Kia Tasman: New Zealand’s Bold New Ute Contender
June 24, 2025 9:00 amKia has officially entered the competitive Kiwi ute market with its all-new Kia Tasman — a rugged yet refined dual-cab ute built to challenge industry stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max. Engineered for tough worksite demands, daily comfort, and advanced technology, the Tasman offers a compelling mix of capability, space, and value. Here’s everything you need to know.
Kia Tasman: New Zealand’s Bold New Ute Contender
Kia has officially entered the competitive Kiwi ute market with its all-new Kia Tasman — a rugged yet refined dual-cab ute built to challenge industry stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max. Engineered for tough worksite demands, daily comfort, and advanced technology, the Tasman offers a compelling mix of capability, space, and value. Here’s everything you need to know.
Engine Power, Off-Road Capability & Durability
Under the bonnet of the Kia Tasman is a powerful 2.2L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine producing 154kW and 440Nm of torque. It’s paired with Kia’s proven 8-speed automatic transmission, the same unit found in the performance-focused Kia Stinger, offering smooth and confident power delivery. The entry-level TX variant is available in both 2WD and AWD, while all other trims feature full-time AWD — giving the Tasman the flexibility for both everyday use and serious off-road or worksite demands.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Towing capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
- Payload: Up to 1,027kg (model dependent)
- Wading depth: 800mm
- Ground clearance: Up to 252mm (X-Pro trim)
- Terrain modes: Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock (X-Line and X-Pro)
- Rear locking differential: Available on X-Line and standard on X-Pro
Built on a durable ladder-frame chassis with leaf-sprung rear suspension and high clearance, the Tasman is well equipped for New Zealand’s challenging terrain.
Practicality: Dimensions & Manoeuvrability
The Tasman is the largest ute in its segment, measuring 5,355mm in length with a wheelbase of 3,270mm. It’s also among the widest at 1,885mm and stands 1,785mm tall. Despite this size, the Tasman maintains a sharp turning radius, vital for urban and rural manoeuvres:
- 12.3 metres turning circle for TX, TXR, and TXS trims
- 12.5 metres turning circle for X-Line and X-Pro trims (due to all-terrain tyres and suspension tweaks)
Comparative Dimensions (L x W x H / Wheelbase / Turning Circle):
- Kia Tasman: 5,355 x 1,885 x 1,785 mm / 3,270 mm wheelbase / 12.3–12.5 m turning circle
- Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser: 5,330 x 1,855 x 1,815 mm / 3,085 mm / 11.8–12.8 m
- Ford Ranger XLT Bi-Turbo: 5,358 x 1,860 x 1,822 mm / 3,221 mm / 13.0 m
- Mitsubishi Triton VRX: 5,305 x 1,815 x 1,780 mm / 3,130 mm / 12.4 m
- Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: 5,295 x 1,860 x 1,770 mm / 3,125 mm / ~12.5 m
The Tasman’s longer wheelbase also contributes to a stable and comfortable ride without sacrificing manoeuvrability.
Spacious Cabin & Advanced Interior Tech
The Tasman’s interior delivers class-leading space and modern technology that elevates comfort and usability.
Interior Space: Legroom, Headroom & Shoulder Room (2nd Row)
The Kia Tasman offers the best rear legroom in its class, with superior rear headroom and shoulder room, ensuring passenger comfort on long trips
| Model | Rear Leg Room (mm) | Rear Headroom (mm) | Rear Shoulder Room (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Tasman | ~940 | 1,004 | 1,516 |
| Toyota Hilux SR5 | ~870-900 | 931 | 1,409 |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak | ~870 | 999 | 1,445 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | ~850-970 | – | – |
| Isuzu D-max | ~870 | – | – |
Display & Infotainment Comparison
| Model | AVN Screen Size | Instrument Cluster Size | Notes on Tech & Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Tasman | Dual 12.3-inch screens | Fully digital 12.3-inch cluster | Largest screens in segment; wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Toyotya Hilux SR5 | 8-inch touchscreen | 4.2-inch digital display | Oldest infotainment system; low screen resolution; basic functionality |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak | 8-inch touchscreen | 4.2-inch digital display | Climate control operated via touchscreen – can distract drivers |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 9-inch touchscreen | 7-inch digital cluster | Basic functions; wireless CarPlay limited to select trims |
| Isuzu D-Max | 7-inch touchscreen | Analog cluster with small digital display | Basic system with limited tech features |
Additional Interior Tech Highlights
- Tasman X-Pro’s Ground View Monitor offers an underneath frontal view of the vehicle, providing superior off-road and parking visibility compared to competitors.
