Kia Tasman X-Pro 2025 Review

The 2025 Kia Tasman broadly matches big-name ute rivals with its pricing.

For now there are only dual-cab ute versions available, but single-cab and cab-chassis variants are around the corner.

The Tasman line-up kicks off with a single 4×2 model known as the Tasman S, priced from $42,990 plus on-road costs (ORCs).

That same basic model can be had as a 4×4 for $49,990 plus ORCs.

Like all models, they’re powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel matched to an eight-speed automatic.

The S gets a basic level of kit, including cloth seats and 17-inch steel wheels. But there is adaptive cruise control, smart key entry, dual 12.3-inch screens and dual-zone ventilation.

The SX is $54,490 plus ORCs and picks up 17-inch alloys, driver-selectable terrain modes (Snow, Sand and Mud) and satellite-navigation.

The SX+ is $62,390 plus ORCs and adds 18-inch alloys, ambient lighting, some faux leather trim, rear air vents, a wireless phone charger, 240V AC power outlets and a plastic tub liner for the load area.

The next two models get a different front bumper for a more aggressive look and better off-road performance. The X-Line sells from $67,990 plus ORCs and the X-Pro from $74,990 plus ORCs.

The X-Line gets tinted windows, 360-degree camera, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, full synthetic leather trim and a small storage tub above the right rear wheel arch. There’s also a new centre console with dual wireless phone chargers and it relocates the gear selector to the steering column.

The X-Pro takes more of an off-road flavour, adding 17-inch alloys with tougher all-terrain tyres, underbody protection for the fuel tank, additional off-road data in the infotainment screen as well as a more advanced ground-view mode for the forward-facing cameras that gives a virtual view under the car. An X-Trek mode brings off-road cruise control while there’s a Rock mode as part of the off-road modes.

There’s also heated rear seats, sunroof, heated steering wheel, ventilation for the front seats, a powered frontt passenger seat and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Our first drive of the new 2025 Kia Tasman was solely off-road – and it was very brief.

The cars we drove were pre-production vehicles that weren’t perfect but gave a good indication of what production cars will be like when they roll into dealerships in July 2025.

And it doesn’t take long on rough roads to realise there’s engineering nous beneath the skin.

The familiar 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel has had its cooling fans upgraded to cope with the added rigours of low-speed off-road work. It’s indicative of the efforts Kia has gone to, to ensure the Tasman is ready to work – and devour challenging terrain.

The air intake is also hidden within the passenger side front wheel arch, better shielding it from water in off-road situations and meaning less chance of a wave of water being sucked into the engine. It also makes plumbing a snorkel easy.

Ground clearance on the X-Pro model we drove is a standout, with 252mm between terra firma and the underside of the car.

That gives it genuine 4×4 credentials, though getting in can be a bit of a climb unless you’ve ticked the sidesteps that are an option across the range. Those side steps also bolt directly to the chassis for added strength, although Kia says they’re not rock rails or rock sliders (which are designed to provide protection if you hit anything).

Our drive was limited almost entirely to gravel roads, most of them rough and occasionally technical.

The Tasman rides firmly; it’s not punishing, but you’ll feel the bumps.

That said, it’s solid and disposes of those thumps confidently.

The Tasman also has some sensible off-road hardware, from that aforementioned 252mm of ground clearance for the X-Pro model to a locking rear differential.

The part-time four-wheel-drive system also offers the best of both worlds. Drive it in rear-wheel drive for simplicity or 4A for added on-road traction. Both 4H and 4L lock the front-to-rear drive split to 50/50 for added traction on slippery surfaces.

The selection process is easy, too. Pop the transmission into neutral and toggle the switches, then within a few seconds it’s calmly slotted into place.

Inside it’s almost all good news. While there’s been heated debate about the exterior design, there are no qualms with the cabin, which is one of the best in the ute game.

Some recycled plastics look fresh with some flecks to break up the grey, while the mesh-like pattern across the grille is a fresh change from generic plastics.

Everything fits nicely, too.

A thumb wheel for the volume sits in the centre of the dash and there are toggle switches to adjust the fan speed. A sensible selection of buttons and dials on the steering wheel adds to the functionality.

It’s all easy to operate when bouncing around in the bush.

And proper thought has gone into the storage areas. Our cars were representative of X-Pro models that get a unique centre console without a gear selector (it’s relocated to a wand on the steering column).

That means a sizeable binnacle with dual wireless phone chargers and a pair of large cupholders.

The lid on the centre console also flips open to create a table of sorts.

A small glovebox sits above the main glovebox and there are broad door pockets.

Seatback pockets in the rear are made of a wetsuit-like mesh and have zips to keep things hidden. It’s a nice touch. A smaller pouch higher up on the backs of the front seats are perfect for phones and other things the kids may otherwise scatter around the cabin.

Accessing the back seats is relatively easy thanks to doors that open to almost 90 degrees.

And in a ute first, the rear seat base can be slid forward to allow for a more relaxed seatback angle. It could be a game changer on long drives, even if the trade-off is slightly less knee space.

The load area is broad and in X-Pro guise has a plastic tubliner. Ranger-style steps in the corners of the rear bumper make it easier to get inside.

There are adjustable tie-down rails higher up as well as four fixed points in each corner around mid-way up the deep tray. Handy cutouts in the wheel arches of the tubliner allow for sectioning off loads.

We haven’t had a chance to test out the 2025 Kia Tasman on the open road yet – so there’s lots more to learn. But our brief drive gave an inkling that the diesel engine doesn’t match the muscle of some rivals.

The 154kW of power is on the money with four-cylinder rivals, but the 440Nm of torque is at least 10 per cent lower than key competitors.

It’s still grunty and pulls strongly, but there were times when hill climbing when it dropped down a gear rather than relied on the pulling power that is a key part of a workhorse vehicle.

And in slow, steep hill climbs we occasionally had it delaying a downshift, to the point where the engine would briefly labour as the right foot pushed down on the pedal.

And while the bones are there for a solid off-road machine, don’t go expecting pampering. It’s clearly a commercial vehicle engineered to work.

Like all utes, the Tasman’s leaf-spring rear suspension is towards the firmer side. That means it’ll occasionally kick over bumps, with the rear-end more prone to some bucking.

It’s also looking like the Tasman won’t match the Ranger for accessories.

Kia will launch with 40 accessories, including the choice of three bullbars (hoopless, single-hoop or three-hoop), snorkel, canopies and various trays for cab-chassis models.

But there’s not the breadth of accessories available on the Ranger, which set the template for adding extras to utes. If you want a second battery, for example, you’ll have to turn to aftermarket suppliers.

It’s too early to say if the Kia Tasman should be on your shortlist. We need to spend more time with it in a wider variety of conditions to get a proper read on what is a hotly anticipated newcomer.

But early signs are that its off-road performance will be at the pointy end of the ute field.

There’s decent hardware and the traction software and electronics appear nicely calibrated.

If it can translate that off-road ability to sealed roads and back up the promising cabin design with durability, the Tasman could be a dark horse in a fast-evolving ute segment.

2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro at a glance:
Price: $74,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: July 2025
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Output: 154kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: N/A
CO2: N/A
Safety rating: Unrated