The 2025 Kia Tasman, Kia’s highly anticipated entry into the competitive Australian ute market, has officially landed in dealerships across the country. This mid-size pickup truck, designed with Australian conditions in mind, is poised to challenge industry giants like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max. With its robust 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, impressive towing capacity, and a suite of premium features, the Tasman is generating significant buzz among tradies, adventurers, and fleet buyers alike. As of June 2025, the first examples of the Tasman have arrived in limited numbers, with a full-scale launch and increased deliveries expected in July. This article explores the Kia Tasman’s arrival, its key features, and where Australians can see and test-drive this game-changing vehicle.
A New Contender in the Ute Market
Kia Australia has been vocal about its ambitions for the Tasman, aiming to capture an 8-9% share of the Australian ute market, which translates to approximately 20,000-25,000 units annually by 2026. This is no small feat in a segment dominated by established players like the Ford Ranger (63,356 units sold in 2023) and Toyota HiLux (61,111 units sold in 2023). The Tasman’s arrival marks Kia’s first foray into the ute segment, and the brand is betting big on its rugged capability, premium interior, and competitive pricing to sway buyers from competitors.
The Tasman was unveiled globally on October 29, 2024, simultaneously at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia and in Hobart, Tasmania, reflecting the importance of the Australian market to Kia’s strategy. Named after the Tasman Sea, the vehicle was developed with significant input from Kia Australia to ensure it meets the needs of local buyers, from tradies requiring a reliable workhorse to off-road enthusiasts seeking adventure-ready capability.
Key Features of the 2025 Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman is built on a body-on-frame chassis, powered by a 2.2L turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with four-wheel drive standard on most variants (a 4×2 option is available on the base S model). The Tasman boasts a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, a payload of up to 1,145kg, and a cargo bed capable of carrying an Australian standard pallet (1,173L VDA capacity).
The ute is available in five dual-cab variants at launch: S, SX, SX+, X-Line, and X-Pro, with single-cab and cab-chassis models to follow later in 2025. The X-Pro variant is the most rugged, featuring a 28mm higher ride height (252mm), all-terrain tires, an electronic rear differential lock, low-speed off-road cruise control, and a “transparent bonnet” camera system for enhanced off-road visibility.
Inside, the Tasman offers a premium cabin with a triple-screen layout, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5-inch HVAC display. Other highlights include dual wireless charging pads, a Harman Kardon sound system, heated and ventilated seats, and a 33L hidden storage area under the rear seats. Safety features are comprehensive, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
Kia has also prioritized customization, offering 13 accessory products, including steel trays, canopies, towbar kits, and various bed configurations like the Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack. These accessories cater to diverse needs, from tradies requiring secure storage to campers needing rooftop tent compatibility.
Pricing and Positioning
Pricing for the 2025 Kia Tasman dual-cab variants starts at $42,990 plus on-road costs for the base S 4×2, positioning it competitively against the Ford Ranger XL 4×2 ($43,280) and Toyota HiLux Workmate 4×2 ($44,820). The top-of-the-line X-Pro 4×4 is priced at $74,990 plus on-road costs, slightly more expensive than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 ($74,840) but offering unique features like heated rear seats and a sunroof. Mid-range models like the SX+ ($62,390) and X-Line ($67,990) align closely with comparable Ranger and HiLux variants, making the Tasman a strong value proposition.
While Korean pricing (37.5 million to 52.4 million won, roughly $41,100-$57,500 AUD) suggests a competitive edge, Australian prices reflect additional costs like shipping and homologation. Still, Kia’s strategy to match or undercut rivals while offering premium features could attract buyers looking for a fresh alternative in the ute market.
Arrival in Australian Dealerships
The first examples of the 2025 Kia Tasman arrived in Australian showrooms in June 2025, with dealers receiving a “small quantity” of vehicles primarily for test-drive and display purposes. Kia has confirmed that customer deliveries will ramp up in July, targeting 10,000-11,000 units by the end of 2025. Many dealers are keeping their initial stock on-site to allow the circa-2,000 customers who placed pre-orders since April to experience the vehicle in person.
