In a little over a decade, Kia has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in the automotive world. Once known primarily for value-focused transport, the Korean brand has evolved into a design powerhouse and a leader in sustainable mobility, all driven by a new brand purpose: “Movement that inspires.” This dramatic shift has seen the release of critically acclaimed vehicles like the Carnival, the EV6, and the award-winning EV9, cementing Kia’s status as a serious contender across a wide range of segments.
However, one major gap remained in its line up, particularly in New Zealand—the lack of a genuine one-tonne ute. That all changes with the arrival of the 2025 Kia Tasman. Named for the wild and untamed sea that connects New Zealand and Australia, the Tasman’s development was a four-year, 18,000 journeys to create a vehicle specifically for our conditions. It’s not just an accessory to the brand’s shift, but a purposeful declaration of intent: Kia is serious about conquering the rugged utility market.
The Tasman has multiple variants that blend rugged capability with an unexpected level of sophistication. It arrives packed with advanced features designed for both the worksite and the weekend adventure. From its new-generation 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and robust ladder-frame chassis to its class-leading interior tech, including a massive panoramic display and innovative rear-seat storage solutions, the Tasman X-Line is poised to challenge the established players head-on.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Spacious, modern cabin with premium feel Class-leading interior tech Composed ride and handling Strong off-road capability Ample rear-seat comfort and storage Extensive range of accessories available Smooth and refined 8-speed automatic transmission | Exterior design is polarising Drive safety features are aggressive and annoying. No V6 or hybrid powertrain option |
What’s In The 2025 KIA Tasman Range?
Kia has launched five variants of the double-cab wellside lineup in New Zealand, all powered by a robust 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 154kW and 440Nm of torque. The range begins with the entry-level TX 4WD, priced from $52,690, which includes essential features like a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a mechanical differential lock. Stepping up to the TXR, priced at $58,690, adds 17-inch alloy wheels and built-in satellite navigation, while the TXS at $62,690 further upgrades to 18-inch wheels and bed liner.
For those seeking more off-road capability, the X-Line, starting at $69,690, introduces features like a Ground View Monitor and a higher 224mm ground clearance. Topping the range is the X-Pro, priced from $79,690, which is designed for serious off-roading with an electromechanical differential lock, a higher 252mm ground clearance, and premium comforts like heated and ventilated front seats and a Harman Kardon sound system.
2025 KIA Tasman Colour Range
The following exterior colours are available for the 2025 Kia Tasman in New Zealand
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Cityscape Green
- Clear White
- Denim Blue
- Interstellar Grey
- Runway Red
- Snow White Pearl
- Steel Grey
- Tan Beige
Note: colour-coded fender flares are only available on Clear White and Tan Beige.
For a full list of specs and options available for the 2025 KIA Tasman TXS, head on over to KIA New Zealand’s website.
How Does The 2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD Compare To Its Competition?
The 2025 Kia Tasman TXS 4WD is positioned as a modern, technology-focused challenger to New Zealand’s dominant ute market players, namely the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. While its core DNA of a diesel engine and ladder-frame chassis is traditional, it differentiates itself with a spacious, car-like interior featuring a dual 12.3-inch screen setup and superior comfort features like reclining rear seats, which are not common in this segment.
The Tasman TXS is engineered for serious off-road capability, with a full-time 4WD system, and it is also backed by an extensive range of over 150 New Zealand-designed accessories. Its launch pricing is competitive, and its blend of rugged utility and advanced technology aims to attract both traditional workhorse buyers and those seeking a more refined, family-friendly vehicle
| Make/ Model | Engine | Power/ Torque (kW/Nm) | Fuel (L/100km) | Towing Capacity (unbraked/ braked) | Rearz Trayz Load (kg) | Price $ |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak X | 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 154 / 500 | 8.5 | 750 / 3,500 | 998 | $79,990 |
| Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser | 2.8L Turbo Diesel w/ 48V Hybrid | 150 / 500 | 8.7 | 750 / 3,500 | 1,000 | $72,590 |
| Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | 3.0L Turbo Diesel | 140 / 450 | 8.8 | 750 / 3,500 | 970 | $70,990 |
| 2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD | 2.2L Turbo Diesel | 154 / 440 | 9.0 | 750 / 3,500 | >1,000 | $69,690 |
| Mitsubishi Triton VRX | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 154 / 470 | 8.3 | 750 / 3,500 | 1,000 | $61,990 |
| Mazda BT-50 SP | 3.0L Turbo Diesel | 140 / 450 | 8.0 | 750 / 3,500 | 1,070 | $58,990 |
| GWM Cannon X | 2.0L Turbo Diesel | 120 / 400 | 9.4 | 750 / 3,000 | 1,050 | $50,990 |
| SsangYong Musso Rhino XL | 2.2L Turbo Diesel | 133 / 400 | 8.9 | 750 / 3,500 | 1,010 | $49,990 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD
The first impression of the all new KIA Tasman are mixed, It’s not pretty, and you feel like you shouldn’t like it. Ad then you sit in it, and you’re taken aback by how nice it is inside, which is uncommon for a ute. This then makes you rethink the overall picture and say, you know what, it’s not a bad looking truck at all, it’s tough on the outside and refined in the inside.
