- New Kia Tasman WKNDR pick-up revealed
- Adventure-ready take on the standard Tasman
- Concept being showcased at 2025 Seoul Motor Show
- Kia Tasman not earmarked for UK launch (yet!)
Kia is showing off its Tasman WKNDR concept at the 2025 Seoul Motor Show, offering a tougher, more off-road-focused version of its midsize pick-up truck.
Since its launch late last year, the Tasman has created some rather dividend opinions due to its distinctive styling, but Kia looks ready to reshape perceptions with the WKNDR, which boasts a series of rugged enhancements aimed directly at off-road enthusiasts.
Built on the existing Kia Tasman pick-up (below), the WKNDR concept brings an array of body-coloured accessories, including wide fender extensions painted to match the sand-coloured bodywork, giving it a less contentious look than the standard model’s unpainted trim.
Kia has also altered the truck’s stance to create a broader, more assertive appearance, thanks to wider tracks and a raised suspension. The WKNDR rides on black wheels wrapped in chunky 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, hinting at its enhanced off-road capability.
Additional touches like lime green accents and reshaped body panels help to give the truck a more aggressive character. Up front, a custom-painted bumper guard reduces the grille’s visual size, while a built-in winch and a more pronounced bonnet enhance the rugged aesthetic.
Finally, the custom roof rack includes additional LED lights and integrates with a storage system for the rear bed. Kia has also fitted a redesigned rear bumper and a bespoke tailgate add-on to complete the truck’s transformation.
Despite its off-road ambitions, Kia hasn’t confirmed any changes to the Tasman’s powertrain. The WKNDR concept is expected to use the same engines as the production model: a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, depending on the market.
Unfortunately, the UK is not currently one of those markets, although there is plenty of interest from potential buyers.
Availability
While Kia has not announced any plans to put the WKNDR concept into production, the brand appears keen to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Karim Habib, Kia’s Executive Vice President of Design, spoke with us at the Kia EV Day in Barcelona last month, discussing the need for flexibility and learning from customer feedback.
Though the WKNDR may never reach showrooms as a complete package, some of its individual components are likely to become available as accessories across the manufacturer’s range.
Kia seems to be embracing the adventurous theme, with the recent unveiling of the EV9 ADVNTR electric SUV and PV5 WKNDR van-based concepts. Whether or not the WKNDR reaches production, Kia is clearly intent on expanding its appeal to those who crave a more rugged, off-road-capable vehicle.
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