terrain. In the X-Pro model, there’s also Rock mode, for crawling, while NZ/all markets also get Sand, Mud and Snow modes.
The X-Pro also exclusively gets an automatically engaging Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) and X-Trek mode, which manages low-speed crawling and descent control, without the need for driver intervention. The e-LD in the rear provides enhanced control over locking and unlocking of the rear diff, for the ultimate in off-roading performance.
In addition, technology in the form of Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GCM) uses the Kia’s cameras and infotainment screen to show what’s going on at ground level, allowing the driver to manoeuvre in tight and tricky areas, plus a dedicated page showing essential off-roading info such as angle and tyre pressure. Two front colour-contrasting tow hooks also highlight its off-roading intent.
The important bed is 1512mm long and 1572mm wide, and offers 1173 of volume, and payload at least one-tonne, between 1017kg and 1192kg. There's a 220V power outlet, plus lights on either side, while the tailgate offers shallow mouldings for cups and speakers when dropped.
Kia ADAS
Kia Tasman benefits from the latest ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for features such as lane-keeping assist, blind sport collision and remote parking assist to get the Tasman into or out of tight parking spaces. Tasman features the latest Highway Driving Assist 2 system (HDA 2), that’s also optimised with trailer profile functionality for both stability and reversing functionality. In fact the New Zealand Tasmans will be the safest and most technologically equipped Tasmans in the world.
Kia will be shooting for and expecting five-star safety when it gets ANCAP tested in May/June 2025.
A full-size spare is also offered, according to Kia, though neither of the models we saw was fitted with one, albeit they had space under the rear to accommodate.
Kia Tasman pricing
And the magic question of pricing? Being market competitive is the key phrase with Kia New Zealand, and with so many variables over the next 11 months before the Tasman's arrival, such as Ranger’s PHEV and Hilux full-HEV, it’s best to look at those key rivals, as the Kia Tasman should likely sit somewhere between Ranger XL and XLT, in the mid-$50k range. Single-cab chassis models should sit well in the $40k-range, while the top-spec Tasman X-Pro should rival the Ranger Wildtrak, and fall in the range of $70k-something. Final prices will naturally become clearer closer to launch.
Kia wants to be in the top five in the ute market, which means displacing Nissan Navara, with the likes of Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton well in Tasman's sights for 2026.
The Kia Tasman has big investment, big aspirations and big intentions to break into the ute market in NZ, Australia and globally, and with the Tasman, Kia has every right to proud, while the others have every right to be concerned. The recipe for ute success looks spot on with the Kia Tasman, and time will tell when it goes on sale in the second-half of 2025.
TEAR IT DOWN
2025 Kia Tasman (X-Line, X-Pro)
ENGINE: 2.2-litre turbo diesel four
GEARBOX: 8-speed auto
POWER: 154kW, 441Nm
0-100KM/H: 10.4 secs
ECONOMY: 7.6l/100km
TOWING: 3.5t
PAYLOAD: 1017-1195kg
PRICE: TBA come in 2025