Kia Tasman Ute: Game Changer or Just Another Ute?
Okay, so Kia’s finally dropped their much-hyped Tasman ute, and honestly, it’s got everyone talking. It’s a dual-cab, packed with features, priced to compete, and there’s this whole clever thing about novated leases that I’ll get to. Let’s dive in and see if it lives up to the hype!
How Much Does This Thing Cost?
The starting price for the two-wheel-drive S model is $42,990 (plus on-road costs), which isn't bad. But if you want the top-of-the-line four-wheel-drive X-Pro, you’re looking at $74,990 (plus on-road costs). There are five trim levels in total – S, SX, SX+, X-Line, and X-Pro – and each is available in 2WD and 4WD. I was surprised, they’re actually undercutting some of the big names like the Ranger and HiLux on similar models.
Under the Hood and What Makes It Special
All Tasman models use a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, pumping out 154kW and 440Nm. It’s paired with an eight-speed auto, which is pretty standard these days. You get a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a payload exceeding 1000kg across the board. But here’s the smart bit: they’ve got a sub-1000kg payload option on all dual-cab models. This is specifically designed for people on novated leases – a real game-changer for that market. The tray itself is pretty decent sized too; 1512mm (L) x 1572mm (W) x 540mm (H) giving you a VDA capacity of 1173 litres.
Tech-wise, we’re talking dual 12.3-inch screens – one for the dash, one for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and they’ve even thrown in over-the-air software updates. That’s pretty slick.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
Each trim level adds more features. The base S model has the essentials like LED headlights and a rearview camera. As you climb the range, you get things like alloy wheels, more advanced safety features (like Highway Driving Assist on higher models), a better sound system (Harmon Kardon in the X-Pro), and if you go for the X-Pro, you’re getting some serious off-road upgrades.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy One?
The Kia Tasman is a really interesting contender in the Aussie ute market. It’s competitively priced, packs a punch spec-wise, and that novated lease-friendly payload is a brilliant touch. If you’re in the market for a new ute, it’s definitely worth a look. Head down to your local Kia dealer, check one out, and maybe even pre-order one today. You won’t regret it!
