Can Kia improve Tasman Ute sales or is it destined to be an also ran

Kia introduced the Tasman Ute last year. It had possibly the most expensive and prolific marketing campaign of any car launch in recent memory.

It’s well known that their target was 20,000 sales in a full year. But  YTD end April 2026 they have sold 1658 Utes. Ute buyers are very parochial.

At the first reveal and later at the launch I thought three things

1. It’s a bit expensive for new model. In some cases, by up to $10,000 I felt
2. It doesn’t have an engine that excites. There is nothing wrong with what it has, but they needed something different at launch to grab people’s attention and
3. It is ugly. There is no getting away from that. I don’t mind it as its different, but it turns buyers off more than anything else.

So now after 12 months of sales failing to meet expectations, Kia is looking to bring forward updates.

There is much speculation as to what these are, but only time will provide confirmation.

It’s also well-known im a big fan of the Tasman.

• It has SUV like on road ride and handling,
• With an interior far superior to almost every other Ute available.
• It’s capable off road and in the heavy duty stuff as well.

Whatever Kia has up its sleeve for the updates, lets hope they get it right this time.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Tasman X-Pro – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tasman X-Pro could look at : Isuzu D-Max Blade, Ford Ranger Tremor, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara Pro 4-X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

Other Kia Tasman Motoring Minute Segments

• Kia Tasman X-Pro 4WD Ute driven for 2026 review
• X-Pro Kia Tasman first drive 2025
• Kia Tasman – addressing the negative comments
• Pricing confirmed Kia Tasman Ute
• Kia Tasman – Best of 2024
• Revealed in all its design glory – Kia Tasman
• Kia Tasman 4WD Ute – what we know so far

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