Could a more powerful Tasman be in development? Well, reports have suggested so, and the uprated outputs will likely be sourced from a hybrid powertrain.
Image: Kia
Unveiled in October 2024 at the Jeddah Motor Show, the Kia Tasman was revealed with the choice of two engine options: 154 kW/441 N.m 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel, which we expect will be the sole powertrain available in our market once the Tasman arrives here, and 207 kW/421 N.m 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol with the same number of cylinders. However, reports have suggested Kia is working on introducing a more powerful, electrified powertrain.
Indeed, it is rumoured that the South Korean carmaker is developing a hybrid version of its first-ever bakkie. And the petrol-electric setup it will likely employ is said to be the same unit that will be found in the next-generation Hyundai Palisade – a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol supplemented by a dual-electric motor arrangement for a combined system output of 245 kW and 460 N.m of torque. In the Hyundai, power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel-drive system, coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. (The non-electrified Tasman is equipped with an eight-speed self-shifter.)
The hybrid setup is said to offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power household and camping appliances, and regenerative braking.
If this powertrain will, indeed, be introduced to the Tasman lineup remains to be seen. However, CarsGuide has reported that Kia’s chief of product planning for the Australian market, Roland Rivero, has told this Australian publication that it would make sense.
As a reminder, this isn’t the only rumour surrounding the Tasman. In August 2025, we reported that the Tasman could spawn a seven-seater SUV to rival the likes of the Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
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