Kia Tasman update in the works after divisive first impression

When Kia revealed its first Tasman ute, one thing was certain: it was not going to blend into the car park.

The squared-off body, upright front end and prominent wheel-arch treatment gave the newcomer a look unlike anything else in the ute market. Some appreciated Kia taking a different approach. Others struggled to get past the styling.

Now, a report from Australia suggests Kia is already working on an update to the Tasman, with components being assessed ahead of a future mid-life facelift.

The changes could reach beyond the exterior, with suspension technology and potential powertrain options also being considered. The report suggests the facelift is unlikely to arrive before late 2028 at the earliest. Kia has not announced a New Zealand launch date or specification for the updated ute.

A bold first attempt

The Tasman marked Kia’s entry into a ute market where buyers have long had established options such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Arriving with a genuinely different design made it stand out straight away, but it also meant the looks became a major talking point.

That does not mean everyone dislikes it. Styling is subjective, and a distinctive ute will appeal to some buyers precisely because it does not look like the rest. Still, the conversation around its front end and wheel arches has been difficult to miss.

Kia has acknowledged there is room to improve the Tasman’s response in Australia. In May, a senior Kia executive told Australian outlet CarExpert that the company was looking at customer feedback and considering improvements to design, powertrains and features after a disappointing early sales performance in that market.

That assessment relates to Australia. It should not be taken as a measure of New Zealand sales or as proof that styling alone determined the ute’s performance.

What is on sale in New Zealand now?

The current Tasman is already available here in a range of cab and body configurations. Kia NZ lists a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 154kW and 440Nm for the models shown on its website.

At the time of writing, the MY27 TX double-cab wellside starts at $48,070 plus on-road costs in two-wheel-drive form. Prices and offers can change, so buyers should check current details with Kia or a dealer.

Will a fresh look win more buyers?

A facelift could give Kia the chance to address some of the early discussion while keeping the features that make the Tasman distinctive. But it is too early to say what the finished ute will look like, what will change underneath, or when an updated model might reach New Zealand.

For now, the question is yours: did Kia get the Tasman’s design right, or would you like to see a more conventional look?