2025 4x4 Ute of the Year contender: Kia Tasman X-PRO

Making a stunning debut at our 4×4 Ute of the Year testing was Kia’s all-new Tasman.

This is Kia’s first attempt at building a midsize 4×4 ute in the style so popular in Australia, and for a first effort, the Tasman is an impressive result. While the styling has proven controversial (that’s putting it politely), it’s what’s under the skin that makes the Tasman stand out.

Available in four model grades with either a ute bed or a cab-chassis, Kia is covering all bases with its new offering. For our Ute of the Year test, we selected the top-spec X-Pro, as it’s the model with more of an off-road focus in its equipment and specification. At around $75K, the X-Pro sits at the higher end of the spectrum, making it one of the most expensive utes in this year’s line-up.

JUMP AHEAD

• Key highlights
• How it drives
• Interior
• Towing performance
• Specs
• Verdict

A great all-round package

While the Tasman isn’t the most powerful or stiffest-sprung ute in the field, it delivers a capable, well-rounded package that suits both bush adventures and everyday driving. Key highlights include:

• 2.2‑litre single-turbo diesel, 154kW/440Nm
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Part-time, dual-range transfer case with on-demand 4×4
• Ladder-frame chassis with independent front suspension and leaf-sprung rear
• Off-road tech: traction control, selectable rear diff lock, high ground clearance
• Spacious, well-equipped cabin for touring or work

How it drives: On- and off-road

The Tasman X-Pro is built on a ladder-frame chassis with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung live rear axle.

This is paired with a 2.2-litre single-turbo diesel engine producing 154kW and 440Nm. An eight-speed automatic transmission feeds a part-time, dual-range transfer case that also offers on-demand 4×4 for full-time all-wheel drive when needed.

It’s a powertrain that’s smooth and strong, even if it doesn’t quite match the peak numbers of some rivals. It delivers exactly what’s needed 99 per cent of the time when you’re behind the wheel. Only in that last one per cent – when you’re flat-footed or towing heavy loads – does the Tasman feel like it could use a bit more grunt.

Off-road, the Tasman’s traction control and selectable rear diff lock work well with the suspension to deliver competent performance in rough terrain. The absence of side steps on the X-Pro gives it more ground clearance than utes fitted with steps, meaning it didn’t scrape over steep humps where others did.

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Interior comfort and practicality

The Tasman X-Pro’s interior is wide and spacious, fully loaded with all the trimmings and features you’d expect from a new top-of-the-range model.

Seats are supportive and upholstered in durable leather-look material, with heated front seats and adjustable driver settings for long-distance comfort. The cabin also includes a multifunction steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and plenty of storage cubbies for gadgets, paperwork and touring gear.

Controls are intuitive, the cabin is practical for long days on the road, and the overall layout is well thought-out for both touring and work. Visibility is good, with large mirrors and a clear sightline to the bonnet and corners, and the rear cabin offers ample legroom for passengers or gear.

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Towing and load-carrying

According to our resident towing guru, Tim van Duyl, Kia had every opportunity to make the Tasman the best ute on the market when it came to towing, but they chose to compromise on power and suspension.

“With only 140kW the Tasman is underdone, if saved a little by the best-in-class eight-speed gearbox. The suspension, which is lauded for its compliant ride around town and off road, is just too soft for loads,” said Tim. “The Offline Camper’s 150kg ball weight didn’t fully compress the Tasman’s rear leaf suspension but it put a big dent in it.

“It’s not all bad though – the Tasman has some good tow-tech like an integrated brake controller, tow mode and basic pre-departure checklists. It has a strong GCM limit of 6300kg, which combined with a reasonable 2300kg kerb weight means it can actually (on paper) tow at its limit while carrying more than a driver alone. For those reasons it scraped into the top three for me.”

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Why the Tasman X-Pro made the Top Three

The Tasman X-Pro earns a top-three placing in our Ute of the Year testing due to three core reasons:

• Off-road competency – Traction control, selectable diff lock, and solid suspension make it confident on rough tracks.
• Practical specification – Spacious cabin, well-sorted tech, and feature-rich X-Pro trim suit touring and long days in the bush.
• Towing potential – 2.2L diesel, integrated brake controller, and strong GCM give it credible towing ability despite some suspension limitations.

Yes, it lacks the outright power and rear suspension firmness of some competitors, but judged on overall capability, comfort and off-road practicality, the Tasman X-Pro more than earns its place among the top utes of 2025.

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