May 30th, 2024
Set to launch in mid-2025, the new Kia Ute, the Kia Tasman ute, marks Kia Motors' bold entry into Australia's biggest, best-selling vehicle type: dual-cab utes. Otherwise known as the good old pickup truck. Historically this has been dominated by Toyota and Ford. Toyota Hilux held the title for seven consecutive years, from 2016 to 2022. In 2023, Ford Ranger dethroned the Hilux, marking the end of Hilux's winning streak. Now Australia will need to brace for a new contender.
The Kia Tasman, will be Kia Motors first ever ute. The Tasman will be diesel powered, have high torque and be a vehicle designed for rugged off-road performance. The type of qualities that Australians have been looking out of their cars, from gauging the key traits at the recurring winners of Australia’s best selling vehicles.
It’s a South Korean company, but with its reference to the mountainous and difficult terrain of Tasmania, and a clear interest in the Australian ute market, it's clear that Kia’s new ute is made for and inspired by Australia.
Originating from South Korea, Kia Motors stands as a powerhouse in global automotive manufacturing. Kia Motors is owned and a part of the broader Hyundai Motor Group family, which does more than just car-making.
Since its inception in 1944, Kia has expanded its reach, now stepping confidently into the ute segment with the introduction of the Kia Tasman Ute. Kia Motors was bought by Hyundai Motor Group in 1998.
The Kia Tasman draws its name from the Tasman Sea and the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to discover Tasmania’s coastline and mountainous landscapes. Echoing the spirit of adventure and resilience. It fittingly represents the vehicle's robust capabilities, engineered to tackle the varied and rugged terrain that Australian landscapes are known for.
What engine will be in the Kia ute? Kia will equip the Tasman with a potent 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. Known for its strength, this engine delivers an impressive 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque, paired with an efficient eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In Kia Tasman news, the first sneak peek into the Tasman's interior was revealed in a video, showcasing features that set it apart from the crowd. Read below to learn more. The interior of the 2025 Kia Tasman UTE offers a glimpse into the future of utility vehicles, blending advanced technology with comfort features that are often reserved for luxury cars.
The interior of the 2025 Kia Tasman is more than just a place to sit. It's a carefully thought-out space designed to enhance both comfort and functionality. Whether you're heading to a job site or cruising on the highway, the Tasman’s interior ensures you do it in comfort and style. With its bold design and innovative features, the Tasman is setting a new standard for what a ute can be.
The 2025 Kia Tasman UTE is expected to be priced competitively within the Australian market, reflecting a strategic entry for Kia into the dual-cab ute segment. Under the bonnet, the Tasman will likely feature a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, a robust choice known for its durability and efficiency.
Engine
2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Transmission
Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power Output
Approximately 148kW
Torque
440 Nm
Expected Price Range
Estimating $33,000 - $67,000 AUD*
Interior Features
Premium upholstery, state-of-the-art infotainment system, touch screen with AC shortcut controls, honeycomb air vents, two wireless charging pads
Release Date
Mid-2025 (est. late Mar or early Apr)
Kia plans to roll out and have the Kia Tasman ready for pickup by mid-2025. CarsGuide estimates the Australian showroom arrivals to be at the end of March or early April.
Last year in 2023, Kia Australia clinched the fourth spot in vehicle sales with 76,120 units, trailing Ford's 87,800, Mazda's 100,008, and Toyota's hefty 215,240. However, the new Tasman could shuffle this ranking. Kia has set an ambitious annual sales goal of 20,000 units for the Tasman, aiming to make it the new flagship model of their lineup, surpassing even the Sportage, Seltos, and Carnival.
| Features | Ford Ranger 2023 Wildtrak 3.0 (4X4) | 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport | 2023 Isuzu D-Max SX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $70,180 | $73,990 plus on-road costs | $50,200 plus on road costs |
| Price as tested | $76,690 plus on-road costs | $74,990 plus on-road costs | $53,599 plus on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $82,295 (Melbourne) | $81,788 (Sydney) | $58,809 (Sydney) |
| Engine type | 3.0L turbo diesel v6 | 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel | 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Fuel efficiency | 8.4L/100km | 7.9L/100km | 6.7 to 8L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
*Specs will differ between the various models in each series.
Definitely not. While an impressive target, in the competitive ute segment, 20,000 units doesn't give a leading position. In the previous year, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-Max dominated, not just the ute market, but the overall sales chart, with 63,356, 61,111, and 31,202 units sold respectively.
But if Kia hits their target with the Tasman, it would outperform both the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton based on last year's figures. It's important to note that it's expected that not all of these 20,000 Tasman buyers would be from the existing ute market - many are likely to be conquered by other competing brands and models.
By potentially adding 20,000 Tasmans to its sales figures and nibbling market share from Ford and Mazda, Kia is poised to make a strong play for the number two spot in Australia's overall vehicle market.
The Kia Tasman price in Australia is a hotly contested factor in how well the vehicle will sell and meet its 20,000 annual sales goal. Kia Australia has not yet released the news of its price. However, if we were to compare it with its main competitors (the Ute best-sellers, Fords Ranger and Toyota Hilux) prices stretch above $70,000 for the top-of-the-line versions of these models.
It would be a bold move for a car manufacturer that has never yet made a ute to come into this market with the same price-point, against these brands that have built up their equity and trust in their utes.
