Here it is! Oz-developed 2025 Kia Tasman diesel dual-cab ute shaping up as development mule for Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival shown off in video

A South Korean YouTube channel has posted a video featuring Kia's much-anticipated dual-cab ute, expected to be called the Tasman, as a development car wearing camouflage in a car park.

The 2025 Kia Tasman was spotted and filmed by WoopaTV, with the presenter explaining what the model is in Korean - though CarsGuide has already been privy to some information about the ute thanks to local Kia executives hinting at what to expect.

Slated for a mid-2025 launch here in Australia, the Kia Tasman will be the brand's foray into arguably the nation's most competitive (and lucrative) segment, with the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max battling it out to get as high on the sales podium as possible.

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With three strong contenders like those ahead of it, the Kia Tasman is lucky to have Kia's increasing brand power behind it, the company climbing the top-ten brand ladder quickly over the last several years.

What's new from this video is a close look at some, albeit disguised, design elements that seem to show that Kia's team has looked to the American-market Telluride SUV for some rugged inspiration, a formula that's worked for the current Ford Ranger from its F-150 cousin.

The Ranger and HiLux have reportedly served as benchmarks for various element of the Tasman, with the company's development of the ute going back as early as 2020.

[video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtZjyReQJ4k[/video]

Already anticipated but shown in the video is the drive selector, offering up the two- and four-wheel drive modes in low and high range, while the presenter also took the time to film under the chassis and show off some of the ute's reinforcement.

The interior, including the rear, looks relatively rudimentary for a Kia from what was able to be seen uncovered, though with styling that shows Kia isn't phoning it in when it comes to developing its first ute.

What obviously wasn't shown was the engine, though Kia already has a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that makes 148kW and 440Nm in the likes of the Carnival people mover and Sorento SUV.

The interior, including the rear, looks relatively rudimentary for a Kia from what was able to be seen uncovered. (Credit: WoopaTV)

While it's not officially locked in, it's highly possible Kia would opt to use a proven diesel engine for its hard-working ute.

On its development links to Australia, Kia Australia's General Manager of Product Planning, Roland Rivero, told CarsGuide recently the ute would "definitely" be the most Australian Kia ever.

"It's a different sport," Rivero said but added that "a lot of responsibility" comes with being this involved in the model's development, including promises to Kia's South Korean head office of strong sales in Australia, as well as building a product that other ute-hungry markets like South Africa can sink their teeth into.

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Korean utes aren't new to Australia, with the SsangYong Musso registering a quiet 3491 sales in Australia last year, though paling in comparison to most of Kia's individual model sales, some close to and upwards of 10,000.

If Kia plays its cards right, the Tasman could become one of, if not the most popular Kia in Australia.