Kia Tasman X-Pro 2025 Review

The 2025 Kia Tasman broadly matches big-name ute rivals with its pricing.

For now there are solely dual-cab ute variations accessible, however single-cab and cab-chassis variants are across the nook.

The Tasman line-up kicks off with a single 4×2 mannequin often known as the Tasman S, priced from $42,990 plus on-road prices (ORCs).

That very same fundamental mannequin may be had as a 4×4 for $49,990 plus ORCs.

Like all fashions, they’re powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel matched to an eight-speed computerized.

The S will get a fundamental stage of package, together with material seats and 17-inch metal wheels. However there’s adaptive cruise management, good key entry, twin 12.3-inch screens and dual-zone air flow.

The SX is $54,490 plus ORCs and picks up 17-inch alloys, driver-selectable terrain modes (Snow, Sand and Mud) and satellite-navigation.

The SX+ is $62,390 plus ORCs and provides 18-inch alloys, ambient lighting, some fake leather-based trim, rear air vents, a wi-fi telephone charger, 240V AC energy retailers and a plastic tub liner for the load space.

The following two fashions get a distinct entrance bumper for a extra aggressive look and higher off-road efficiency. The X-Line sells from $67,990 plus ORCs and the X-Professional from $74,990 plus ORCs.

The X-Line will get tinted home windows, 360-degree digital camera, heated entrance seats, powered driver’s seat, full artificial leather-based trim and a small storage tub above the suitable rear wheel arch. There’s additionally a brand new centre console with twin wi-fi telephone chargers and it relocates the gear selector to the steering column.

The X-Professional takes extra of an off-road flavour, including 17-inch alloys with more durable all-terrain tyres, underbody safety for the gasoline tank, further off-road information within the infotainment display screen in addition to a extra superior ground-view mode for the forward-facing cameras that provides a digital view beneath the automobile. An X-Trek mode brings off-road cruise management whereas there’s a Rock mode as a part of the off-road modes.

There’s additionally heated rear seats, sunroof, heated steering wheel, air flow for the entrance seats, a powered frontt passenger seat and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Our first drive of the brand new 2025 Kia Tasman was solely off-road – and it was very temporary.

The automobiles we drove have been pre-production automobiles that weren’t excellent however gave a great indication of what manufacturing automobiles will probably be like once they roll into dealerships in July 2025.

And it doesn’t take lengthy on tough roads to understand there’s engineering nous beneath the pores and skin.

The acquainted 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel has had its cooling followers upgraded to deal with the added rigours of low-speed off-road work. It’s indicative of the efforts Kia has gone to, to make sure the Tasman is able to work – and devour difficult terrain.

The air consumption can be hidden throughout the passenger facet entrance wheel arch, higher shielding it from water in off-road conditions and which means much less probability of a wave of water being sucked into the engine. It additionally makes plumbing a snorkel straightforward.

Floor clearance on the X-Professional mannequin we drove is a standout, with 252mm between terra firma and the underside of the automobile.

That offers it real 4×4 credentials, although getting in is usually a little bit of a climb until you’ve ticked the sidesteps which can be an choice throughout the vary. These facet steps additionally bolt on to the chassis for added power, though Kia says they’re not rock rails or rock sliders (that are designed to supply safety for those who hit something).

Our drive was restricted virtually completely to gravel roads, most of them tough and infrequently technical.

The Tasman rides firmly; it’s not punishing, however you’ll really feel the bumps.

That stated, it’s stable and disposes of these thumps confidently.

The Tasman additionally has some wise off-road {hardware}, from that aforementioned 252mm of floor clearance for the X-Professional mannequin to a locking rear differential.

The part-time four-wheel-drive system additionally provides the perfect of each worlds. Drive it in rear-wheel drive for simplicity or 4A for added on-road traction. Each 4H and 4L lock the front-to-rear drive break up to 50/50 for added traction on slippery surfaces.

The choice course of is simple, too. Pop the transmission into impartial and toggle the switches, then inside just a few seconds it’s calmly slotted into place.

