Hold onto your hats, car enthusiasts, because Kia might just be cooking up something big—a brand-new ute that could shake up the market. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the recent Tasman dual-cab ute has been making waves, it’s unlikely to hit U.S. roads due to hefty tariffs. So, why is Kia still pushing forward? The answer lies in the U.S. market, one of the company’s largest, where a ute is not just a vehicle—it’s a necessity. And this is the part most people miss: Kia’s sister brand, Hyundai, has already confirmed its own ute is in the works, but it’s unlikely to share the Tasman’s DNA. This opens the door for a completely new workhorse, one that could spawn a fresh Kia ute designed to conquer American roads.
Digital artist @Theottle on YouTube has given us a sneak peek with stunning renders of a potential Telluride-styled pick-up truck. The Telluride, Kia’s blockbuster SUV in the U.S., isn’t available in Australia, but its bold, boxy design—complete with a large front grille and vertical headlights—could be the perfect inspiration for a ute that ditches the clunky styling critics have slammed on the Tasman. Imagine a vehicle that combines rugged utility with modern elegance—no awkward cladding or odd shapes, just pure, purposeful design.
Here’s the kicker: While Aussies might prefer diesel power, this new Kia ute is likely aimed at the U.S. market, meaning it’ll probably run on petrol or hybrid engines. And remember that fully electric ute Kia was planning? Well, waning global demand, especially in the U.S., forced the company to hit the brakes on that idea. Kia isn’t alone in this shift—Ford, GM, and Ram have also shelved their EV ute plans for now. So, is this a step backward, or a smart pivot to meet current market demands? Let us know what you think in the comments.
While there’s a chance this new ute could be a large American-style pick-up, it’s more likely to be a mid-size model, similar to the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux. But here’s the twist: the Kia Tasman already occupies that space in Australia, and with potential hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or even electric variants on the horizon, it’s unlikely this new ute will make its way Down Under. Instead, we’ll probably see it wearing a Hyundai badge, with Hyundai Australia boss Don Romano promising a ute by the end of 2028. His words? ‘It’s gonna be mind-blowing.’
But here’s the question: Can Hyundai and Kia truly challenge the dominant players in the ute market? Romano believes they’ll need to bring cutting-edge technology to the table, not just another me-too vehicle. What do you think? Is this the game-changer the ute market needs, or just another contender in an already crowded field? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
