In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the Kia Tasman – Kia’s first-ever attempt at taking on the heavyweights of Australia’s dual-cab ute market. From the Ford Ranger to the Toyota Hilux, the Tasman has some serious competitors lined up. But can it hold its own against the iconic workhorses that have been around the block (and the bush) more than a few times?
We are looking at the official release and the specs and features that Kia’s thrown into the Tasman, from the 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine (no, it’s not a V8….BOOO) to its towing capabilities and design quirks. Those flares? Interesting. The headlights? Well…you’ll see. Kia might have aimed to create a bold, practical ute, but some choices have left us wondering if they actually checked in with any real 4×4 enthusiasts.
With 3,500kg towing capacity and some techy interior features, the Tasman isn’t here to play—but is it ready for our rugged Aussie landscapes? Or is it more suited to city life with occasional beach runs? We’ll compare it head-to-head with the Ranger and Hilux, and let you know if this new kid really has the chops to challenge the big boys in the world of off-road-ready utes.
So buckle up buttercup and let’s see if Kia’s Tasman can tackle the terrain or if it’s more bark than bite. Don’t forget to subscribe for more on the latest in 4x4s and, of course, to catch our future test drive episode to see if redemption is on the cards for this newcomer.
Let’s start the journey to drive your dream.
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Born in backyard Brisbane, BAW Automotive have quickly become one of the leading 4X4 specialists in Australia. Proudly family owned and operated, we are the experts in 4X4 builds and all things Offroad, camping and lifestyle. With workmanship that exceeds our customers’ expectations, our reputation is built on quality and convenience. Our clients drive their vehicles for business and pleasure, often wanting to enjoy touring for extended periods of time and get a little wild on off-grid tracks.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:34 Design and Aesthetics…yikes
01:16 Power & Performance
01:46 Towing & Payload
02:28 Interior Features
03:10 Kia Tasman vs. Ford Ranger
03:37 Final Thoughts
04:00 SUBSCRIBE…please
47 Comments
Yes it is ugly but it doesn’t need GVM upgrades as it already has a one ton payload. The thing is, KIA’s engine is already proven to be reliable and they know how to make after emission treatment systems reliably, ( take note Toyota).
Garbage
Only a small percentage of people take their trucks serious offroad. Ford ranger is not that impressive even the ranger raptor. I believe it will do 95% of what is needed for a pickup. I want reliability and functionality from a pickup.
Look forward to a real world review with the other 4 best sellers in the market , . . . its pig ugly. . . but give it a chance . . . and I'm a Queenslander.
All the hype we’ve been hearing about this Ute and that’s the best Kia/ Hyundai can come up with?? Average power and ugly!
It’s a big NO from me , ugly is an understatement , all the other Utes have nothing to worry about – I’ll stick with my Ranger guys.
Good effort from Kia.
This would be a reliable farm truck cheap to run reliable engine, power outlets masive tray carring capasity not sure if it will take a full round bail being a bit narower across the runs i would trust this over a ranger . Seen more legs out of bed that Langtrees .
The Tasman has missed the mark. However the Ranger is no where near being reliable at the worksite.
The appearance is too ugly 😂😂😂
How can you review it without driving or touching it?
Many years ago Kia brought out a van to take on the the Toyota Hiace the Kia van failed infact l totally forgot about them until l actually saw one once recently will the Tasman come to the same fate and back in the 1970s there was the Austin Tasmsn made by Leyland Australia and they are now extinct the were dreadful cars
You lied ,you said you were going to show us something special.😂😂😂
The SHARK 6 will eat it.
loses me on looks alone.
Apparently, it comes with a free car cover, so you can hide it when parked in public. 😂
This was a little rough,
Over a tonne of payload
Industry standard towing capacity
External storage
10nm less than a factory v8 cruiser.
Ugly as heck but possibly could make some waves if priced well
Did Homer Simpson play part in this?? Ugly as F**K, kind of looks like the Mahindra!!
to be fair… "serious Australian 4wders" aren't buying Rangers either. They're best left to grey nomads and youtubers. Buy yourself a VDJ 70 series and be done with it.
did I really just hear the phrase "for worksite reliability, the Ranger is hard to beat"?
