Kia Tasman Ute: Local Pricing Announced Ahead of Q3 Launch

Words: 4XJournal

Following its recent public debut at the Melbourne Motor Show, Kia New Zealand has announced local pricing for the all-new Tasman — the brand’s first foray into the ute market.

Set to arrive in dealerships from Q3 2025, the Kia Tasman range starts at $52,690 plus on-road costs for the base-spec TX 4WD double cab. It marks a significant move for Kia, stepping into one of New Zealand’s most hotly contested vehicle categories with a full-time 4WD platform, diesel powertrain, and a line-up of five double-cab wellside variants from launch.

What We Know So Far

At the heart of the Tasman is a 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, tuned specifically for this model and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia states the engine delivers 154kW and 440Nm, which puts it roughly on par with other midsize diesel utes currently on the market.

According to Kia, off-road capability has been a key focus. All variants will come with low-range gearing, a locking rear differential, and 800mm wading depth as standard. The top-spec X-Pro model lists a maximum ground clearance of 252mm.

It’s worth noting that while these figures look promising on paper, we’ve yet to get behind the wheel — and it’ll be real-world testing that confirms whether the Tasman can genuinely compete off the tarmac.

Double Cab Only — For Now

Kia has confirmed the Tasman will initially launch as a double-cab wellside, a format that dominates ute sales in New Zealand. The brand has hinted at further variants arriving in the future, but there’s no word yet on single-cab or cab-chassis options.

Inside, Kia is pitching the Tasman as offering “car-like” comfort with a focus on cabin quality and second-row passenger space. The X-Line and X-Pro models will feature a sliding and reclining second row, which could appeal to buyers looking for a dual-purpose vehicle that balances work and weekend needs.

Other features include the Kia Connect system with Over-The-Air updates as standard for the first five years, giving the Tasman a digital platform for future tech upgrades.

Tasman Line-Up and Pricing (RRP + ORCs):

• TX 4WD – $52,690

• TXR 4WD – $58,690

• TXS 4WD – $62,690

• X-Line 4WD – $69,690

• X-Pro 4WD – $79,690
  
  

First Impressions

On paper, the Tasman ticks a lot of the right boxes. But this is a first attempt from a brand with no ute heritage in New Zealand — and it enters a segment dominated by long-established names with proven track records in both performance and reliability.

How the Tasman stacks up in real-world off-roading, towing, and day-to-day usability remains to be seen. We’ll be watching closely — and once we get a chance to put it through its paces, you’ll hear about it here first.