Kia Keeping Options Open for Tasman Hybrid and EV Utes

Kia’s first-ever ute, the Tasman, is gearing up for launch in Australia—but for now, it’s sticking with diesel. That might surprise some, especially given Kia’s proven hybrid and EV tech in other models and the growing trend among competitors to electrify their utes.

But don’t count Kia out of the hybrid and EV race just yet.

Key Takeaways

• The Kia Tasman will launch with a 2.2-litre diesel engine only.

• Hybrid and electric versions are under review and could arrive in future.

• Kia’s modular ladder-frame chassis supports various powertrains.

• A Tasman EV is confirmed, but timing remains unclear.

• The ute is expected to have a long lifecycle (8–12 years), supporting potential hybrid and EV updates over time.

Diesel First, Electric Later

At a recent prototype drive in Australia, Kia’s General Manager of Product, Roland Rivero, confirmed that while the Tasman will arrive locally with a Euro 5-compliant 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine (154kW/440Nm), hybrid and full-electric variants are definitely under evaluation.

The diesel model will come in both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol option offered in Korea won’t make it to Australia due to NVES regulations kicking in from July 2025, which penalise high-emissions vehicles.

Hybrid Powertrain Still on the Table

Kia’s new ladder-frame chassis is designed to be flexible, capable of housing a range of powertrains, including hybrids. While Rivero didn’t commit to a timeline, he emphasised that hybrid and EV power remain “on the cards” and are being actively reviewed.

Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, recently unveiled its next-gen hybrid tech, including a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid featured in the new Hyundai Palisade. A rear-wheel drive-biased version of this setup is expected by 2026, and it could eventually find its way into the Tasman.

Tasman EV: Officially in the Pipeline

While Kia Australia hasn’t put a date on it, Kia South Africa’s marketing head let slip that an electric Tasman is “definitely coming.” This aligns with Kia’s 2022 global announcement about developing two electric utes: one being a purpose-built EV and the other targeting emerging markets—likely the battery-electric Tasman.

This future EV ute would put Kia in direct competition with upcoming models like the LDV eTerron 9 and future electric Ford utes, and help the brand stay relevant as hybrid and plug-in hybrid rivals like the Toyota Tundra, BYD Shark 6, and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T land in Australia.

Canopy-Ready from Day One

At MRT, we’re already preparing for the arrival of the Kia Tasman—diesel, hybrid, or EV. When it hits Australian roads, we’ll have our premium canopy setups ready, including the Tradesman Package for rugged work use and the Explorer Package for those chasing adventure.

Stay tuned—Kia’s journey with the Tasman is just getting started, and MRT will be right there with fit-for-purpose canopy solutions to match.