2025 Kia Tasman Ute: Power Play Limited by New Emission Standards

The all-new 2025 Kia Tasman ute made waves at its international debut, impressing with its rugged design and reliable power. However, stricter Australian emission regulations may limit the potential for a high-powered version of the Tasman – at least for now. Unveiled with a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as standard, Kia has indicated they aren’t completely closing the door on a more powerful model, though challenges remain.

Standard Powertrain: A Familiar Turbo-Diesel

Australian buyers can expect the Tasman to come equipped with an enhanced version of the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine from the Kia Sorento, delivering 154kW and 441Nm. Kia’s adjustments give the Tasman a slight edge in power and torque over its SUV counterpart, but this four-cylinder engine is designed to meet both performance needs and Australia’s impending emissions standards.

High-Performance Variant: Not Ruled Out, But Unlikely

Kia Australia's General Manager of Product Planning, Roland Rivero, hinted that a six-cylinder option to rival high-powered utes like the Ford Ranger Raptor hasn’t been entirely ruled out. But with the introduction of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), a high-powered engine would likely face “huge penalties” due to higher emissions, making it a challenging path forward. “We have to be mindful of that word NVES,” Rivero noted, pointing out how the new emissions standards are shaping automakers' decisions.

Balancing Performance with Green Goals

While demand for a high-performance Tasman is clear, Kia has chosen to focus on the four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which Rivero noted accounts for “80 percent of sales” in the category. While the NVES adds complexity to plans for a more powerful engine, Rivero left a glimmer of hope for the future, acknowledging that Kia’s long product lifecycle leaves room for potential adjustments if emissions standards and technology allow.

Options for Overseas Markets

While Australian buyers will have access exclusively to the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, international markets will see a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as an alternative. This variant, with 207kW and 421Nm, boasts a quicker 0-100km/h time – nearly two seconds faster than the diesel – and would appeal to buyers seeking a sportier experience.

The 2025 Kia Tasman is expected to hit Australian showrooms by mid-2025, giving Kia a new contender in the ute segment. For now, it remains a balanced choice between performance and efficiency, yet as the market and regulations evolve, Kia may still find a way to deliver a high-powered version in the future.