Kia Tasman review reveals impressive dynamics and cabin class

Call it the reverse Cinderella … here’s the design story behind Kia’s new Taman dual-cab ute.

Let’s be clear. Kia chose this face. This wasn’t an accident. It was a decision. Rumour has it the design team slipped this brutalist sketch into the pitch deck as the token “wildcard”, a visual palate-cleanser to make the two macho options look like Cinderellas against the ugly stepsister.

Then the Kia boss pointed at the brute and said, “That one”. The designers choked on their kimchi.

He wanted it to stand out from a crowded market.

Since its reveal the internet, predictably, tried to set itself on fire. If the Tasman had control of its social media, the dual-cab would have deleted its account and moved to a cabin in the woods.

But here’s the problem with the online mob: they might be wrong. “Ugly” is harsh. In the metal, this controversial block of angles has grown on us. And judging by the constant rubbernecking during our test, it’s the most anticipated vehicle we’ve driven in years.

The paint has barely cured, yet whispers of an emergency facelift are already circulating. Sales have failed to meet expectations.

In a move usually reserved for a model in its twilight years – like a Holden Commodore Vacationer – Kia has slapped “special deal” on one of the expensive models.

Some may see that as shifting from launch to panic button, but our test found the Tasman is far more than skin deep.

What do you get?

At the top of the food chain sits the X-Pro, the most expensive and “hardcore” derivative.

It proves its toughness with 17-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tyres (down from 18s), fuel tank protection, off-road modes, a ground view monitor and an electric locking differential.

Then, it immediately contradicts itself with a list of luxuries like a Harmon Kardon stereo, heated steering wheel, sunroof, heated second-row seats, ventilated and heated front seats. Because nothing says “I’m conquering the wilderness” like a perfectly acclimatised bottom.

There’s also a special off-road analysis page showing steering direction, angle and oil levels, plus special camera views for all-round vision – perfect for when you need to spot a kangaroo or just not kerb it at the shops.

As for paint, white is the only colour that doesn’t cost extra. Choosing grey, black, beige, blue, green, or red will sting you for another $700.

Seven years of capped price servicing would cost an average of $584. The X-Pro actually has slightly cheaper servicing than all other Tasmans. Its rear electronic LSD differential requires an oil change every 75k, rather than 45k with the conventional diff.

Naturally, a 40-item accessory list enables more muscle flexing.

This includes a canopy for $4620, an electric roller shutter for $5005 (or $3619 if you enjoy manual labour), a soft tonneau for $1065, and side steps at $1631. Sports bars start from $1176, a snorkel will set you back $930 and a towbar kit is $1123.

Although, it would be hard to pass up the current deal on the X-Line. For $67,990 on the road, Kia throws in a soft tonneau, sports bar, tubular side steps and metallic paint.

You would be hard-pressed to find a better ute interior layout.

How was the drive?

On paper, the Tasman’s stats are a fantastic cure for insomnia. Reality, however, is far better than the spreadsheet indicates.

Under the bonnet is Kia’s 2.2-litre diesel, a relation to the donk also used in the Carnival people-mover and svelte Sorento SUV. But it feels strong and more than capable.

On a smooth road, the Tasman feels impressively accomplished and polished, shifting through its eight gears exactly when it should. It’ll cruise at 110km/h perched on 1800rpm.

The only crack in this facade appears when you floor it. That mid-range punch is precisely where you’ll spot the difference between this and the V6-powered Ford Ranger.

Let’s be honest, there’s a good reason the Ranger is among Australia’s favourite family haulers. The Tasman isn’t quite as sophisticated when the surface turns to custard … but it’s no dog on lino, either.

Most drivers will cruise past the beaten track. They shouldn’t, as this is where the Tasman shines. It’s impressively capable.

The cabin sets a new benchmark for ute style, tech and functionality. Textured finishes on the door handles and console toggles are the ute’s way of whispering, “You’re tough, remember?” Which is helpful, because you’re sitting in an interior that otherwise feels less workhorse and more day spa.

Our test averaged diesel consumption of 9.2L/100km. That will still deliver a total range of more than 700km from the 80-litre tank.

The turning circle of 12.5m in the X-Pro is slightly larger than all other versions. That makes it a handful in some tight carparks, although it’s not Robinson Crusoe when it comes to utes.

The most hardcore version of the Kia ute is the Tasman X-Pro.

Would you buy one?

Kel: The styling has grown on me since it was first launched and many said they were getting Hummer vibes. The interior was awesome and apart from dealing with the parking challenge I thought it felt more SUV than ute. I’d take the X-Line deal to gain the running boards for easier entry and exit.

Grant: Ute folk are a passionate and loud bunch. Most have been passionate about their hatred of the design. Yet I have changed my attitude having seen it up close and in the darker hues. Having recently loved the Ford Ranger PHEV, for me it would be a battle between the blue oval plug-in and the Tasman, which would then come down to the value equation.