Kia Tasman Ute in Australia: Variants, Towing, Payload and Price
The Tasman is Kia’s first ute, aimed squarely at the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. It matters because utes are Australia’s most competitive vehicle segment, and because Kia has attached its seven-year warranty to it.
Based on published specifications; not a road test. Prices are before on-road costs; confirm current prices on kia.com.au.
The short version
- Engine: one 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (about 154 kW and 440 Nm) with an eight-speed automatic.
- Body styles: dual-cab pick-up, plus dual-cab and single-cab chassis versions.
- Towing: 3,500 kg braked, 350 kg tow-ball rating.
- Payload: above 1,000 kg across the range.
- Price: from $38,010 (single-cab chassis) to $74,990 (X-Pro pick-up).
- Warranty: seven years, unlimited kilometres.
Range and pricing
Launch pricing for the dual-cab pick-up range:
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| S 4×2 | $42,990 |
| S 4×4 | $49,990 |
| SX 4×4 | $54,490 |
| SX+ 4×4 | $62,390 |
| X-Line 4×4 | $67,990 |
| X-Pro 4×4 | $74,990 |
Kia later added cab-chassis versions for buyers who will fit their own tray. The single-cab chassis S 4×2 starts at $38,010, and the SX 4×4 dual-cab chassis is $52,740. In total there are 11 variants. Cab-chassis models are offered only in S and SX grades, while the pick-up range extends to SX+, X-Line and X-Pro.
Engine and gearbox
Every Tasman uses a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing about 154 kW and 440 Nm, with an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered depending on the variant. There is no petrol or hybrid option, so the choice is about trim and body style rather than engine.
Towing and payload
- Braked towing: 3,500 kg, with a 350 kg tow-ball rating
- Unbraked towing: 750 kg
- Payload: more than 1,000 kg across the range. The X-Pro 4×4 is rated at 1,013 kg, and the range spans roughly 1,013 to 1,124 kg.
A payload worked example
Payload is what you can carry in the vehicle, including people and accessories. Imagine a dual-cab with a 1,013 kg payload:
| Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Four adults (about 80 kg each) | 320 kg |
| Canopy | about 100 kg (varies widely) |
| Tow-ball weight (caravan or trailer) | up to 350 kg |
| Tools and gear | 150 kg |
| Total | about 920 kg |
You would already be close to the limit. This is an illustrative example using assumed weights, not Kia figures. Weigh your real load, and check the gross vehicle mass and gross combination mass on the compliance plate. Accessories such as bullbars, tow bars and canopies all reduce payload.
Kia has also said some dual-cab variants are available with a reduced payload option for novated leasing, so confirm the payload on the specific vehicle you order if that applies to you.
Cab-chassis vs pick-up: which one?
- Pick-up (tub): ready to use, with a factory tub and more upscale grades. Best for lifestyle buyers and families.
- Cab-chassis: a bare chassis for fitting a tray, toolbox or service body. Best for tradies who need a custom set-up. It also has the lowest entry price.
Warranty and servicing
The Tasman is covered by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and seven years of capped-price servicing was announced at launch. Confirm the service pricing and intervals for your variant. If you will work the vehicle hard, ask whether commercial use or heavy towing affects any conditions.
Safety rating
At launch the Tasman had not yet received an ANCAP rating. Look up ancap.com.au for the current result before you buy.
Rivals
Kia’s CEO has said he expects the Tasman to become a top-four player in the segment within a year. The established competition includes the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. A fair comparison looks at:
- Drive-away price for like-for-like trims.
- Payload and towing for the exact configuration you need.
- Warranty and service network, especially outside the cities.
- Resale and parts availability. New nameplates have less history to go on.
Who it suits
- Tradies and families who want a modern dual-cab with a long factory warranty.
- Buyers who want strong towing without stepping up to a larger truck.
Who might wait
- Buyers who rely on a long track record, since the Tasman is new to the segment.
- Those who need a petrol or hybrid ute, which Kia does not offer.
Questions to ask before buying
- Is the payload enough once I add a canopy, bullbar and tow bar?
- What is the current ANCAP rating?
- What is the delivery time on my chosen variant?
- What are the capped-price service costs?
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tasman come in a manual? The range uses an eight-speed automatic.
Can I tow 3,500 kg? That is the braked limit. Check the tow-ball and combination mass limits for your configuration.
Is it built in Australia? No. It is built in Korea and shipped to Australia.
Related reading
Sources
CarExpert, NRMA, RACQ, Cars24 and Tynan Kia (2025–2026). The payload example uses assumed weights for illustration.