Kia Teases Tasman Ute Again

Kia has released another teaser for its upcoming double-cab diesel Tasman ute. The all-new model is due to be shown in final form before the end of the year ahead of its official release in mid-2025.

And the company has also issued two preview stills from the teaser video (see below). The “One More Round” videos apparently background the ute’s development.

Kia reckons it has conducted “1777 specific tests conducted over 18,000-plus rounds of evaluation”. Moreover, it says it has tested the ute extensively in the Australian wilderness.

Under the bonnet is the firm’s well known 2.2-litre 148kW/440Nm turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. The ute itself is likely to be larger than its Ranger and HiLux rivals which have been the benchmarks during Tasman’s development.

While Kia has six-cylinder engines, it’s thought a top end six-pot  version is unlikely. There is the possibility, however, of an electric variant following at a later date.

Leaked photos of the interior suggest EV9 influences, while several groups have used existing footage to develop their own rendering of the upcoming ute. 

Another camouflaged Kia Tasman was spotted recently in South Korea that some thought may have been a prototype SUV version of the ute. Rather than an Everest or Fortuner rival, it’s more likely to be an optional accessory of some kind, possibly a cage for mounting accessories or perhaps an optional camper box with a built-in rooftop tent. Reports out of South Korea claim Kia is working on a range of Tasman accessories allowing owners to customise their utes.