Good day, everyone! I’m Andrew from editorial team, and today, I’m excited to share some new details about the 2025 Kia Tasman. Recently, Kia released some promotional footage of the Tasman undergoing testing right here in Australia, specifically in Victoria. It’s not every day that we see a new vehicle being put through its paces so close to home, so I thought it would be fun to dive into some of the images we’ve gathered, along with the latest information we now have about this exciting new model.
2025 Kia Tasman Teaser: A Global Campaign with an Aussie Twist
Kia launched a global teaser campaign for the Tasman, and interestingly, it was all shot here in Australia. The footage features the Tasman navigating off-road terrain, giving us a taste of its capabilities. The car we recently spotted on Australian roads had the same registration as the one in the teaser, confirming that Kia is actively testing this vehicle down under.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Tasman’s testing is the use of a trailer dyno, which is a device that simulates towing a heavy load. This helps engineers understand how the vehicle performs under stress, like going uphill or managing everyday traffic conditions. The trailer seems to be filled with water, which can weigh up to 3.5 tons, giving Kia a realistic idea of how the Tasman will handle heavy loads.
Payload and Performance Insights
By looking up the registration details of the test vehicle, we’ve learned that it was registered in Australia in May of this year. This registration includes crucial data like the vehicle’s tare weight and gross vehicle mass (GVM). Using these figures, we can estimate that the Tasman will have a payload of around 900 kilograms, putting it in the same league as the Ford Ranger.
This is significant because in Australia, vehicles with a payload under one ton are eligible for a novated lease, offering potential tax benefits.
What We Know About the Engine
As for the engine, the Tasman will initially be available with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. While Kia hasn’t confirmed which engine they’ll use, we suspect it could be similar to the 2.2L turbocharged diesel found in the Sorento, which produces 148 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque.
However, this might not be enough to compete with the Ranger, which offers 500 Nm of torque. I hope Kia considers this and ensures the Tasman has at least 500 Nm to make it competitive in the market.
Design Details and What to Expect
From the footage, we can spot some interesting design features on the Tasman. There’s a side step that looks like it will make it to the production version, and a lot of cladding around the front, which may or may not be part of the final design.
The vehicle also features a 360-degree camera, roof rails, and what appears to be LED tail lights. The side steps, in particular, caught my eye—they seem to be designed in two pieces, providing both functionality and a rugged look.
The Road Ahead
All signs point to the Kia Tasman being close to its official launch. Kia has a tradition of unveiling new models around the Australian Open, which takes place in January, so we might see an uncovered version of the Tasman very soon. The fact that Kia is conducting final tests in Australia suggests that the vehicle is nearly ready for production.
Kia also has a history of fine-tuning their vehicles for the Australian market, which means the Tasman should handle well on our diverse road conditions. But the big question remains: Will the 4-cylinder engine be enough? Kia has ruled out a V6 option, and while I’m not entirely convinced, I’m eager to get behind the wheel and find out.
