• Total kilometres: 1527km
  • Kilometres this month: 265km
  • Average fuel use: 9.9L/100km

Following an extensive pre-launch media campaign, the Kia Tasman became the most talked-about new midsize 4×4 ute to hit the Australian market in 2025 – and not all of that talk was positive.

Even before it went on sale, it was clear that plenty of folk weren’t fans of the Tasman’s styling, particularly the look of its front end. The Tasman isn’t the first – and certainly won’t be the last – new vehicle to cop such criticism, but put the looks aside and take it for a drive, and your opinion might quickly change.

With all the interest surrounding the Tasman – and after completing a couple of road tests since its launch – we decided to add one to the fleet for three months to get a true feel for what the Kia ute is like to live with.

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We chose the top-of-the-range Tasman X-Pro for this loan – not just for its extensive list of comfort and convenience features, but because it’s the model aimed squarely at off-road users, with a selectable rear diff lock, all-terrain tyres, extra off-road drive modes and no side steps.

Our first outing in the Tasman was as part of our extensive midsize 4×4 ute comparison – which you’ll be able to read all about soon.

At $75K, the X-Pro comes loaded with features – many of which we’ve already come to appreciate. These include a wide, roomy cabin fitted with supportive heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats; rear seats that slide and tilt forward; a pair of large, easy-to-read multimedia screens; dual wireless phone chargers; an integrated trailer brake controller with trailer setup checks; 17-inch alloys with all-terrain rubber; X-Trek crawl control; a selectable diff lock; and a large cargo bed.

The drivetrain is relatively smooth and quiet for a diesel ute. It’s powered by a 2.2-litre single-turbo diesel engine producing a claimed 155kW and 441Nm, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range, part-time transfer case that also offers a 4×4 Auto mode for all-road, all-wheel-drive use.

This combo is a pleasure to drive both on- and off-road, however we do feel it’s a little underdone when you put your foot down for overtaking at highway speeds or when towing heavy loads.

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It’s still early days for us and the Tasman, but we’ll be making the most of it over the coming month and through the Christmas holiday break. Keep an eye on 4x4australia.com.au to see how the Tasman fares in our upcoming ute comparison test.

MORE Tasman news and reviews!