Inside it’s virtually all excellent news. Whereas there’s been heated debate concerning the exterior design, there aren’t any qualms with the cabin, which is without doubt one of the greatest within the ute sport.

Some recycled plastics look contemporary with some flecks to interrupt up the gray, whereas the mesh-like sample throughout the grille is a contemporary change from generic plastics.

All the things matches properly, too.

A thumb wheel for the amount sits within the centre of the sprint and there are toggle switches to regulate the fan pace. A wise choice of buttons and dials on the steering wheel provides to the performance.

It’s all straightforward to function when bouncing round within the bush.

And correct thought has gone into the storage areas. Our automobiles have been consultant of X-Professional fashions that get a singular centre console with out a gear selector (it’s relocated to a wand on the steering column).

Meaning a sizeable binnacle with twin wi-fi telephone chargers and a pair of huge cupholders.

The lid on the centre console additionally flips open to create a desk of types.

A small glovebox sits above the principle glovebox and there are broad door pockets.

Seatback pockets within the rear are product of a wetsuit-like mesh and have zips to maintain issues hidden. It’s a pleasant contact. A smaller pouch larger up on the backs of the entrance seats are excellent for telephones and different issues the youngsters might in any other case scatter across the cabin.

Accessing the again seats is comparatively straightforward because of doorways that open to virtually 90 levels.

And in a ute first, the rear seat base may be slid ahead to permit for a extra relaxed seatback angle. It may very well be a sport changer on lengthy drives, even when the trade-off is barely much less knee house.

The load space is broad and in X-Professional guise has a plastic tubliner. Ranger-style steps within the corners of the rear bumper make it simpler to get inside.

There are adjustable tie-down rails larger up in addition to 4 fastened factors in every nook round mid-way up the deep tray. Useful cutouts within the wheel arches of the tubliner enable for sectioning off masses.

We haven’t had an opportunity to check out the 2025 Kia Tasman on the open street but – so there’s heaps extra to study. However our temporary drive gave an inkling that the diesel engine doesn’t match the muscle of some rivals.

The 154kW of energy is on the cash with four-cylinder rivals, however the 440Nm of torque is at the least 10 per cent decrease than key rivals.

It’s nonetheless grunty and pulls strongly, however there have been occasions when hill climbing when it dropped down a gear quite than relied on the pulling energy that may be a key a part of a workhorse automobile.

And in gradual, steep hill climbs we often had it delaying a downshift, to the purpose the place the engine would briefly labour as the suitable foot pushed down on the pedal.

And whereas the bones are there for a stable off-road machine, don’t go anticipating pampering. It’s clearly a industrial automobile engineered to work.

Like all utes, the Tasman’s leaf-spring rear suspension is in direction of the firmer facet. Meaning it’ll often kick over bumps, with the rear-end extra susceptible to some bucking.

It’s additionally trying just like the Tasman gained’t match the Ranger for equipment.

Kia will launch with 40 equipment, together with the selection of three bullbars (hoopless, single-hoop or three-hoop), snorkel, canopies and numerous trays for cab-chassis fashions.

However there’s not the breadth of equipment accessible on the Ranger, which set the template for including extras to utes. If you need a second battery, for instance, you’ll have to show to aftermarket suppliers.

It’s too early to say if the Kia Tasman must be in your shortlist. We have to spend extra time with it in a greater diversity of situations to get a correct learn on what’s a hotly anticipated newcomer.

However early indicators are that its off-road efficiency will probably be on the pointy finish of the ute subject.

There’s respectable {hardware} and the traction software program and electronics seem properly calibrated.

If it will probably translate that off-road capability to sealed roads and again up the promising cabin design with sturdiness, the Tasman may very well be a darkish horse in a fast-evolving ute section.

2025 Kia Tasman X-Professional at a look:
Worth: $74,990 (plus on-road prices)
Obtainable: July 2025
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Output: 154kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed computerized
Gasoline: N/A
CO2: N/A
Security ranking: Unrated