Car review: Kia Tasman TK Double X-pro 4×4

Posted 21 July, 2026 Mark Borlace

Kia’s Tasman is setting new benchmarks for dual-cab utes in the areas of interior space and design, tray size and off-road ability. However, its exterior is polarising.

Pricing

The dual-cab pick-up range starts at a very competitive $42,990 for the S 4×2 trim. There are another 11 variants available, with the X-Pro 4×4, which we tested, topping the range at $77,990. On top of the purchase price, there’s a five-year service package available for about $2800, based on 12-month/15,000km servicing intervals.

Design

The Tonka truck-esque external design, with its chunky wheel-arch flares, is divisive among the motoring community and the look might deter some buyers. Once you’ve overcome the exterior shock and hop in the Tasman, you’ll find it has one of the best interiors for a ute. In fact, the Tasman’s interior is more akin to an SUV than a work ute.

There’s lots of space, with wide seats in the front and back. The rear-occupant space is very good and includes heated seats, and the distance between the driver and vertical windscreen adds to the feeling of space. There is 45 litres of storage under the rear seats, enabling smaller items to be stored in the cabin out of view.

There’s also glovebox-sized storage built into the exterior of the right rear wheel arch for tie-down straps and other bits and pieces. However, it would’ve been safer and easier if the storage space was on the other side of the vehicle, so you’re not standing on the traffic side when accessing the area.

The Tasman is a big car at 5.4 metres long and takes some getting used to when parking. The upside of the Tasman’s length is that it has one of the largest tubs for an Australian ute. There are adjustable tie downs and 240-volt power outlets in the lined tub area plus an outlet inside the cabin behind the centre console.

Technology

Kia has the right mix of switches and touchscreen buttons. Three screens – a 12.3-inch driver display, five-inch climate-control screen and 12.3-inch multimedia screen – are seamlessly joined to create an integrated panoramic display. The steering wheel is a squarish design, leaving a bit to be desired.

Performance

The Tasman is based on an all-new ladder chassis platform and sits on an Aussie-developed suspension package consisting of leaf springs on the rear and coils on the front. This provides a quiet and refined ride and exceptional handling for such a tall vehicle.

Most utes need some weight in the back to control the suspension but the Tasman rides well, even without a load. The Tasman has a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and one-tonne payload and comes standard with an integrated trailer brake controller if you want to install a towbar.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine is well matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The single-turbo design does contribute to a little bit of turbo lag on take-off.

Off road, the Tasman is very capable with various drive modes. It has an electronic locking differential with a dedicated switch, high ground clearance and good underbody protection for the fuel tank.

For a first crack at making a ute, Kia has got the Tasman pretty well right, it’s just a pity about the looks.