- Power Outlets: The Tasman is the only non-PHEV ute in the NZ market with multiple power outlets including USB and 240V in the rear tray, ideal for powering tools or devices.
- The Hilux’s infotainment is basic and dated, while the Ranger’s touchscreen climate control can be a distraction.
- The Triton’s infotainment is functional but limited in wireless connectivity and trim availability.
Towing Usability: Smarter Features for Safer Hauling
The Kia Tasman makes towing easier and safer with advanced features such as:
- Trailer Mode: Enhances stability and traction control to counteract trailer sway and uneven loads.
- Trailer Mode Weight Selection: Drivers can input their trailer’s weight for optimal braking and power management.
Competitor Comparison:
- The Hilux offers trailer sway control but lacks trailer mode and weight selection.
- The Ranger has trailer mode and sway control but with less intuitive controls.
- The Triton and D-Max provide basic towing stability but lack advanced towing usability features.
Safety & Driver Assistance Technology
Kia Tasman’s comprehensive ADAS package includes:
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) — Combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centring and lane-change assist. Available from the TXR trim upward, and integrated with towing/trailer profile functionality.
- Trailer Stability Assist (Trailer Sway Control) — Standard feature that detects and corrects trailer sway.
- Surround View Camera — Included on X-Line and X-Pro trims, enabling 360° visibility.
- Blind Spot View Monitor — Standard from X-Line up, showing a camera feed in the digital cluster when indicating.
- Multiple airbags & stability systems — Standard across all variants, including front, side, curtain airbags and electronic stability control (ESC), lane-keeping, autonomous emergency braking etc.
Pricing & How It Compares in NZ
Kia Tasman Pricing (NZD, excluding ORC):
| Trim | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TX | Steel wheels, 12.3″ displays, LED lights | $52,690 |
| TXR | Alloy wheels, satellite navigation, safety assist | $58,690 |
| TXS | Wireless charging, LED tray lighting | $62,690 |
| X-Line | Surround view monitor, heated seats, premium styling | $69,690 |
| X-Pro | All-terrain tyres, diff-lock, Harman Kardon sound, sunroof | $79,690 |
Competitor Comparison Table:
| Model | Engine Power (kw?Nm) | Towing Capacity (kg) | Payload (kg) | Dimensions(L x W x H mm) | Wheelbase(mm) | Turning Circle (mm) | Price (NZD ex ORC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Triton | 150/470 | 3,500 | ~1,075 | 5,305 x 1,815 x 1,780 | 3, 130 | 12.4 | $59,990 |
| Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser | 150/500 | 3,500 | ~950 | 5,330 x 1,855 x 1,815 | 3,085 | 11.8 – 12.8 | $63,390 |
| Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | 140/450 | 3,500 | ~1,080 | 5,295 x 1,860 x 1,770 | 3,125 | ~12.5 | $66,990 |
| Ford Ranger XLT Bi-Turbo | 154/500 | 3,500 | ~1,236 | 5,358 x 1,860 x 1,822 | 3,221 | 13 | $67,490 |
| Toyota Hilux GR Sport | 165/550 | 3,500 | ~1,010 | ~5,335 x 1,855 x 1,815 | 3,085 | ~12.8 | $74,990 |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak | 184/600 | 3,500 | ~1,1150 | 5,358 x 1,860 x 1,822 | 3,221 | 13 | $76,990 |
| Kia Tasman X-Pro | 154/440 | 3,500 | ~1,027 | 5,355 x 1,885 x 1,785 | 3,270 | 12.3 – 12.5 | $79,690 |
Should You Buy One?
The Kia Tasman boldly stakes its claim in New Zealand’s highly competitive ute market. It offers an impressive balance of rugged capability, advanced technology, and spacious comfort — all tailored to the diverse needs of Kiwi drivers. Whether you’re hauling gear on a tough worksite, towing heavy loads on a trailer, or simply cruising with your family in tow, the Tasman is built to handle it all with confidence.
Its class-leading interior space and cutting-edge infotainment, combined with smart towing features and a comprehensive safety suite, set it apart from rivals. Plus, with multiple trims from the capable and affordable TX to the fully loaded X-Pro, there’s a Tasman for nearly every budget and purpose.
If you want a modern, reliable ute that doesn’t compromise on comfort or tech, the Kia Tasman deserves a spot on your shortlist. Head to your local Kia dealer today to take one for a test drive — you might just find your new favourite workhorse and weekend companion.
Test drives are available now at Kia dealerships nationwide—ask about finance and fleet options to find the right Tasman for your needs.
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