The 2025 Kia Tasman has been a highly anticipated addition to the mid-size utility segment, and a major highlight is its impressive towing capabilities. Designed for arduous Australian conditions, Kia’s goal was to provide the maximum 3,500kg towing and 1,000kg payload for the mid-size segment.
At the Tasman’s launch, this will mean Kia has outperformed all of the budget newcomers from China, with JAC T9, GWM Cannon, and LDV T60 all able to tow 3,000kg, and the BYD Shark 6 able to tow only 2,500kg – something tradesmen, caravaners, and fleet buyers will surely take note of.
Engine Options and Performance
While the exact details are still under wraps for at least a few more days, it’s expected that the Tasman will come with multiple engine options, including a 4-cylinder diesel as standard. There are also rumours of a potential 6-cylinder engine that could provide even more torque and power, making towing even more effortless. Regardless of the engine choice, Kia has ensured that the Tasman delivers a stable and smooth towing experience.
Towing Technology Features
Towing isn’t just about raw power; it’s also about control and safety. The Tasman is equipped with features like trailer sway control, hill-start assist, and electronic brake distribution, ensuring your load remains stable even on uneven or challenging terrain. These features make towing safer and less stressful, especially during long hauls.
Towing Specifications
The 2025 Kia Tasman boasts a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg across its engine lineup. Whether you’re towing a caravan, a boat, or a trailer loaded with equipment, this capacity ensures that the Tasman can tackle the job with ease. It’s a strong contender in its segment, matching the towing specs of some of the most popular utes on the market.
| Specification | Description | 2025 Kia Tasman |
|---|---|---|
| Braked Towing Capacity | Maximum weight the vehicle can tow with a trailer that has its own braking system. | Up to 3,500 kg |
| Unbraked Towing Capacity | Maximum weight the vehicle can tow without a separate braking system on the trailer. | Up to 750 kg |
| Gross Combination Mass (GCM) | Maximum combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their contents. | TBD (Expected to be competitive) |
| Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) | Total weight of the vehicle, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and towball download. | Expected around 3,100 kg |
| Payload Capacity | Maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and towball download. | Estimated at 1,000 kg – 1,200 kg |
| Towball Download (Towball Mass) | Downward force exerted by the trailer on the vehicle’s towball. Recommended at ~10% of trailer weight. | Up to 350 kg (based on 3,500 kg trailer) |
| Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) | Maximum weight of the trailer when fully loaded. | Dependent on trailer; up to 3,500 kg |
| Trailer Gross Mass (TGM) | Actual weight of the trailer (and load) when hooked up and ready to tow. | Must not exceed ATM (up to 3,500 kg) |
| Axle Load Limits | Maximum weight that each axle can support. | TBD |
| Tare Mass (Kerb Weight) | Weight of the vehicle when empty, without passengers, cargo, or accessories. | Estimated around 2,000 kg |
| Trailer Sway Control | Safety feature to detect and reduce trailer sway. | Standard across all trims |
Note: Specifications like GCM and precise axle load limits are yet to be officially confirmed. Estimates are based on what we know about the Tasman already compared alongside typical setups for this segment.
Glossary of Towing Terms
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)
The total weight of a trailer when fully loaded, including its own weight plus the weight of cargo, fluids, and other gear. This represents the maximum permissible loaded weight of the trailer.
Axle Load Limits
The maximum weight that each axle of the towing vehicle and trailer can support. Correctly distributing weight across axles is essential for stability and compliance.
Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle, the trailer, and their contents. The total weight of the loaded vehicle and trailer must not exceed this limit.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
The total weight of the vehicle, including its own weight, passengers, cargo, and the towball download. Exceeding the GVM can result in safety risks and legal penalties.
Payload Capacity
The maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the towball download. Overloading beyond the payload capacity can affect vehicle handling and safety.
Tare Mass (Kerb Weight)
The weight of the vehicle or trailer when empty, without any passengers, cargo, or accessories. It’s the base weight before any load is added.
Towball Download (Towball Mass)
The downward force exerted by the trailer on the vehicle’s towball. In Australia, this is generally recommended to be around 10% of the trailer’s total weight. Proper towball download ensures better stability while towing.
Towing Capacity
- Braked: The maximum weight a vehicle can tow with a trailer that has its own brakes.
- Unbraked: The maximum weight a vehicle can tow without a separate braking system on the trailer.
Trailer Gross Mass (TGM)
The actual weight of the trailer, including its load, when it is connected and ready to be towed. It should not exceed the ATM.
Trailer Sway Control & Stability Features
Safety features that help detect and reduce trailer sway, especially at high speeds. These systems improve overall towing stability and safety.