It’s a bit of an understatement to say the design is polarising. Im not a big fan but I had plenty of people stop me and chat and they loved the styling.

My initial thoughts were.

• It drives more like a SUV than a Ute.
• Inside it’s also more SUV like
• There is plenty of power and enough torque for all but carrying or towing the heaviest loads.
• Kia have sorted the suspension to be spot on.

On the launch we didn’t get a chance to drive on sand, so that’s what I did. As well as my favourite corrugated and potholed dirt track that leads to my favourite fishing spot.

I can confirm that the Tasman absolutely loves driving on sand. It simply hummed along and I never switched out of 4A for the drive. When it started to slow, a simple adjustment to the throttle kept it happy. The low torque delivery and excellent calibration of the transmission were on full display.

Its interesting just how many people online and in person have such strong opinions against the Tasman. But one thig I have found in common with all of them is that they haven’t driven it.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Tasman X-Pro – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman X-Pro – 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.

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

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The post Kia Tasman X-Pro 4WD Ute driven for 2026 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The road test included many kilometres of highway and winding hilly roads. Lots of gravel and an interesting 4WD section that included everything you could possibly want to test its capability.

With a wide stance, Australian designed suspension and dual pinion steering, the Tasman could lay claim to the best on road riding Ute in Australia. Bold words but it would be dam close.

Enter the potholed tar and dirt roads and the Tasman remained composed at all times. Even when savagely turned to avoid unseen holes.

Off road the Tasman excelled. The track included lots of rutted descents and climbs, moguls that tested the chassis and articulation and crossovers plus more.

I covered the track first time in 4L with the rear diff locked and controlling everything on my right boot. It simply went about its business with minimum fuss.

The second time I exclusively used the sophisticated X-Trek system so that all I did was steer. I have to admit its even better than I am.

Just for giggles I tried a particularly nasty section in 4H with no diff locks and again it simply did what was asked, with minimum wheel spin.

The key to the Tasman is how it does everything asked without fuss.

Definitely worth a test drive

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman    – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman X-PRO – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• On road ride and handling combined with off road articulation
• Internal layout is comfortable and clever.
• X-Pro 4WD capability

What is not so good?

• Questionable styling
• Would love 500Nm of torque.
• Plastic dash honeycomb is a bit naff

Buyers could also look at:

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

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Kia Tasman X-Pro first drive 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Overwhelmingly negative along three lines.

Too expensive, underpowered and ugly.

Lets take a minute to address these

First – underpowered. My question is compared to what. Every mid-sized Ute is underpowered compared to the Ranger Raptor. Most Utes are underpowered compared to the V6 3.0 litre turbo diesel found in some rangers.

The HiLux GR Sport has more power and torque than most.

The key here is – does it have enough power and torque for what you need it to do. If so great, if not buy something else.

Too expensive. Well, the prices range from about $40,000 through to about $75,000 plus the usual costs. Surely there is a Ute in there that suits a buyers pricing. Also the top spec Tasman X-Pro is well priced against its main competitors and is actually good value.

Lastly – too ugly. Well, the saying is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do I think it’s a good looking Ute – not really. Do I think it’s ugly – not really. It does grow on you.

And as I always say if Ugly was a criteria, my wife would never have picked me because I am a bog old ugly bear, but she does have good taste.

My advice is not to listen to keyboard critics and go and drive it for your self

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

Motoring Minute Video

What is good?

• On road ride and handling combined with off road articulation
• Internal layout is comfortable and clever.
• X-Pro 4WD capability

What is not so good?

• Questionable styling
• Would love 500Nm of torque
• Plastic dash honeycomb is a bit naff

Buyers could also look at:

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

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Kia Tasman – addressing the negative comments appeared first on Motoring Minute.

There are five models that will be available, and the Timing of arrival is Dual Cab Pickup Utes first, followed by Dual Cab Chassis models and finally the Single Cab Chassis models later this year.

