Kia’s all-new Tasman ute hasn’t even had its first birthday, but the company’s already laying out plans for a much longer (and greener) journey.
With hybrid and fully electric variants in the pipeline and a rugged facelift potentially inspired by a recent concept, the Tasman is far from settling in.
Juiced-up utes on the horizon?
The Tasman currently runs on petrol and diesel powertrains depending on market, but electrification is firmly on the table.
Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning for Kia Australia, told CarExpert the platform is “fairly modular” and capable of housing multiple drivetrain configurations.
Kia is now “studying and reviewing” both hybrid and EV versions, though Rivero didn’t commit to any rollout dates. One likely option is a hybrid setup based on the 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine already offered in South Korea, paired with a self-charging system - similar to what Hyundai’s done with the latest Palisade.
That would position the Tasman neatly alongside electrified midsize rivals like the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6 ute.
The full EV Tasman would likely feature a dual-motor, AWD layout, designed to take on emissions-free offerings from Toyota and Isuzu - including electric Hilux and D-Max models currently under development.
The long game: 12 years of evolution
Kia is treating the Tasman like a true light commercial, with a lifecycle of 8 to 12 years. That longevity will come with periodic updates to keep things fresh.
A facelift is already reportedly in the works and could draw from the Tasman Weekender concept, which turned heads at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
Rivero stressed the Weekender remains “just a concept,” but admitted there’s “plenty of opportunity to enhance the Tasman” over time.
The show truck’s wider, body-coloured fenders, reworked bumpers, raised bonnet and chunkier tyres all hint at an off-road-ready upgrade - something buyers seem to be chasing more of in this segment
Accessories now, upgrades later
Until the big changes land, Kia’s bolstering the Tasman’s appeal with a suite of accessories tailored for different lifestyles. From tradies to tourers, owners can customise their rigs - but it’s clear the real transformation is still to come.
One thing’s certain: Kia’s first ute isn’t standing still. With electrification and more aggressive styling already in the works, the Tasman’s future is looking anything but ordinary.
