24/03/2026
We had our first Kia Tasman up on the scales over the weekend. After seeing a few of them getting around our home town of
Bathurst, we were keen to see how it stacks up.
So, here are the factory specs:
GVM - 3250kg
GCM - 6200kg
PAYLOAD - 1013kg
TOW CAPACITY - 3500kg
FRONT AXLE CAPACITY - 1450kg
REAR AXLE CAPACITY - 2002kg.
If the vehicle is loaded to its maximum weight (GVM 3250kg), it can tow 2950kg before you reach the Gross Combination Mass (GCM). That 2950kg is the maximum "Gross Trailer Mass". To find out what the maximum ATM weight, you'll need to add the trailers Tow Ball Mass to the trailers GTM.
In this case, the trailer in tow weighed 2949kg (ATM), but only had a Tow Ball Mass of 215kg, which was a little low and was likely contributing to some sway issues.
With two people on board, and a few bits and bobs in the tray, the vehicle weighed in at 2970kg, 280kg under the GVM when hitched. Keep in mind, adding extra tow ball weight will come out of the remaining payload.
The total combination weighed in at 5702kg, which is 498kg under the max. And the rear axle weighed in at 1741kg, which is 260kg under the max GAWR.
In terms of towing geometry, the wheelbase is 3270mm long, with 1285mm of rear overhang. Interestingly, the market leading Ford Ranger has the exact same wheelbase length, but benefits from slightly less rear overhang.
The Tasman seems to be gaining a fair bit of popularity, and weight-wise, it is most definitely a competitor in the modern ute scene. However, with a full-sized 3000kg-3500kg trailer, running an average amount of tow ball weight (10% of ATM), basic mods (bull bar ect) and minimal luggage in the car, like most vehicles, it'll most likely still be very touch-and-go weight wise.
It'll be interesting to see how they go over the next few years.
What's your thoughts?
