2025 Kia Tasman ute makes global debut; 154kW/441Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine confirmed for Australia

Kia has officially unleashed its Tasman ute, with the Korean marque confirming the hotly anticipated ute will be introduced in Australia following its initial launch in Korea during the first half of 2025.

Revealed at the Jeddah Motor Show in the Middle East – with a local launch running in tandem in Tasmania, of all places – the Tasman will land in Australia with a 154kW/441Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says this engine is capable of sending the Tasman from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds.

The Tasman utilises a double-wishbone front suspension set-up, while the rear features a rigid axle with leaf springs. The suspension is enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology, for improved body control and comfort. It comes with an 800mm wading depth limit.

“Kia’s first-ever pickup truck was created from the ground up to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.

Three trim levels will be available: Baseline, X-Line and X-Pro. The X-Line features 18-inch alloy wheels paired with highway and all-terrain tyres; while the X-Pro is bred more for off-road work due to its 28mm higher ground clearance (totalling 252mm) and 17-inch wheels inside all-terrain rubber. The X-Pro also gets an automatically engaging rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD), as well as an X-Trek mode which essentially maintains the vehicle at a low speed when off-road without the need for manual input.

Both the X-Line and X-Pro variants are equipped with AWD as standard, but it’s optional with the lower-spec Baseline. In Australia, all-wheel-drive variants are equipped with Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock modes. Rock mode in particular is also designed to enhance performance on challenging off-road terrain.

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The Tasman features an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) with a full suite of safety equipment including lane keeping assist, blind spot collision warning, and remote parking assist through Highway Driving Assist 2. The system has been optimised to work when a trailer is attached.

The Tasman is also equipped with a Ground View Monitor, which enables drivers to see what is happening at ground level when off-road. Think Land Rover’s invisible bonnet.

Kia has also stated that customisable cab-chassis variants will be sold, as well as single-cab options. To this end, the Tasman will feature four different bed accessory configurations: Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar and Ladder Rack. All but the Ladder Rack will be available when the vehicle launches – as will 13 accessories including sidesteps and beadlock-style wheels.

• Single Decker: Canopy, butterfly doors, roof rack
• Double Decker: Trunk, butterfly doors, sliding tonneau cover
• Sports Bar: Functional roll-bar frame
• Ladder Rack: Ladder-type rack compatible with roof racks

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The load bed measures 1512mm (long), 1572mm (wide), 1186mm (between the wheel arches), and 540mm deep, providing a class-leading cargo capacity of 1173 litres. The bed has a 240v power outlet. In addition, the Tasman has a massive payload capacity of 1195kg (2WD mode) and a 3500kg towing capacity.

Of the design, Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, said: “Created especially for explorers, adventurers and people who like to get things done, the Kia Tasman is designed to serve as a dependable companion in every situation.

“Solid and capable, its design begins with an honest form, using simple and rugged elements to capture a spirit of practicality. The Kia Tasman is a pickup truck that effortlessly blends lifestyle and utility, and represents our commitment to always bring bold and innovative ideas to our customers.”

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A total of nine colours will be available: Clear White, Snow Pearl White, Steel Gray, Interstellar Gray, Cityscape Green, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Tan Beige, and Denim Blue.

Interior highlights include a multi-function steering wheel; 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen technology; an optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration; a large folding console table; dual wireless charging pads; and hidden storage bins concealed beneath the rear seats, offering 33 litres of storage. The Tasman offers shoulder room and second-row legroom of 940mm, and the rear seats can recline between 22 and 30 degrees.

Pricing will be revealed closer to the vehicle's launch.