Kia has officially revealed the pricing and specifications of its highly anticipated 2025 Tasman ute for the South Korean market, offering insights for Australian consumers eagerly awaiting its launch.
The Tasman will be available starting from 37.5 million won, equaling approximately $41,033 AUD, and will reach up to 52.4 million won or around $57,335 AUD for the top-of-the-line X-PRO model. This introductory pricing positions the Tasman competitively against other popular models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Specifically, the Tasman's pricing breakdown includes four trim levels: the base Dynamic at 37.5 million won, the Adventure at 41.1 million won, the Extreme at 44.9 million won, and the flagship X-PRO at 52.4 million won. These figures, direct conversions from Korean prices, provide a glimpse of how the new model could be positioned once it hits Australian shores.
Industry analysts anticipate the Tasman’s prices to rise when adjusted for shipping and local compliance, possibly landing between $58,000 and $63,000 AUD for the X-PRO variant. This would place it competitively within the segment of heavy hitters like the Mitsubishi Triton GSR and the Toyota HiLux SR5.
Interestingly, the Tasman will be offered exclusively with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in Korea. Still, Australian customers should prepare for different specifications: the local model will run on a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine boasting 154 kW and 441 Nm of torque, paired with the convenience of an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Damien Meredith, Kia Australia Chief, expressed optimism about the Tasman's market potential, stating, "We've got Tasman coming and that's probably going to give us a volume leap. We're looking at around 10 percent of the market.” He noted the growth of the ute market since the brand's initial ambitions. "When we first ventured down this pathway, the (ute) market was around 200,000 sales, and it's now somewhat larger, but we think 20,000 (sales) is achievable," he added, highlighting Kia's sales target for the model.
For those considering this new addition to the Kia lineup, it's worth noting the various features and expectations accompanying the Tasman's Australian release. While specifications are yet to be fully revealed, expectations include advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, remote parking, and various driving modes to maximize off-road capability.
Particular attention has been drawn to the X-PRO variant, which is touted for its off-roading capabilities, featuring specialized off-road tires, electronic locking differentials, and enhanced ground clearance of 252 mm—28 mm higher than standard models. With these capabilities, the Tasman promises to give competitors, including the Ranger and Hilux, a run for their money.
Aside from performance features, buyers can expect modern touches like dual 12.3-inch displays, Harman Kardon audio, and numerous safety features aiming to make the driving experience both enjoyable and secure.
With the Tasman set to make its debut around June this year, Kia is optimistic about its reception. The highlights of the Tasman’s specifications and competitive pricing strategy signal the brand’s commitment to carving out substantial market share among Australian utes. With comparisons already being drawn between the Tasman's pricing and other formidable contenders like the Ford Ranger, consumers can anticipate not just value for money but also exciting performance and innovative features from Kia's latest offering.