EXCLUSIVE! 2025 Kia ute/pickup truck 'Tasman’ specs & design leaked

You’ve probably heard by now that Kia is going to introduce a new ute, a pickup truck. A source that we know, who has seen the current design stage and current development plans, has revealed lots of juicy details to us for an in-depth preview.

Our source, who prefers to remain anonymous, worked with Kia and has witnessed the new ute and seen the initial specification plans. These details could change as the development process continues, but here’s what we've been told so far.

A name hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, and neither has the vehicle’s existence, but rumours seem to suggest it might be called the Kia Tasman. A trademark is currently set against the name in Australia, registered under Kia Corporation.

The shape and the overall trim and proportions have been applied under guidance from our source, who says these images are “pretty accurate” to the real thing. Again, as of at the current stage of development.

It looks like there will be three main powertrain options. A 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing around 157kW and 420Nm is set to be the main option. However, we suspect the ageing ‘R series’ engine might be updated to the 2.0L SmartStream unit by the time it hits the market.

Alternatively, buyers will apparently be offered an optional 2.5-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol four-cylinder as well, developing around 206kW and 422Nm. Both of these units come with an eight-speed automatic.

Interestingly, Kia is set to launch a fully electric version as well. We’re hearing the range-topper will feature a 123kWh battery, sending energy to two electric motors for four-wheel drive. Outputs are a whopping 410kW and 800Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is set to take around 4.9 seconds.

It’s unclear if all options will be presented in Australia, however, our source says Kia is adamant about the new model being a proper workhorse, across the range. There’s talk of a full 3500kg braked towing capacity, and even 3400kg for the electric model, as well as a 1100kg payload as least on the combustion-engined models.

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[davetaylor]

Everything is going back to the look of the old Troopy. Even Toyota itself. We went through years of cutting edge shape moulding. To produce the least wind resistance. Saves fuel. We were told. Less noisy. Now we are back to a brick with doors. And a tub on the back. Progress is such a wonderful thing.

[_Alfa.Bravo_]

NICE . Can it load a EU pallette on the back ? Design is beautiful !!! Hope it comes to Thailand

[Mike_]

Makes sense considering the pickup ute segment is the highest selling segment in Australia. The Ranger sold over 50, 000 units alone this year.

[bradforester]

Wow. That rendering is too cool. I wish. If they did i would buy 1000%

[kareembaba]

Hey brett, are you able to review and test the Mazda CX-30 with the 2.0 Fwd spec? All I see on YouTube is the 2.5 AWD spec or with the supercharged engine.

[lucysoutdoors]

On these spec's Ford, Toyota,D max have no fear's

[JumpingSpiderDesign]

Nice scoop! Those renders are really well done. I wonder how early a company like ARB gets to check out an incoming model.

[henrytoussaint]

They need to give their in-line 6 Diesel from the GV80 a new use, it seems like a waste of an engine to discontinue it.

[-PORK-CHOP-]

The tail lights need to extend up further, they are awful

[WJr_]

I am hoping this comes to North America!

[SHSH]

It doesnt look like rhis.... The design is closer to the ev9 front... Theres multiple videos on here 2025 Tasman.

[ChasL]

This won't do the controls are on the wrong side of the truck.

[vintagetintrader]

If it looks like that, might have Jeep coming after them with a lawsuit for taking some design elements from the Gladiator. Just as they did with Mahindra and the Roxor/Thar.

[michaelcampbell]

Will be interesting to see if they bring back their 3.0l v6 diesel for this later on.

[SteveSmith-zzih]

Bet it has better fuel economy and auto than my 2.8D4 Hilux, the ranger has better fuel economy than the hilux. BUT 2.2 is too small.

[smileydave]

If it doesn't have a V6 at the entry lvl models not interested.

[Wedgetail]

Yeah, just give us the two internal combustion options. Forget the E-Ute.

[GlobalTriathlonNetwork]

A kia Ute sr5 hilux comparitive model, cannot be the same price. Get real. It needs to be 8-10k cheaper to sell more than 1, or I'll eat my hat.
No one buying a Ute will care about the fancy screens a hilux will win everyday of the week.