Kia faced a choice with the Tasman. Mimic the market herd or create a standout when entering the largest and most competitive Ute segment. Kia chose distinction. Discussion centers on the light positioning and wheel eyebrows. Remove those elements and the design fits standard norms. The rugged, angular, olive green exterior projects a military character. The resulting looks spark controversy but Kea commands respect for its commitment to uniqueness. four models are available and we tried the top of the line X-Pro.
Interior and Practicality
The cabin impresses with a mix of physical controls, a smart bar, and navigation tech. Unique touches like knurled metal door handles and hexagonal vent controls create a chunky, tactile experience. The X-Pro trim features a high-specification Harman Kardon sound system.
Everything feels oversized to suit the rugged segment. Large doors and handles match quality carpet protectors. Canvas covers are available for the ventilated seats to protect against work boots. Practicality reigns with a center console armrest that folds into a table and ample USB sockets. A useful vehicle dimension diagram sits on the center console – Kia Headspace accommodates people up to at least 2 meters tall! Rear seats fold down to reveal yet more storage. The tray bed features an indestructible liner and handy things like tiedowns and steps and even a toolbox to help with back-road operations.
On-Road Driving and Engine
The trusty 4 Cylinder 2.2l Turbo Diesel (154kW / 440Nm) powers the massive vehicle with proven reliability rather than excitement. Maneuvering this bulk in car parks demands concentration. The camera package assists, but the thick C-pillar creates a visibility gap. Mirrors become essential.
The steering wheel bar obstructs hand positioning on tarmac. Safety warnings proved excessive. Lane holding and cruise control operate separately. I deactivated the warnings for a peaceful drive. The key fob theoretically allows remote movement in tight spots, though I failed to activate it.
Off-Road Capability
This vehicle performs as a true off-road machine. The recent launch event demonstrated this capability across water, rocks, and difficult terrain. Exterior aesthetics fade in importance behind the wheel when offroad. Front and rear diff locks complement automatic drive modes. High and low ratios sit alongside X Trek mode for obstacle crawling. A dedicated display presents pitch, roll, tire pressures, steering angle, and camera views Testing on sand and tracks proved its strength. The suspension hit the bump stops only once during a week of driving. Clearance and articulation match the competition.
Target Audience and Accessories
Tradespeople, hunters and farmers requiring rugged reliability will appreciate this package. New Zealand sourced additions like racks and guards looked impressive at the launch. These accessories transform the vehicle look. Customization potential is high which widens the audience.
Verdict
Kia occupies a unique middle ground between new entrants and legacy players. They positioned the Tasman well with competitive pricing and features. It inspires confidence. This vehicle stands as a genuine contender and potentially the best model Kia has produced.
Tasman starts at $52,690 +ORC. We drove the X-Pro at $79,690 +ORC
