Kia Australia has officially announced its intention to reveal its inaugural ute by the year-end, with showroom availability slated for the following year. The diesel dual-cab model, poised to rival the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, is likely to adopt the name Tasman, as evidenced by the trademark Kia secured last year. Emphasizing its commitment to the Australian market, Kia assures that the ute will be its “most Australian product ever,” with development centered around Australia and suspension tuned specifically for local roads.
Despite a recent TV commercial featuring prominent Australian sports figures suggesting a potential name uncertainty, various subtle hints strongly point towards the moniker Tasman. From a dart landing on the Tasman Sea on a map to a pub named ‘Hotel Tas-‘ and a newspaper referencing ‘The Tasman,’ these details reinforce the likelihood of the chosen name. Kia has teased the silhouette of the upcoming ute on its website, showcasing a taller and blockier profile compared to popular models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
The Kia Tasman, expected to hit Australian showrooms by mid-2025 with a diesel engine, is anticipated to have a 3500kg towing capacity and a 1000kg payload. Utilizing heavy-duty underpinnings, spy photos reveal features such as leaf-spring rear suspension and four-wheel-drive capability on sealed surfaces. While the exact engine remains unconfirmed, speculation points towards the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder used in Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento models, generating 148kW/441Nm.
