This could indicate that Kia is working on a new flagship trim for the midsize pickup
- A Kia Tasman prototype with an off-road stance was spotted testing on public roads.
- The midsize truck features grippy tires and appears to be riding on a lifted suspension.
- The prototype may hint at a production version of the Tasman Weekender concept.
Rugged pickups are having a moment, with more buyers seeking something that looks like it could survive an apocalypse, and more automakers are jumping on the bandwagon. Kia, a newcomer in the midsize pickup market, is considering an even more adventurous version of its Tasman model, judging by a new prototype spotted out in the wild.
In the single spy shot from the Kia Tasman Club on Instagram, we get a glimpse of a lightly camouflaged Tasman sitting on beadlock wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires. The prototype also appears to be sitting higher than the standard version, which suggests some potential suspension upgrades. The dried mud on the tires and side skirts proves that this truck has already had its fair share of off-road adventures before posing for the camera.
More: New Kia Pickup Coming To America And It’s Nothing Like The Tasman
The lifted Tasman in the picture looks like it’s borrowing its bodywork from the X-Pro trim, complete with a black grille surround, unpainted bumpers, and “eyebrow” fenders. However, it’s likely that any future production model would get a few more styling tweaks to emphasize its off-road capabilities.
Kia may have already hinted at what this tougher version could look like with the WKNDR (Weekender) concept, which debuted at the 2025 Seoul Motor Show. This concept takes things a step further, showcasing a redesigned grille, more aggressive bumpers with bigger skid plates, a new hood, body-colored fenders, 35-inch tires, and a handful of off-road accessories.
The spy shot of a rugged Tasman (Kia Tasman Club / Instagram)
The 2025 Kia Tasman WKNDR Concept
When discussing the concept, Karim Habib, Executive Vice President of Design at Kia, didn’t exactly shut the door on a production version. Asked about the possibility of a rugged trim to challenge the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor, he said, “maybe that will come.” Habib also noted that larger wheels and wider tracks are “essential” for a truck like the Tasman. So, it sounds like Kia’s at least toying with the idea.
More: Ford Ranger Raptor Gets The Most American Upgrade Ever
In terms of powertrain, don’t expect a V6-powered version of the Tasman anytime soon. Kia has already ruled that out due to emissions regulations. But that doesn’t mean the rugged Tasman is stuck with just the standard turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine and 2.2-liter turbodiesel. Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning at Kia Australia, recently confirmed that the company is exploring hybrid and fully electric variants of the pickup.
Depending on the specifications, a new flagship trim of the Tasman would compete with the mighty Ford Ranger Raptor, or slightly less powerful proposals such as the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport, the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, the Isuzu D-Max Blade, and the rumored Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart.
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