Kia Toughens Up The Tasman, Doesn’t Rule Out Ford Ranger Raptor Rival
The Kia Tasman Weekender concept is the most impressive version of the midsize pickup truck yet
https://www.carscoops.com/author/thanos-pappas/
by Thanos Pappas
Kia has unveiled the Tasman Weekender concept at the 2025 Seoul Motor Show in Korea.
The concept features a number of body-colored add-ons improving its visual appeal.
All-terrain tires, wider tracks, and a lifted suspension contribute to an aggressive stance.
The Kia Tasman may not have set the truck world on fire when it debuted late last year, but it definitely sparked conversation—often for the wrong reasons. Now, Kia seems ready to shift that narrative with a new concept that quietly made its debut at the 2025 Seoul Motor Show. With a more rugged stance and a lineup of accessories, the Kia Tasman Weekender (WKNDR) concept might just win over a few skeptics.
This new variant brings a series of exterior upgrades that tap into the popular off-road aesthetic seen in models like the Ford Ranger Raptor. Most notably, the WKNDR sports body-colored wide fender extensions in the same beige as the bodywork, an upgrade that instantly looks more refined than the basic unpainted plastic used on the standard model.
More: Kia Tasman Seen In California, But Don’t Look For It On The Lot
As with the rugged PV5 and EV9 concepts from SEMA 2025, the Tasman Weekender adds a dose of personality with lime green accents and subtly reshaped body panels. Up front, there’s a custom-painted bumper guard that narrows the visual footprint of the grille, plus a built-in winch and a more pronounced hood.
The custom roof rack has extra LEDs and is connected to a storage solution for the rear bed, combined with a fresh rear bumper and a new add-on for the tailgate. More importantly, the truck rides on a new set of black wheels shod in 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and appears to sit higher compared to the stock version, hinting at an upgraded suspension.
Off-Road Looks, Familiar Power
Despite the new gear, don’t expect changes under the hood. Kia hasn’t detailed specs for the concept, but sources suggest it sticks with the same engines as the production Tasman: a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder or a 2.2-liter turbodiesel, depending on the market. Kia has already ruled out a V6, citing emissions regulations.
Will It Reach Production?
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President of Design at Kia, shared a few insights with Australian outlet Chasing Cars. When asked whether the WKNDR’s upgrades might make it to production, he kept things vague but open-ended, saying Kia needs to stay “flexible” and “learn and understand” from customer feedback.
More: Kia Thinks It Fixed The Tasman’s Biggest Eyesore, Can You Tell?
On the topic of those body-colored fenders, Habib added, “We have played with the idea of body color. It is something we will do in the future in different ways, in different shapes and forms.”
Room for a Raptor Rival?
As for the possibility of a true Ford Ranger Raptor rival, he didn’t say no. “Maybe that will come. If Australian customers show certain interest, that is something we can consider,” he said. He also emphasized that proportions matter: “When you have these wider tracks, these bigger wheels—trucks live from that wheel-to-body proportion. It is really, really essential.”
Kia already offers a decent selection of add-ons for the Tasman, including bull bars, fender flares, and bed accessories. Whether the WKNDR signals a future flagship trim or simply a push toward broader personalization, it shows Kia’s willingness to engage more directly with the off-road crowd. And while it may not yet be a Raptor rival, the Tasman Weekender at least hints at a more adventurous direction for the brand’s midsize truck.
