Kia to launch new dual-cab ute in 2025

One of the most popular car makers in Australia is preparing to launch a rival to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux and it’ll have a big Australian connection.

Australia’s love affair with the ute is about to get even stronger.

Kia is preparing to launch a new dual-cab ute in 2025 and the workhorse will have a strong Aussie flavour.

Rumoured to be called Tasman, Kia’s first ute will be developed with strong input from Australia.

Kia Australia’s head of product planning Roland Rivero says the local team will have a say on every aspect of the new ute.

”It’s a different sport to every other product that has come to market in Australia versus this product,” he says.

A Kia ute prototype has been spotted testing in South Korea.

The brand has been buying competitor vehicles and tearing them apart and looking at every last detail to make sure it can cut the mustard.

“We have non-negotiables that have been emphasised and communicated to research and development,” says Rivero.

“They include a five star ANCAP, they include three and half tonne towing and they include greater than a tonne payload. Research and development are very much aware of these and we are working towards that.”

The ute is likely to launch with a four-cylinder turbodiesel under the bonnet, which matches the volume selling versions of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The Kia ute is expect to launch with a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine to rival the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

“I think you’ll find the combination of the 63,000 Rangers and 61,000 HiLuxes sold last year there’s still a huge number of four cylinders. Four-cylinders diesel still occupy the greater bulk by a long way,” says Rivero.

Currently Kia uses a 2.2-litre turbodiesel in the Sorento large SUV that makes 148kW and 440Nm.

It will miss the headline grabbing V6 turbodiesel power found in more expensive Ford Rangers and Volkswagen Amaroks.

Rivero left the door open to V6 grunt further down the line, though, saying the product line is going to evolve.

Kia uses a 184kW/560Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor in its Mohave large four-wheel drive that is sold overseas.

The ute could borrow elements from the Kia Mohave four-wheel-drive.

Kia Australia boss Damien Meredith says we can expect to see the vehicle before the end of the year.

The company also confirmed camouflaged prototypes will be testing Down Under before the vehicle is revealed.

Meredith says the company is aiming to sell between 20,000 and 25,000 utes in Australia, which would make it one of the biggest markets globally for the new dual-cab.

He also said if all goes to plan it would make Kia the second highest selling brand in the country behind Toyota.

The new ute will be the only workhorse from a big name brand that will be covered by a seven year/unlimited km warranty.