2025 Kia Tasman: Game-changing dual cab ute breaks cover in unique camouflage wrap as next year's market showdown with Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton draws closer

The countdown to Kia unveiling its all-new Tasman ute continues at pace with the release of the first images of the game-changing newcomer wearing a unique camouflage wrap.

Likely to launch with (148kW/440Nm) 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel power (as per the Carnival people mover and Sorento SUV) when it rolls into local showrooms in mid-2025, the next phase in the Tasman’s development is increased on-road pre-production testing and the ‘camo’ is designed to confuse keen eyes trying to identify its final form.

That said, this is the best look at the new body-on-frame ute we’ve had so far and it’s tough, bold proportions are clear.

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A big grille, running almost the full width of the car, features close to C-shaped lighting graphics at either end, with what are likely to be illuminated vertical bars between them (in the style of the US and South Korean market Kia Mohave SUV).

The way the large wheel arch overfenders blend with the corner indicator units at the front suggest they’re part of the production design and substantial tow hooks under the front bumper point to 4WD capability. A glimpse of the prototype’s Continental CrossContact AX6 all-terrain rubber is another clue.      

In previous on-road benchmark comparison testing against the Ford Ranger the Tasman has been wrapped in heavy cladding and this new lightweight camouflage treatment has a strong ‘ANZ’ connection.

The Tasman features a big grille, running almost the full width of the car.

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The Tasman is likely to launch with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine.

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According to Kia Australia it was developed in collaboration with Kiwi artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop and is themed around ‘The Path Never Taken’ adding it “embodies the adventurous spirit of the Kia Tasman”.

As far as the prospective model range goes, Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith, has previously told CarsGuide, "We’re talking about a dual-cab, a single-cab - what we’ve requested is the full gambit for the ute."

Kia is also bullish in its aim of capturing around 10 per cent of the Aussie ute market with the Tasman, which equates to roughly 24,000 sales per annum.

The countdown to Kia unveiling its all-new Tasman ute continues at pace.

For reference, the market-leading Ford Ranger recorded in excess of 60,000 registrations in 2023, with the second-placed Toyota HiLux notching up a similar number.

Kia has confirmed the Tasman will be rolled-out across key markets including South Korea, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

Stay tuned for further updates as the launch clock continues to tick down!