Kia Tasman ‘improvements’ on the way, SUV possible
After a less than stellar entry into the market, Kia is reportedly looking to roll out updates to the Tasman, as well as use its platform as the basis of an SUV.
To say the Kia Tasman hasn’t been a success would be something of an understatement, as the controversially designed ute has failed to reach its lofty sales targets, or even come close to challenging the established players.
Since launching in July 2025, Kia has shifted just over 8000 customers in Australia, missing its 2025 sales target of 10,000 vehicles, and so far falling well wide of the 20,000 projected deliveries in 2026.
Though the ute’s powertrain, interior and ride quality are highlights from reviewers and owners, its polarising design has been its major talking point since covers first came off it in late 2024, prompting Kia to reportedly look at finding ways to boost sales.
Jordan Mulach
Korean Car Blog reports an internal document from Kia's Employment Stability Committee has included the carmaker conducting a “review of Tasman product improvement and expansion of derivative models”.
Though it’s not entirely clear what this could mean, a facelift to the Tasman could be fast-tracked due to its slow sales in Australia, where it was once expected to form a core part of Kia’s local product offensive.
A hybrid version of the Tasman has been mooted, as the market has seen some success with the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid, as well as a handful of other PHEV utes, despite diesel power still remaining the most popular powertrain type.
The addition of the line about “derivative models” opens up the possibility for the Tasman’s unique ladder-frame chassis to be shared across a wider product mix, potentially starting with an SUV.
Jordan Mulach
Many of Australia’s best-selling utes share their platforms with SUVs, with the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X being two of the most popular, while the Toyota LandCruiser Prado also runs on a ladder-frame chassis.
However, Kia already has a solid lineup of large SUVs in Australia with the Sorento and EV9, while a potential turbo-diesel player based on the Tasman would risk increasing the brand’s emissions penalties.
It is worth noting that due to recent increases in fuel prices, deliveries of large ladder-frame SUVs have dropped in Australia, leading to questions as to whether a Tasman-based 4x4 would be viable.
