KIA’s brand Renaissance is almost complete. The KIA Tasman not only turns heads, it snaps necks.
They’ve built a ute, and not just any ute, but one aimed squarely at Australia’s most hotly contested paddock: the Ranger and HiLux duopoly. Behind its polarising façade and clever ad campaigns, there’s a car here worth your attention.
What’s the story?
Australia loves a ute as much as Italians love pasta. And until now, KIA has been sitting at the kids’ table while Ford, Toyota, (even Izuzu) have eaten up the market. The Tasman is their first swing at a proper dual-cab, and instead of testing the waters, they’ve taken clear aim at the big dogs with a compelling interior finesse and exceptional ride quality. Five years ago, a dual-cab ute from KIA would have been unthinkable. But all the hard yakka Australiana marketing aside (and the brand’s undeniable momentum up until this point), KIA might just be putting their money where their mouth is with the Tasman.
Who’s the buyer?
Tradies who’ve had one too many coffees in a Ranger Raptor queue. Tradie/city-slicker hybrids who want the surfboards in the back but luxury, tech and safety a priority, not an afterthought. I actually felt like the top-of-the-range X-Pro offering, complete with compelling rear legroom (and even heated rear seats!) could comfortably replace a family SUV if you needed it to.
Tell us about your first impressions
The Tasman’s silhouette is squared-off, unapologetically chunky, and guaranteed to split opinion down the middle. The most noticeable difference is the foundation models – the S, SX and SX+ – all feature a polarising plastic front bumper extension. It was added to the Tasman for increased pedestrian protection to secure a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It looks proportionally strange compared to the off-road-focused variants: the X-Line and X-Pro. Clamber inside and it’s really chalk and cheese compared to its ute rivals. Dual screens, reclining back seats, storage galore – it feels far more Sorrento than worksite hack.
Give us the top lines on performance and/or efficiency/range. What’s it like to drive?
Civilised is the word I keep coming back to since my brief burnup to the launch event in rural NSW. A 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 154 kW and 440 Nm doesn’t sound like headline material, but it’s more than enough to tow 3.5 tonnes. Even with tough off-road rubber in the X-Pro, the cabin experience is really pleasant at high speeds. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a Carnival at times, which really adds to the general livability of the Tasman. The steering feels refined and the ADAS calibrated (albeit a bit vocal, as is the case with most wheels coming out of Korea these days).
James and I had the chance to get behind the wheel of the pre-production X-Pro model on a closed off-road course at the launch. The X-Pro variant boasts a 252mm ground clearance, with 17-inch black alloys wrapped in Hankook all-terrain tyres, and a manually switchable locking rear differential. The X-Trek mode impressed on what we thought was extremely challenging terrain with its ability to understand and adapt to the surface and gently apply the throttle, effectively walking us up the steep incline. The Tasman also showcased impressive articulation and underchassis visibility, indicating its readiness for Australia’s rugged landscapes.
Tech & connectivity – what’s the word?
I’ve never come across so many USB-C ports in a car – including in the driver and passenger seats for ease of access in the rear. Aside from physical connectivity and charging, there’s also wireless charging, dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless CarPlay, and all the surround-view cameras you could ask for. As with its Korean cousins, the Tasman benefits from wide-angle side mirror-mounted cameras which display live footage of your blind spots on the 12.3” cluster. It’s such a fantastic feature, especially on a ute if you’re hauling loads that obstruct the rear window.
And the lowdown on safety?
As stated above, there’s a five-star ANCAP rating for the foundation models, but not for the top off-road specs. All variants come with a suite of driver assists, which, depending on what kind of ute driver you are, could irk you after a while. Or you’ll just have to get better at driving safely.
The most memorable – or heartbreaking – thing about your drive?
It’s hard to look past its deliciously ugly aesthetic, yes. That will be something you either get used to or you don’t. But sliding into the back and reclining the rear seats is just one of the mic-drop moments you’ll experience over and over again in the Tasman. In the driver’s seat, it is a pleasure on the highway and immensely capable as a 4×4. I’d be surprised if 5% of owners ever tackle anything more challenging than the rough stuff they walked us up at the launch.
One thing you should know before a test drive?
Don’t dismiss it because it wears a KIA badge. This thing punches so far above its weight. Take it for a spin, and you’ll see why Ford and Toyota might be sweating.