The Dual Cab Pick-Up range opens with a competitive $42,990 RRP for the S 4×2 trim and tops out at $74,990 RRP for the X-Pro 4×4 flagship that has been specifically engineered for enhanced off-road performance characteristics.

All models come with a payload exceeding 1000kg but can be optioned with a lower payload to fit the Novated Lease requirements.

Performance comes from the familiar 2.2L turbo diesel engine that sits in the Sorento, Carnival and many other models. It has reasonable power of 154kW, but torque seems a bit low for a Ute at 440Nm. It remains to be seen if that is enough on the first drive.

The Tasman is rated to tow 3500 kg with a 350 kg tow ball rating.

Kia Tasman has certainly created some online chat about its styling and Kia seems to be spending a bit of marketing dollars with some outlets to craft the story that the looks are a bonus.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Kia Tasman Ute pricing confirmed appeared first on Motoring Minute.

In an exclusive function in Tasmania last week, we finally got to see the Tasman in the flesh.

Well let’s say Its different. In fact, it has a unique style. Nothing like the Utes we are used to. Is that good or bad.

Tasman will come with the 2.2L turbo diesel engine that is in the Sorrento and Carnival. It has some tweaks for 4WD work. This is matched to the familiar 8 sp automatic transmission.

There are three models, the top spec XP Pro is heavily aimed at more adventurous buyers with up to 252mm of ground clearance. It also has additional 4WD specific features to increase capability.

Once you get past the different design, inside its all Kia.

Well laid out with the now familiar 30-inch digital instruments and central screen.

The seats are particularly comfortable. Head room is fantastic. In fact, Luke Longley, the NBA star was there, and he fitted his 7’2” frame without any fuss.

Rear seat leg room is normal for this size Ute.

There are a number of other clever design ideas as well.

I love the fact that its so different. I do have to say Im slowly warming to the style. However the only voice that matters is the buying public and time will tell.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

The post Kia Tasman – Best of 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

In an exclusive function in Tasmania last week, we finally got to see the Tasman in the flesh.

Well let’s say Its different. In fact, it has a unique style. Nothing like the Utes we are used to. Is that good or bad.

Tasman will come with the 2.2L turbo diesel engine that is in the Sorrento and Carnival. It has some tweaks for 4WD work. This is matched to the familiar 8 sp automatic transmission.

There are three models, the top spec XP Pro is heavily aimed at more adventurous buyers with up to 252mm of ground clearance. It also has additional 4WD specific features to increase capability.

Once you get past the different design, inside its all Kia.

Well laid out with the now familiar 30-inch digital instruments and central screen.

The seats are particularly comfortable. Head room is fantastic. In fact, Luke Longley, the NBA star was there, and he fitted his 7’2” frame without any fuss.

Rear seat leg room is normal for this size Ute.

There are a number of other clever design ideas as well.

I love the fact that its so different. I do have to say Im slowly warming to the style. However the only voice that matters is the buying public and time will tell.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Kia Tasman revealed in all its design glory appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Here’s what we know for sure, and listeners need to ignore all the speculative click bait that some media outlets come up with.

Kia is not new to dual range 4WD vehicles with the Sorrento originally a true 4WD before it went all soft.

The Tasman will be a dual cab 4WD Ute. Initially it is likely to  come with the tried and tested 2.2L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that is in the Sorento.

This has available 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque. The good news is that is peak torque is spread between 1,750 – 2,750 rpm.

This is matched to an inhouse 8 Sp AT. The combination has been tried and tested over many years in a number of Kia/Hyundai vehicles.

Kia have gone all in with a TV campaign featuring some 20 Australian sporting personalities. They have also revealed an unique wrap to camouflage the vehicle while it undergoes rigorous localise testing, as all Kia’s do.

Stay tuned for more details as they unfold.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Listeners can find more details on the Kia Tasman HERE  

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

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Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

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The post Kia Tasman 4WD Ute – what we know so far appeared first on Motoring Minute.