Kia's First Ever Ute!
Kia has stepped boldly into the Ute market with their very first offering, the Kia Tasman. And I have to say, they’ve made quite the entrance.
From the outside, the Tasman makes a strong first impression. It has a bold, chunky look with squared-off lines and muscular panels that give it serious road presence. Perfect for those who want a Ute that looks tough and ready for work, but still turns heads.
Practical Comfort Meets Premium Feel
Step inside, and the premium feel is immediate. The cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed, no cramped corners or awkward layouts. The front seats are wide and supportive, and there’s plenty of legroom and headroom in the back, even for taller passengers.
The detailing on the seat panelling really caught my eye, a stylish touch you don’t often see in traditional Utes. Soft-touch materials and refined finishes make the interior feel more like a high-end SUV than a rough-and-ready work vehicle.
The wide front dash, complete with circular detailing, enhances the open, modern feel. And the dual panoramic screens borrowed from Kia’s EV range give the cabin a futuristic, tech-savvy vibe. They’re bright, clear, and easy to use for everything from navigation to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either. You get dual wireless charging pads, plus a clever folding centre console that doubles as a small workstation. Ideal if you're juggling devices, kids’ snacks, or paperwork between jobs.
In the back, under-seat storage adds even more practicality, perfect for tools, emergency gear, or even school bags. And let’s not forget the large, wide tub — ready for camping gear, tradie tools, or weekend adventures.
Performance – Smooth, Strong, and Confident
Under the bonnet, the Tasman is powered by a 2.2L turbo diesel engine, delivering a strong 440Nm of torque. It’s smooth and confident on the road, whether you’re overtaking on the highway, heading away for the weekend, or hauling heavy gear. It’s also remarkably quiet for a diesel, especially at cruising speeds.
While it's not built for speed, it has plenty of grunt where it matters, and the 8-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and responsively.
Towing capacity is a standout: 3,500kg braked, putting it right in line with the class leaders like the HiLux and Ranger. If you tow a boat, caravan, or horse float the Tasman can handle it.
Fuel economy is solid for a Ute of this size and power, especially if you’re mostly doing highway kilometres or carrying moderate loads. It’s competitive with others in its class.
The Verdict – More Than Just a Work Ute
The Kia Tasman is a refined, capable, and well-thought-out all-rounder. It’s not just for tradies, it’s family-friendly, weekend-ready, and practical enough to handle everyday life with ease.
What I liked:
• Spacious, premium-feeling cabin
• Beautiful seat and dash detailing
• EV-style panoramic tech screens
• Clever storage and practical design
• Smooth drive that still feels strong and capable
• Smart safety features and driver assist
Things to consider:
• It’s a big vehicle, be ready for tight carparks
• Bold styling might not be everyone’s cup of tea
If you're someone who wants a Ute that works hard, looks good doing it, and seamlessly fits into your lifestyle from school runs to road trips or even towing the family caravan, the Kia Tasman is well worth a test drive.
