Many years ago, I sat perched in a hot Mozambican bar with an ice-cold 2M beer cradled in my hand, debating with an Afrikaans farmer about which was better: the Land Rover Defender or the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series. To my surprise and horror, he flipped the script and offered the Mahindra Scorpio pickup as a viable alternative. I was incensed. Not only was the Mahindra as ugly as a hippo’s behind, but it lacked the class and pedigree of the Defender and, arguably, even that of the Land Cruiser, the blunt tool that it is (I am biased). Fifteen years later, I will not admit that the budget-friendly Mahindra is in the same league as legends, but I will concede that the vehicle has proven itself time and time again under the harshest conditions known to a vehicle: developing world agriculture. It is a beast of burden.
The Kia Tasman, depending on who you ask, is either the hippo’s behind or its handsome smiling face, but it has, on paper, all the weapons to make it a giant slayer. That we can’t have in America, no surprises there. And, as the Tasman X-Pro will be less than $10,000 cheaper than a new 79-Series Land Cruiser (unfortunately, the Defender is no longer a contender; the Land Cruiser won after all) it will be compared to the Land Cruiser, but more directly to the Hilux, the Ford Ranger, and the Mitsubishi Triton that dominate the Australian UTE mid-size pickup market in a similar price range.
Does the Tasman X-Pro have what it takes?
Developed with significant input from Kia Australia, the Tasman is tailored to meet the demands of consumers in regions like Australia, where utility vehicles are highly popular. The Kia Tasman X-Pro is available with two engine options, depending on the market. The 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel inline-four engine delivers 154 kilowatts (207 horsepower) and 441 Newton-meters (325 pound-feet) of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is standard in markets such as Australia and New Zealand.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol inline-four produces 207 kilowatts (277 horsepower) and 421 Newton-meters (311 pound-feet) of torque. It is also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is offered in regions such as Korea, the Middle East, and Africa.
Both engines are built on a body-on-frame chassis and come standard with full-time all-wheel drive in the X-Pro trim. Designed for off-road enthusiasts, the X-Pro variant features a higher ground clearance of 252 millimeters, 17-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. Additional off-road capabilities include specialized terrain modes and a ground view monitor, which assist in navigating challenging terrain.
Kia’s X-TREK mode, featured in the Tasman X-Pro variant, is an off-road driving assist system designed to maintain a consistent low speed over challenging terrain without requiring the driver to operate the accelerator or brake pedals manually. This crawl control function allows the driver to focus solely on steering, which enhances control and reduces fatigue during off-road navigation.
Kia’s X-TREK mode is a notable addition but not a groundbreaking advancement in the context of modern off-road technology. It serves a similar function to crawl control systems already found in vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger Raptor, and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
X-TREK mode is significant for Kia because it marks the brand’s entry into serious off-road functionality—something it hasn’t traditionally offered in its lineup. While not revolutionary within the segment, it’s a meaningful step forward for Kia and could broaden the Tasman’s appeal among overland and off-road buyers.
Inside, the Tasman X-Pro offers a range of comfort and technology features. These include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and dual 12.3-inch digital displays for instrumentation and infotainment. The interior also features a 5-inch climate control display and ambient cabin lighting, which enhance the overall driving experience.
The exterior design of the Tasman has been a topic of discussion among consumers. Some people appreciate its distinctive appearance, while others find it unconventional compared to traditional pickup trucks. To address this, Kia offers body-colored fender flares on select models, aiming to provide a more cohesive look.
Pricing for the Tasman X-Pro starts at AUD 74,990 (USD 48,743), positioning it competitively against rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. While some potential buyers have apparently expressed concerns over the pricing, others recognize the value offered through its comprehensive feature set and capabilities.
The Tasman is currently available for pre-order in Australia, with deliveries expected to commence in July 2025. Additional variants, including single-cab and chassis models, are anticipated to join the lineup later in the year.
Overall, the 2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro represents a significant step for Kia in expanding its vehicle offerings, aiming to meet the diverse needs of consumers seeking a capable and feature-rich pickup. On paper, this pickup has what it takes to make a dent in the market, but only time will tell if the vehicle is up to the tasks demanded by a loyal and demanding customer base.
Specifications | Kia Tasman
Engine: 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel inline-four
Power: 207 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds
Payload capacity: 2,233 pounds
Ground clearance: 9.9 inches
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