Kia Tasman Ute Novated Lease: What to Expect Before It Hits Aussie Roads

The Kia Tasman ute novated lease could shake up the dual-cab market in Australia. It’s not available yet, but early specs suggest it’s built for tradies, regional workers, and fleet drivers who want a practical lease option that competes with Hilux, Ranger, and D-MAX.

If you’ve been waiting for a novated lease Kia ute that balances price, engine power, and long-term running costs, the Kia Tasman is shaping up as a real alternative. And if Kia brings out a hybrid or Kia Tasman electric ute, it could become a standout lease option with lower post-tax costs and fuel savings.

Kia Tasman Release Date: What We Know So Far

The Kia Tasman release date is expected in mid-2025. Kia has confirmed that it will launch first in Australia and New Zealand before heading to global markets.

Initial production will include diesel dual-cab variants, with a Kia Tasman electric ute possibly arriving in 2026. This staged rollout means novated lease customers can expect diesel options for packaging by Q1 2025, depending on fleet and dealer availability.

Kia has confirmed that the Tasman will target tradies, business owners, and employees who currently drive Ranger, Hilux, BT-50, and D-MAX utes.

Kia Tasman Specs: What’s Likely at Launch

While final specs haven’t been released yet, reliable sources confirm several likely features for the Kia Tasman specs sheet:

• Engine: 2.2L turbo diesel (same as Kia Sorento)

• Transmission: 8-speed auto

• Drive type: Rear-wheel drive and 4x4

• Towing capacity: Expected 3,500kg braked

• Payload: Estimated 1,000kg

• Fuel use: 7.5–8.5L/100km (based on Sorento engine)

• Ground clearance: ~220mm

• Platform: Body-on-frame chassis similar to Ranger

If the Tasman runs the 2.2L diesel across its trims, novated lease customers will benefit from better-known Kia service intervals, capped price servicing, and solid residual values—key factors when choosing a ute lease with employer packaging.

Kia Tasman Interior: What to Expect Inside

The Kia Tasman interior will likely use parts from the Sorento and Sportage SUV line-up. While we haven’t seen the final cabin layout, early prototypes show:

• Wide touchscreen display (10.25”–12.3”)

• Digital instrument cluster

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Dual-zone climate control

• Electronic park brake

• Rotary gear selector on some trims

Expect hard-wearing materials in lower trims and more comfort options in upper-spec models. This setup suits both tradies and remote workers using the vehicle for job sites and family use.

If you're a regional worker or FIFO employee, this setup allows you to use the Tasman for work and daily life—all under one lease.

Novated Lease Kia: Why the Tasman Matters

There are very few Kia models in the Australian market that suit heavy-duty use under salary packaging. Most novated lease Kia options currently focus on Cerato, Seltos, and EV6.

The Kia Tasman ute novated lease gives Kia a presence in the utility segment that has been dominated by Toyota and Ford. This brings several advantages for lease customers:

• Likely lower driveaway price than Hilux or Ranger

• Kia’s 7-year unlimited km warranty

• Better servicing costs and intervals

• Fresh stock available for lease fleets

For employers setting lease vehicle policies, the Tasman could meet criteria for towing, payload, and off-road ability, while costing less to run than existing brands.

How Much Is the Kia Tasman Ute?

Kia has not confirmed the final price yet, but experts expect the base Kia Tasman ute to start at around $45,000 driveaway, with upper trims reaching $65,000+ depending on accessories, drivetrain, and tech packs.

This pricing keeps it below luxury car tax thresholds and makes it highly suitable for novated leasing. Lower driveaway cost = lower FBT liability = higher packaging efficiency.

Most novated lease quotes will sit below $300 per week for mid-spec models when bundled with rego, fuel, tyres, and servicing.

Kia Tasman Electric Ute: Will It Be Lease-Ready?

The Kia Tasman electric ute is under development, with plans to launch after 2025. While it won’t be part of the first release, Kia has already committed to expanding its EV line-up in Australia.

Electric utes under novated lease will benefit from:

• FBT exemption (if under $89,332 RRP)

• Lower fuel card usage

• Reduced servicing costs

• No engine-related wear and tear

If Kia brings the Tasman EV in under the FBT cap, it may become one of the most tax-efficient ute lease options in the market.

For now, diesel will be the main fuel type available when the Tasman launches in 2024–25.

Why the Kia Tasman Ute Novated Lease Works for Employees

Lower Lease Cost Than Most 4x4s

With a predicted price starting under $50k, the Tasman sits below high-spec Hilux and Ranger models. That helps more of your lease cost stay within the pre-tax zone.

Strong Warranty Support

Kia’s 7-year warranty applies to novated lease customers too. This means less out-of-pocket repairs during your 3- to 5-year lease term.

Suitable for Business and Personal Use

With 5 seats, strong towing capacity, and daily-use comfort, you can use one vehicle for both roles—rather than splitting business and personal use between two cars.

Service Network Across Australia

Kia’s growing dealer network supports customers in metro and regional areas. This is critical for people who lease in QLD, WA, or NT and need local support.

How to Prepare for Tasman Lease Quotes

If you’re planning to lease a ute and want to consider the Tasman when it’s released, take the following steps:

1. Check your employer’s lease policy

• See if Kia is an approved brand

• Confirm ute eligibility (payload, fuel type, etc.)

2. Estimate your kilometres

• Request quotes for 15,000 to 30,000 km/year to test value

3. Choose a lease term

• 3 or 4 years often delivers the best residual balance

4. List your inclusions

• Fuel card, tyres, insurance, and servicing

You can also compare early quotes for similar vehicles like the Hilux SR5, Isuzu D-MAX SX, or JAC T9—so you’re ready when Tasman pricing is confirmed.

Get Ready to Lease the Kia Tasman Ute

The Kia Tasman ute novated lease will be available soon—and it’s already positioned as a strong alternative to current high-cost ute lease options. If you want to be one of the first to get a quote, now is the time to prepare.

Book a consultation with Novated Finance Australia to register your interest and set up a quote structure for the Tasman. When final pricing and delivery dates are confirmed, you’ll be at the front of the queue.

FAQs

• Can I order the Kia Tasman before the official launch?

  Not yet. But you can register interest with your lease provider to be contacted when quotes open.

• Will the Tasman support dual battery or worksite upgrades?

  Yes. You’ll need to package those accessories at the start of the lease.

• Is the Tasman a better fit for fleet leasing or individual use?

  Both. Kia is targeting fleet buyers but will allow individual leases once stock arrives.

• Do I need to wait for Kia’s official launch to get pricing?

  You can request draft quotes now, but final pricing will be confirmed at launch.

• Is a Tasman electric ute likely to cost more in FBT?

  No. If it qualifies under the $89,332 threshold, it should be FBT-exempt like other EVs.