GEEZUS… said no one ever
Not even beer googles would make this ute look good
This thing hit every branch in the ugly tree on its way here. There is no one who is going to buy one of these apart from a dare.
I don't think it would be quite as hated if it wasn't launched the same day as the BYD Shark
😂u can't be serious 😒
How can you be so dumb at Kia? make a good looking Ute not a ugly box car ffs. they won’t be making any money off this
How bugs the tub & are thay doing a bullbar?
Ford rival 🫥
Mahindra rival 🤡
Imagine arriving on the job in this ugly duckling!! For a clean sheet new design, it’s ridiculous. Kia should have spent a month with tradies before they started. This looks more like they spent their time at a preschool.
rounds down 41nm.
I would be embarrassed if my fourby was pretty.. give me ugly any day..
A real opportunity missed to take a big chunk of sales of the big players. It will satisfy many who don't 4wd or tow heavy but wont be making an appearance in build rigs any time soon. Pity.
upcoming 2.5t hybrid fitted in 2025 palisade would be a great fit with over 250KW and 500NM with 6L per 100KM spec.
Ranger is expensive crap. Toyota beats it in toughness and reliability any day.
It's different for sure…' the ugly duckling' but it will definitely outlast the Ram . I find jeeps ugly but they've been selling well for many years. Def. not for the outback but not bad…. Some round spotlight might upgrade the looks
현재,,,,,전쟁중인 나라(우크라이나,러시아,이스라엘,중동석유국가,이란 등등)랑,,,,미래 전쟁을 준비중인 나라(중국방어 호주랑 멕시코방어 미국)을 위해서 특별히 만든 기아 타스만 픽업트럭……
뒷트렁크짐칸에 재블린,한국산 현궁 대전차 미사일,40mm 자동연발 유탄발사기(총탄 수백수천발 탑재가능),,공중드론충전시설탑재가능….한마디로 민간용병들 위한 전쟁픽업으로 기아에서 특별히 만든것임……(부품공급,AS망은 총알배송 서비스완벽이 가장 장점)
기아 타스만 전세계 런칭장소도 현재 좌우로 미사일 날리는(이스라엘,이란) 중간에서 하늘위 양국(이스라엘,이란) 미사일,드론에 미쳐버리기 직전 사우디…..ㅋㅎ
조만간 중국군이 호주에 상륙하면,,,,기아 타스만 300만대도 부족할 수량임…
미국도 캘리포니아전체랑 텍사스전체를 멕시코에 방어할려면 기아 타스만이 최소 200만대이상 필요함….ㅎㅎㅎ
하지만,,,,,미국산 재블린,한국산 현궁 대전차 미사일보다 많이 저렴 ㅎㅎ하고,,,,,,40mm 자동연발 유탄발사기(M4A1의 500배성능)랑 수백추천발 탄약운반가능….
현장에서 간단한 수리가능하고 부품,AS서비스 총알배송이고,,,,,2.2L 디젤로 연비가 가솔린픽업의 5배이상임…..
호주,미국에서도 디젤버젼만 판매할지도 모름….ㅋㅋㅋㅎㅎㅎ
R u kidding,dats a Shitbox
😂🤣😂🤣👀😂🤣👀😂🤣😂🧐😂🤣😂🤣😂💨💥☠️🖕🖕
They didn't even test drive the car yet, lol =3
That’s if it torque converter doesn’t shit it’s self
Everyone keeps saying how underpowered it is but its nearly identical to the v8 landcruiser 😂
Most beautiful looking ute
Its growing on me. I like the old style military/russian look.
KIA MAKE HISTORY KIA IS KING
Oh MY
You lot are clueless it looks great
2.2ltr might be a bit of a problem. It will be working very hard.
I don't care about the looks if i were to own one for 2 reasons
1st owners only see it as they are approaching to their vehicle to get inside
2nd by the time they get inside it, they will forget what it looks like on their way to work, home or a 8 hour road trip.
Thefore the only ones stuck on the looks are the people who don't get to get inside it.