The lower price-point for utes in Australia for a flagship vehicle runs around $60,000. This would put it up against the best selling #3 car and ute in 2023 the Isuzu D-Max, which costs between $32,300 - $67,500 depending on the exact model in the series. We suspect the price to fall around here, and not go much lower. Otherwise this would put it up against more budget-conscious, lesser known brands.
While Kia Motors hasn’t made a ute before, the South Korean car manufacturer does have something that many other competitors can’t match which may give it an advantage in sales. A 7 years/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Kia Model | Estimated cost | Monthly repayments (6% p.a. interest) | Monthly Repayments (8% p.a. interest) | Monthly Repayments (10% p.a. interest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio (S Auto) | $23,706 | $458 | $481 | $504 |
| Cerato (S Hatch Auto) | $28,190 | $545 | $572 | $599 |
| Sportage (S FWD Auto) | $37,048 | $716 | $751 | $787 |
| Sorento (S Auto Sports) | $50,449 | $975 | $1,023 | $1,072 |
| Carnival (S Auto) | $50,271 | $972 | $1,019 | $1,068 |
These car loan repayment examples above are calculated using a fixed-interest rate over 5 years and the estimated cost of the vehicles as of March 2023. These estimates do not include additional fees lenders might charge.
For a Kia Tasman with an estimated price of *$60,000 financed over 7 years (84 months) with a fixed rate loan, the monthly payments would vary based on different annual interest rates:
*The official pricing for a Kia Tasman has not yet been released and this pricing guide is based on an estimate. It's important to refer to the Kia Motors’ official website or showrooms for an accurate representation for the Kia Tasman price in Australia.
This guideline provides an approximate overview only. For the best information, please fill out our car loan calculator and get recommendations based on your credit worthiness and circumstances.
Kia Tasman Car Loans Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 yearsAustralian citizenship or permanent residencyStable incomeSatisfactory credit score*More terms and conditions based on the loan and vendor
Applying for a car loan for the Tasman is straightforward via Loanoptions.Ai. Just visit our compare car loans calculator, fill out your details, and we’ll match you with a selection of car loans tailored to give you the best deal and chance of approval.
Our car loan comparisons are powered by AI, providing you thoroughly exhaustive loan comparisons that go beyond interest rates, taking in mind the extra costs, duration, loan terms and purposes for use to give you more transparency and assistance with your financial decisions. It also helps you fill in your details easier, and run loan options against them securely to help you leverage your personal circumstantial advantages to help you find the best deal.
This efficient process, not to mention our experienced finance brokers, helps you secure the best Kia Tasman loan based on your financial circumstances.
Are you thinking about how to finance the new 2025 Kia Tasman ute? The official pricing and wait list for a Kia Tasman have yet to emerge. However, we can still give you a walkthrough of the finance options you can utilise to fund purchasing this car once it is released in Australia next year.
Here’s some information to keep handy as the release date approaches!
If you're eyeing the Kia Tasman, a secured car loan usually offers lower interest rates than an unsecured loan. This happens because the loan uses your vehicle as collateral, which lowers the risk for the lender. Remember, if you're adding extra gear or upgrades to your Kia Tasman, these might not fall under the secured loan and could need additional financing.
Considering any eco-friendly options for the Tasman? Maybe you're waiting for Kia to launch hybrid or electric models? Green loans are perfect for this. Specific lenders provide these loans to help fund environmentally-friendly vehicles, usually offering you lower interest rates and fewer fees.
If lower monthly payments sound good, think about choosing a balloon payment plan. This method lets you pay a large sum at the end of your financing term after making smaller monthly payments. While this can ease your monthly budget strain, be aware that the total cost of financing might end up higher. You'll get to choose whether to pay off the final balloon amount or refinance it when the term ends.
A novated lease might be an option if your workplace offers it. This financing method allows your Kia Tasman payments to come out of your pre-tax salary, which could save you a significant amount on taxes. Plus, a novated lease often includes the vehicle's running costs, which cuts down your direct expenses and saves GST.
If you plan to use the Kia Tasman for business more than half the time, you could benefit from a business car loan, also known as a chattel mortgage. This option gives you tax advantages, like deductions for interest costs and vehicle depreciation. For personal use primarily, a low-documentation car loan simplifies the financing process by reducing the paperwork required.
With its upcoming launch in 2025, the Kia Tasman is set to redefine the dual-cab ute market in Australia. Offering a mix of power, style, and value, Kia aims to challenge the conventional market leaders that have been dominating Australia’s best-selling vehicles and attract a wide array of buyers. As you consider your purchase, securing the right finance will be crucial, ensuring that your investment is as smart financially as it is exciting on the road.
Average of getting approved for a loan is one day to one week. This doesn’t account for the process of comparing options and the applying process itself. At Loanoptions.AI we make this step easier, faster and more efficient, with comprehensive car loan comparisons against 1000s of products, in sometimes as fast as 8 minutes! Not to mention, instant pre-approvals. So when it comes time for these utes to hit the market, you can be one of the first to drive away with a shiny new Kia Tasman if you choose.
At Loanoptions.AI, we’re about empowering you to take more control and be able to do more of the things that make you more you. We’re not just an AI loan calculator, but a financial expertise heavyweight team ready to support you.
Got a question? Talk to a Human ( call 1300 060 684 ).
Julian Fayad
12:37pmMay 30th, 2024
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