Are the Tasman’s Headlights Prone to Damage?

Kia’s design choices for the Tasman have sparked debate, with particular scrutiny directed at the placement of its headlights. While much of the criticism is subjective opinion on the aesthetics, a more objective concern has emerged: their vulnerability to damage.

At first glance, the Tasman’s vertically aligned headlights, positioned towards the outer edges of the front fascia, appear more exposed than those of most off-road vehicles. This misleading impression stems from the vertical layout and the greater spacing between the headlights, rather than any significant departure from industry norms. In reality, many off-road vehicles, including the segment’s bestsellers, have headlight housings that extend towards the sides, even wrapping around them in most cases.

More crucially, statistical analysis of vehicle damage suggests that lateral headlight positioning is a secondary factor in overall vulnerability. Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), based on 93,777 insurance claims, indicates that front-centre impacts account for 26% of all claims—the highest single category—resulting in an average repair cost of $5,942 USD. Another study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that front-end collisions, including offset crashes, were responsible for over 50% of serious vehicle damage claims, reinforcing the idea that frontal impact remains the primary concern.

For stationary vehicles, a separate survey examining damage causes found that 32% of respondents attributed vehicle damage to doors opening against their cars, while 25% reported bumper-related impacts. This suggests that in day-to-day use, incidental contact in parking environments is less likely to impact the Tasman’s headlights. Additionally, data from Australian insurance providers indicates that more than 70% of vehicle claims involve front-end damage.

The Tasman’s design actually offers a degree of protection not immediately apparent when looking at the vehicle front-on. The Ford Ranger, Australia’s best-selling off-road vehicle, features headlights that are horizontally oriented but similarly positioned near the edges of the front fascia. Yet, compared to the Ranger, the Tasman’s headlights are far more recessed relative to the grille and bumper. In a frontal collision with an obstacle—whether a tree branch or an unfortunate kangaroo—the primary force is more likely to be deflected or absorbed by the grille and bumper rather than directly impacting the headlight assembly.

Off-road damage statistics are less readily available, but practical considerations provide insight. The Tasman’s design does little to alter the likelihood of damage from lateral movement. While a severe sideways impact could potentially affect the headlight housing, vehicles are primarily exposed to frontal hazards—branches, debris, and wildlife encounters—rather than side-swiping collisions. According to off-road driving reports, impacts from overhanging branches and forward motion hazards contribute to the majority of headlight damage incidents, suggesting that a recessed design is preferable.

Studies on bull bars and aftermarket protection suggest that vehicles equipped with proper frontal protection experience 40% fewer instances of headlight damage in off-road conditions. For drivers who require additional security, genuine and aftermarket bull bars remain an option, further reinforcing the front-end’s resilience.

Ultimately, while the Tasman’s vertical headlights may challenge conventional design expectations, their placement does not inherently make them more susceptible to damage than those of its closest competitors. The available data suggests that frontal impacts remain the primary risk factor for headlight damage, something the Tasman’s headlights appear less prone to, if there’s any real-world difference at all.