Kia Tasman Diesel Ute Arriving at Tynan Kia Sutherland – Hybrid and EV Versions to Follow
Big news for ute buyers in the Sutherland Shire and beyond — the highly anticipated Kia Tasman is on its way to Tynan Kia Sutherland, with showroom arrivals confirmed for July 2025. While the spotlight is currently on the rugged 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, Kia has its sights set on an electrified future, with hybrid and electric (EV) Tasman variants already on the roadmap.
As Kia Australia’s first-ever dual-cab ute, the Tasman is a bold entrant into Australia’s competitive light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, targeting heavyweights like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. Backed by a strong diesel foundation and forward-thinking R&D, the Tasman is engineered to make a serious impact.
🚙 Why Diesel Comes First for the Kia Tasman
While the auto industry buzzes about electric utes, Kia is taking a practical approach. The 2025 Kia Tasman will launch exclusively with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine — a decision rooted in market demand.
“Eighty-plus per cent of the market is still four-cylinder diesel. That has to be something we get right first,” said Kia Australia product planning chief Roland Rivero.
And he’s not wrong. Diesel-powered utes remain the preferred choice for tradies, fleet buyers, and 4x4 enthusiasts across Australia — making it the logical choice for Kia’s first outing in the segment.
🔋 Hybrid & Electric Tasman Utes Are on the Horizon
That said, Kia isn’t ignoring the shift toward electrification. In response to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and growing environmental regulations, electrified versions of the Tasman — either hybrid or full EV — are part of Kia’s long-term plan.
“There is a long-term roadmap that we are looking at with R&D,” Rivero confirmed, while Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith added, “What’s really important with Tasman is that we build a really strong foundation of sales with what we’ve got.”
This strategy positions Kia to not only establish a strong foothold in the diesel ute segment but also to future-proof the Tasman for the inevitable shift to cleaner powertrains.
📊 Aiming for 20,000 Sales: Kia Has Big Goals
Kia is entering a hot market dominated by established players, but the brand is confident the Tasman can make waves. With a goal to steal up to 20,000 annual sales, Kia is challenging the dominance of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, which together account for nearly half of all ute sales in Australia.
And while the overall ute market has seen a modest 6.3% decline in early 2025, it's still expected to exceed 200,000 annual sales, making it a major battleground for automotive brands.
Meredith dismisses concerns about market fragmentation, saying:
“I don’t think you can say there will never be an LCV at number one.”
He adds that fast-changing consumer trends mean the Tasman — and even newer rivals like the BYD Shark — could potentially rise to the top.
🛻 What to Expect from the Kia Tasman Diesel Ute
While full specs are yet to be released, early reports confirm the Kia Tasman diesel ute will offer:
- 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine
- Rugged design suited for work and lifestyle use
- Competitive towing capacity (TBC)
- Advanced driver-assist and safety features (expected)
- Dual-cab configuration
- Targeted to undercut segment leaders on price and equipment
More details will be announced soon, including pricing, features, and trim levels for the Australian market.
📍 Tynan Kia Sutherland: Your Destination for the 2025 Kia Tasman
At Tynan Kia Sutherland, we’re gearing up to welcome the Kia Tasman to our growing range of rugged and versatile vehicles. Whether you’re after a diesel workhorse or holding out for an electric Kia ute, our expert team is here to help you explore the best of both worlds.
With flexible finance options, trade-in support, and early test drive opportunities, Tynan Kia Sutherland is your trusted Kia dealership in the Sutherland Shire.
📝 Register Your Interest Today
The Kia Tasman diesel ute is launching in July 2025, and Tynan Kia Sutherland is now accepting expressions of interest. Be the first to experience Kia’s bold new entrant in the ute market — and stay informed about upcoming hybrid and electric Tasman variants.
👉 Contact us today or visit our dealership to register your interest and secure early access to one of Australia’s most anticipated new utes.
Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.
Credit: CarSales.com.au