We recently had our first taste of the Tasman TXS 4WD at the launch event day just outside of Wellington, and it did not disappoint. 2025 KIA Tasman New Zealand launch, Wellington
What’s The Interior Like In The 2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD?
After all the hype and debate about its squared-off, no-nonsense exterior, the true genius of the new Kia Tasman is revealed the moment you swing open the door and step inside. If you were worried this was going to be another hard-as-nails workhorse, the X-Line’s cabin will instantly put those fears to rest. It’s a proper modern SUV experience inside a ute, and it’s set to give the established players a serious run for their money.
The X-Line’s front seats are a nice change from other utes, a high-quality synthetic leather, they are not only heated but also ventilated, a welcome luxury on a hot summer’s day. The driver’s seat is eight-way power-adjustable, making it easy to dial in the perfect driving position. The seating position itself is commanding and high, giving you that classic ute feel, but it’s well-cushioned and supportive in all the right places. Kia’s research benchmarked the seats against the Isuzu D-Max, and they have successfully improved on that formula, offering excellent long-haul comfort and lateral support.
The rear cabin of the Tasman is a standout feature and could be the reason many a family decides to upgrade. Kia claims class-leading headroom and legroom, and they are right. Three adults will fit comfortably across the bench without the usual awkward shoulder-to-shoulder rub. But the real master stroke is the inclusion of sliding and reclining rear seats. This is a feature usually reserved for premium passenger cars, not utes, and it makes a massive difference to comfort on longer journeys. For family road trips, this is a non-negotiable feature that will keep the kids happy.
The panoramic display is an absolute showstopper. Spanning the dash is Kia’s latest CCNC system, which combines a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen into one seamless unit. The graphics are crisp, the menus are intuitive, and crucially for a vehicle used for work, there are still physical buttons and switches for key climate and audio controls. The rear window is a good size, providing a clear view out, and the rear-view camera gives a bright, wide-angle image, which is essential for a vehicle of this size. Higher-spec models even offer a Ground View Monitor for tricky off-road situations, which is a fantastic piece of tech.
The upright design and straight lines of the Tasman’s cabin create a wonderful sense of width and space. There’s no feeling of claustrophobia here whatsoever. The cabin feels airy and open, much like a large SUV. Kia has used soft-touch materials on the dash and other key touchpoints, elevating the perception of quality and making the space feel less like a hard-plastic work vehicle and more like a premium living room.
There are a long list of positive things, but there are some negative aspects too. Unfortunately, the nanny state driver aids, are a bit on the heavy-handed. This really put a dark shadow on the overall feeling towards the truck. Yes the safety features are good, and they are there to help us, but when is it too much and when does it become a stick more than an aid.
Kia’s attention to detail is evident in the Tasman’s fit and finish. The build quality is excellent, with minimal gaps in the interior panels. The textured silver switchgear and chunky, solid-feeling controls are a welcome departure from other manufacture’s flimsy plastics and add to the robust feel of the cabin. The use of soft-touch materials and subtle, well-integrated ambient lighting makes the interior feel significantly more premium than many of its competitors.
The TXS model comes with dual Qi wireless charging pads, located in a dedicated binnacle at the base of the centre stack. The location is perfect, and the phones slot in securely side-by-side. The pads themselves are grippy, so there’s no sliding about, which is a common and annoying issue in other vehicles.
The storage solutions in the Tasman are smart and plentiful. While the door bins and glove box might be on the shallower side, this is offset by the presence of an extra compartment above the glove box and a clever centre console. The console’s lid folds forward to create a flat table—perfect for impromptu on-site work. Under the rear seat, you’ll find a massive 33-litre hidden storage bin, which is class-leading and a great spot to hide valuables away from prying eyes.
