Kia Tasman Weekender Concept: A Rugged Off-Road Vision

Kia has just taken its upcoming Tasman ute to the next level with the reveal of the Tasman Weekender Concept (WKNDR)—a tough, adventure-ready take on the highly anticipated dual-cab. Unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show, this rugged concept hints at the Tasman’s off-road potential and showcases what could be possible with heavy-duty accessories.

Tasman WKNDR: Built for the Wild

Kia has gone all out with the Weekender concept, equipping it with:

✅ Larger front and rear bumpers with recovery points ✅ Chunky all-terrain tyres for maximum grip ✅ Heavy-duty side steps for durability ✅ Integrated front winch for tough recoveries ✅ Roof rack with skis and snowboard storage ✅ Large rear sailplane for an aggressive stance ✅ Sizeable storage box above the tray

The Weekender’s matte beige paint closely resembles the Tan Beige option available for the Tasman in Korea, drawing comparisons to the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series’ Sandy Taupe. Kia has also subtly redesigned the controversial horizontal wheel arches, blending them into the body colour rather than the black plastic finish that drew criticism on the production model.

Lime-green accents add a futuristic edge to the front and rear bumpers and tie-down straps, while a matte grey finish on the lower portion of the cabin and bed reinforces its rugged appeal.

Concept vs. Reality: What’s Coming to Production?

While the Weekender Concept looks production-ready, Kia has not confirmed any of these extreme modifications as factory options. Instead, it serves as a design exercise—a showcase of what the Tasman could become with the right modifications.

Even the Weekender’s wheels are unique and not featured in the official Tasman accessories catalogue for South Korea, further reinforcing that this is a vision rather than a final product.

That said, Kia has promised a wide range of genuine accessories for the Tasman, but they will be more practical and streamlined than the rugged enhancements seen on the Weekender.

No Performance Upgrades (Yet)

Despite its aggressive styling, the Tasman Weekender Concept does not introduce any powertrain changes. Kia has not ruled out a high-performance Tasman variant in the future, but for now, there’s no Raptor-rivaling powerhouse in sight.

Australian Tasman Powertrain

🔹 2.2L turbo-diesel engine 🔹 154kW of power / 441Nm of torque 🔹 8-speed automatic transmission 🔹 3,500kg braked towing capacity

Australian models will get Kia’s tried-and-tested 2.2L turbo-diesel, while Korea will receive a 2.5L turbo-petrol option.

Kia Tasman: Coming in July 2025

Kia’s first-ever global ute is set to arrive in Australia in July 2025, and with the Weekender Concept, Kia is making it clear that the Tasman is built for adventure. Whether you’re looking for a capable workhorse or a weekend warrior, the Tasman is shaping up to be an exciting new contender in the dual-cab ute market.

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Credit: CarExpert.com.au