After one of the longest teaser campaigns in recent memory, the Kia Tasman has finally landed—sort of. Pre-orders are now open, and pricing has been confirmed, making it crystal clear what sets this ute apart from every other new model launched in the last 12 months: price.
With a starting price of just $42,990 RRP for the S 4×2 Dual Cab Pick-Up and topping out at $74,990 for the off-road-focused X-Pro 4×4, the Tasman undercuts many of its rivals while offering a highly competitive feature list. That’s not just a win for tradies—it’s a direct shot across the bows of every established ute player in the market.
But there’s more to the Tasman than just aggressive pricing. Unlike several other recent launches that have talked up future battery-electric or plug-in hybrid variants, Kia’s ute is resolutely traditional. Every Tasman model comes with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic. There’s no electric hype, no greenwash—just a diesel-powered ute ready for work.
“The Tasman is by far Kia Australia’s most anticipated model yet,” said Damien Meredith, CEO of Kia Australia. “We are confident the input from Kia Australia at each stage of its development, along with its competitive value and versatility, will make it a very strong contender in the local market”.
That versatility is built into the lineup. The Dual Cab Pick-Up arrives first in July across five trim levels—S, SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro—available in both 4×2 and 4×4. A Dual Cab Chassis version will follow shortly after, with a Single Cab Chassis expected before the end of 2025. Crucially, Kia will offer variants tailored for fleets, including options with payloads under 1,000kg to suit novated lease buyers and fringe benefits tax (FBT) guidelines.
Also noteworthy is the inclusion of a cab chassis option from launch—not a common move in an era where utes often arrive as high-spec lifestyle toys first, with the workhorse variants lagging months behind.
The spec list is solid across the board. Even base models include Smart Cruise Control, rear parking sensors, integrated trailer brake control, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Higher trims pack segment-first features like under-seat storage that coexists with a reclining second row (X-Line and X-Pro), dual wireless chargers, and even a folding centre console table for working or eating on the go.
And while price is the hook, Kia hasn’t skimped on practicality. All variants have a GVM of 3,250kg and a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg. The Dual Cab Pick-Up tub can fit an Australian pallet and boasts a class-leading 1,173 litres of volume.
In a market increasingly flooded with utes that promise the future but deliver little new today, the Tasman is refreshing in its focus on the fundamentals—power, payload, and price.
For fleets, tradies, and regional drivers wanting a fit-for-purpose diesel ute that’s well-specced without the luxury tax, the Kia Tasman could be the right ute at the right time.