Kia Australia’s marketing chief, Dean Norbiato, emphasized the excitement around the Tasman, noting that pre-order interest has been unprecedented without customers even seeing the vehicle in person. “The web traffic so far in general interest has been like no other vehicle that we’ve had,” Norbiato told Drive. The next step is getting customers behind the wheel, which is expected to convert interest into sales.
Where to See the 2025 Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman is available for viewing and test-driving at select Kia dealerships across Australia. Below is a table listing some key dealerships where the Tasman can be seen, based on available information and Kia’s official dealer network. Note that availability may vary, and booking a test drive is recommended due to limited initial stock. For the most up-to-date information, visit Kia Australia’s website and enter your postcode to find the nearest dealer.
|
Dealership |
Location |
Address |
Phone |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tynan Kia Sutherland |
Sydney, NSW |
647-651 Princes Hwy, Sutherland NSW 2232 |
(02) 8545 8888 |
Key location for Sydney and Sutherland buyers; expected to have display units. |
|
Sutton Kia |
Alice Springs, NT |
2/34 North Stuart Hwy, Alice Springs NT 0870 |
(08) 8953 0830 |
Confirmed dealer for the Tasman in the Northern Territory. |
|
PDMG Bairnsdale Kia |
Bairnsdale, VIC |
344 Main St, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 |
(03) 5152 2555 |
Test drives available; booking essential. |
|
Blackburn Kia |
Blackburn, VIC |
43-47 Whitehorse Rd, Blackburn VIC 3130 |
(03) 9877 1777 |
Likely to have display and test-drive units; contact for availability. |
|
Kia Chadstone |
Chadstone, VIC |
1350 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148 |
(03) 8567 7100 |
Major Melbourne dealer; check for Tasman availability. |
|
Toowong Kia |
Brisbane, QLD |
601 Milton Rd, Toowong QLD 4066 |
(07) 3870 6666 |
Key Queensland location; expected to offer test drives. |
|
Westside Kia |
Nailsworth, SA |
194 Main North Rd, Nailsworth SA 5083 |
(08) 8164 9600 |
South Australian dealer; contact for Tasman display and test-drive details. |
Why Visit a Dealer?
Visiting a Kia dealership offers the chance to experience the Tasman’s rugged design, premium interior, and advanced features firsthand. The vehicle’s tray, measuring 1,572mm long and capable of carrying a 1,173L load, is a highlight for tradies, while the off-road-ready X-Pro variant appeals to adventurers with its terrain modes (Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock) and low-range gearing. The Tasman’s premium touches, such as the triple-screen dashboard and heated rear seats, set it apart from competitors, making a test drive essential to appreciate its value.
Kia’s interactive Tasman VR configuration tool, available at some dealerships, allows customers to personalize accessories and explore the vehicle in 360° exterior and interior views. This tool enhances the buying experience, letting customers tailor the Tasman to their needs, whether for work or leisure.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Kia’s goal of selling 20,000 Tasmans annually by 2026 would position it ahead of the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton, based on 2023 sales figures. If successful, the Tasman could propel Kia to the second-best-selling car brand in Australia, surpassing Mazda’s 100,008 units sold in 2023. The brand’s confidence stems from its history of accurate sales forecasts, such as hitting 35,000 vehicle sales in 2015 as predicted.
Looking ahead, Kia has confirmed an electric Tasman for overseas markets in 2026, though its Australian launch remains unconfirmed due to local emissions standards. A high-performance variant rivaling the Ford Ranger Raptor is also under consideration, hinting at Kia’s long-term commitment to the ute segment.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Kia Tasman’s arrival in Australian dealerships marks a bold step for Kia in the competitive ute market. With its robust design, premium features, and competitive pricing, the Tasman is well-positioned to challenge established rivals. Australians eager to see this “most Australian Kia ever developed” can visit select dealerships now, with test drives available at locations like Tynan Kia Sutherland, Sutton Kia, and PDMG Bairnsdale Kia. As deliveries ramp up in July, the Tasman is set to make waves, offering a compelling blend of practicality, capability, and style for ute buyers across the country.
For the latest updates on availability and to book a test drive, visit www.kia.com/au or contact your local Kia dealer. The Tasman is here, and it’s ready to redefine the Australian ute landscape.