The ute tub, or “tray” as some call it, is all about practicality. The TXS comes with a bed liner, tray lights and a 240-volt power outlet, which is a must-have for charging tools or a laptop on the go. There are integrated corner steps on the rear bumper to make getting in and out of the tub easier. A clever addition is the lockable storage cubby located just above the right rear wheel arch, which is a perfect place for storing dirty gear like work boots, ropes, or other bits and bobs you want to keep separate from the main tub area.
The load-in height feels standard for the segment. As for the spare, all Tasman models, including the TXS, come equipped with a full-size spare wheel, which is a huge plus for those who plan on serious off-road adventures and want peace of mind on the main roads. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about Kia’s understanding of the segment.
What’s The 2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD Like To Drive?
While the interior is a masterclass in modern ute design, the true test of a workhorse is how it performs when the going gets tough. After getting a task of what the Tasman can do off-road at the launch event day. We’ve now had time to put the Tasman TXS through its paces on urban roads to see if it lives up to the hype.
Kia’s development team has clearly spent a lot of time on local roads, and it shows. The Tasman feels impressively composed and car-like on sealed surfaces. The ride quality is excellent for a body-on-frame ute, managing to absorb bumps and road imperfections without the usual unladen ‘ute shimmy.’ It’s a firm but confident ride, more akin to a large SUV than a traditional work vehicle.
The heart of the Tasman is a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, which puts out 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque. While the power figure is competitive with rivals, the torque is slightly lower than some key players. In our testing, this translated to a strong but not breathtaking pull. The eight-speed automatic transmission is responsive and smooth, though we did find it worked a bit hard on steep hill climbs, hunting for the right gear to maintain momentum. The claimed combined fuel economy for the X-Line is an impressive 9.0L/100km, putting it among the more frugal options in the segment. During our time in the Tasman we averaged a combined fuel economy of 11L/100km.
Braking performance is solid. The brake pedal has a good, progressive feel, and there’s plenty of stopping power to confidently haul the Tasman to a stop. We experienced no stability issues or fade under hard braking, and the integrated trailer brake controller is a must-have for those planning on towing. The pedal layout is clean and well-positioned.
Getting behind the wheel, the high seating position gives you that commanding ‘king of the road’ feel. The Tasman’s driver’s seat is comfortable and adjustable enough to find your sweet spot, and visibility is excellent thanks to a good-sized rear window and large side mirrors. The chunky steering wheel with its well-placed controls feels great in your hands.
The dash is a high-tech hub, dominated by the seamless panoramic display. The graphics are sharp, and the system is quick and responsive to touch inputs, with no noticeable lag. A great touch is the persistence of physical buttons and switches for key functions like climate control, which makes it easy to adjust settings without taking your eyes off the road. The steering wheel controls are logically arranged, with media, phone, and cruise control buttons falling easily to hand.
The Tasman TXS comes equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, offering settings for different conditions. In addition to the standard on-road modes, there are dedicated off-road Terrain Modes, including Snow, Sand, and Mud, which adjust the vehicle’s traction control and throttle response for optimal grip. The TXS also includes an automatic four-wheel drive mode (4A), which is a fantastic safety feature for added traction in unpredictable weather.
Kia has done an admirable job of insulating the cabin from engine and road noise. The engine note is audible under hard acceleration but settles into a quiet hum when cruising. Road noise is also well-managed, with the cabin remaining a serene place to be, even on coarse-chip surfaces.
READ ON TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMARY OF THE 2025 KIA TASMAN TXS.
2025 KIA Tasman TXS 4WD – Specifications
| Feature | Specifications |
| Starting Price | $62,690 + ORC |
| Engine Type | 2.2L Turbo-Diesel Inline 4-Cylinder |
| Engine Power/Torque | 154kW / 440Nm |
| Transmission Type | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Spare Wheel Configuration | Full-size spare wheel |
| Kerb Weight | Not officially confirmed, estimated at around 2,126-2,237 kg |
| Length x Width x Height | 5410mm x 1930mm x 1890mm |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity | 1,173L (ute tray) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 litres |
| Energy Economy (Combined) | Advertised – 9.0 L/100km Real-world – 11.0 L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 750kg unbraked / 3,500kg braked |
| Turning Circle | 12.34 metres |
| Warranty | 5 years / 150,000 km |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 stars – Link Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – TASMN |
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