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

Australian media are in a frenzy, announcing the impending arrival of the off-road capable ute and second-guessing its power sources.

Online website CarsGuide has revealed “new and exciting details” about Kia’s attack on the massive dual-cab ute market with the new ute code-named TK and likely to be called the Tasman.

They are picking a diesel engine, along with substantial payload and towing targets.

The model will be tailor-made for Australasia, with Kia’s international engineers undertaking top-secret missions to Aussie. Like the current Ranger (and others), the ute will be undergoing a localisation program in Australia, fine-tuning the ride and handling for local roads and conditions.

“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, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.”

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