Kia’s Bold Move: The 2025 Tasman Ute Takes on the Big Dogs in the Dual-Cab Segment
Kia has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2025 Tasman ute, and it’s clear the brand is making a serious push into the dual-cab ute segment, taking on heavyweights like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max. With its Australian-inspired design, formidable size, and enhanced capability, the Tasman signals Kia’s intent to make a real impact in a fiercely competitive market.\
Bigger Than Expected
The Kia Tasman is no small contender, measuring an impressive 5410mm in length with a 3270mm wheelbase. This makes it longer than most rivals, including the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max. While it falls short of the Jeep Gladiator’s 5591mm length, the Tasman borrows some American-style design cues, creating a robust presence on and off the road.
Engine Performance and Power
Under the hood, the Tasman features a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, similar to the one found in Kia’s Sorento and Carnival models. While the engine delivers a solid 154kW of power and 441Nm of torque, it does lag behind some competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, which offer torque outputs closer to 500Nm. Yet, with Kia’s finely tuned engineering, the Tasman’s engine is expected to offer reliable performance and fuel efficiency, appealing to both tradies and weekend adventurers.
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Tasman | 2.2L turbo-diesel four-cylinder | 154kW | 441Nm | Eight-speed auto |
| Ford Ranger | 2.0L bi-turbo diesel | 154kW | 500Nm | Ten-speed auto |
| Toyota HiLux | 2.8L turbo-diesel four-cylinder | 150kW | 500Nm | Six-speed auto |
| Isuzu D-Max | 3.0L turbo-diesel four-cylinder | 140kW | 450Nm | Six-speed auto |
| Jeep Gladiator | 3.6L petrol V6 | 209kW | 347Nm | Eight-speed auto |
Built for Work and Play
One of the key features for any dual-cab ute in Australia is its capacity for towing and payload. The Tasman doesn’t disappoint, offering a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a payload ranging between 1017 and 1195kg, depending on the model variant. The rear tub, measuring 1512mm in length and 1186mm in width between the wheel arches, provides ample space for a full-sized pallet, tools, camping gear, and more.
| Model | Braked Towing | Payload Capacity | Tub Size (L x W between arches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Tasman | 3500kg | 1017-1195kg | 1512mm x 1186mm |
| Ford Ranger | 3500kg | 912-1126kg | 1547mm x 1224mm |
| Toyota HiLux | 3500kg | 780-1075kg | 1570mm x 1105mm |
| Isuzu D-Max | 3500kg | 930-1145kg | 1570mm x 1122mm |
| Jeep Gladiator | 2721kg | 693kg | 1531mm x 1443mm |
Kia’s Big Ambitions for the Tasman
Kia Australia is targeting over 20,000 annual sales for the Tasman, a figure that, if achieved, could see the brand climb to the number two spot in Australia’s automotive market, potentially surpassing Ford and Mazda. With its rugged design, robust size, and competitive pricing, the Tasman is positioned to appeal to buyers looking for a reliable workhorse that also doubles as a family-friendly adventure vehicle.
As Kia steps into the highly competitive dual-cab market, the 2025 Tasman promises to be a serious contender that could shift the landscape. With its blend of size, power, and utility, the Tasman is ready to take on the established names and make a bold statement for Kia.
