Confirmed! Kia ute launch locked in as a diesel dual-cab monster benchmarked against the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux! Here's when you'll be able to buy one in Australia

Kia’s incoming ute will be a diesel-powered dual-cab benchmarked against the best in the business, the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, right here in Australia.

CarsGuide sources have today revealed new and exciting details about Kia’s attack on the dual-cab market, with the new ute code-named TK locked in for a diesel engine, along with substantial payload and towing targets, and news on just when you’ll be able to park one on your driveway.

The model will be tailor-made for Australia, too, with Kia’s international engineers undertaking top-secret missions to Australia to see exactly how and where we use our utes.

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The brand is targeting the biggest players in the business, with sources confirming the new model has been benchmarked against the two best-selling utes in the country, with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in its sights.

CarsGuide understands development has been underway since 2020, with Kia keen to ensure its product is the best offering in an increasingly crowded field. Still, the launch date is pegged as 2025, meaning there is still some time to wait.

We also know that the ute will be undergoing a localisation program in Australia, fine-tuning the ride and handling for our roads and conditions.

As to just what will be powering it, we have some options. Local automotive website Performance Drive claims the scoop on the ICE powertrains.

Quoting a source close to Kia, the site says it has confirmed the engine options for the new Kia ute, with the first being a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (lifted from the Kia Sorento), which currently produces 157kW and 420Nm.

That’s not to say Kia won’t be able to squeeze more grunt out of it, especially considering we now know the brand is targeting a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and a one-tonne payload.

There is another option, with the Hyundai Group also home to a thundering straight-six diesel producing a punchy 205kW and 588Nm.

For the record, that would make the Kia ute Australia’s most powerful diesel-dual cab, out-punching everything from the HiLux and Ranger to the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara.

Kia in Australia continues to play its cards close its chest, telling CarsGuide that: ”Kia is currently developing a future pickup truck model that will be highly capable and fit for purpose. Additional details will be confirmed in due course."