Back to catalog
Kia
Tasman
TQ·
2025-2026
ute
Price (AUD)
$46-78k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Korea
Built in
Korea
Overview
Kia's first ute, launched into the Australian market in 2025. Body-on-frame chassis (not the unibody route a few rivals threatened). 2.2L R-series CRDi is Kia's proven passenger-car diesel from the Sorento, Carnival and Staria — first time it's been deployed in a ute duty cycle, which is the main unknown. 7-year warranty when new. Polarising styling and some early reviews flagged rear-end behaviour under heavy tow ball weight. Modern Kia interior is best-in-class for the segment.
Engines & variants
2.2L R-Series CRDi (Korean common-rail diesel)
Engine
Proven Kia/Hyundai diesel
Config
I4
Displacement
2.2L
Power
154kW
Torque
440Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.4s
Economy
~7.6 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 8AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+
Pros
- Proven Kia/Hyundai 2.2 diesel from Sorento, Carnival, Staria
- 3500kg tow, 1000kg+ payload
- 7-year warranty when new
- Modern Kia interior - best in class
- Body-on-frame for capability
- Available manual or 8AT
Cons
- Brand new ute - unknown long-term Australian conditions
- Polarising looks
- Tow test showed rear sag under heavy loads
- Some report 2.2 might be undersized for max tow
Known problems
medium
Rear suspension sag under heavy load
Independent testing showed rear bump stops getting heavy work under tow ball weight.
Fix: Upgraded rear springs or airbag helpers if towing heavy regularly.
medium
Long-term reliability unknown in Australian conditions
Engine has good track record in passenger cars but ute duty cycle is unproven.
Fix: Buy with full warranty. Service at Kia dealer.
low
AdBlue / SCR
Modern Korean diesels have AdBlue with typical sensor failure modes.
Fix: Quality AdBlue, sensor replacement when triggered.