Kia expanded its presence in the traditional pickup truck market by introducing the Tasman Weekender, a new concept vehicle.
The Tasman Weekender, revealed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show for the first time, is designed for outdoor and overlanding enthusiasts who frequently drive on unpaved roads and travel through natural environments.
The vehicle features a reinforced frame, large off-road tires, and storage options suitable for cold-weather trips. It incorporates nearly every element needed for outdoor adventures.
As Kia’s first concept model in the dedicated pickup segment, the Tasman Weekender retains the strength of existing models while focusing on practical user needs. The public response has been positive, with interest growing beyond the concept stage.
Designed for Harsh Conditions and Outdoor Utility
The powertrain remains consistent with the existing Tasman, using a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 281 horsepower and 43.8 kgf·m (317 lb-ft) of torque, with a combined fuel efficiency of 8.6 km/L (20.2 mpg), striking a balance between performance and efficiency.
The vehicle features 35-inch tires, fender flares, and a multi-rail cargo system. Body-colored fender flares enhance visual impact, while roof baskets and toolboxes boost practicality. The roof storage space, designed with extreme conditions in mind, includes details suitable for winter sports and glacier exploration.
Built on a body-on-frame construction, the vehicle boasts exceptional durability. Its storage layout and compatibility with specialized accessories are optimized for off-road driving and car camping, enhancing user convenience.
X-Pro Variant Enhances Off-Road Lineup
Kia showcased the Tasman Weekender, the base Tasman model, and the X-Pro variant at this mobility show.
The X-Pro, tailored for off-road use, has a ground clearance of 252 mm (9.9 inches), 28 mm (1.1 inches) higher than the standard model. It has all-terrain tires for stable driving on rough terrain. It also includes specialized driving modes like rock mode and the X-trek system, ensuring capability for challenging mountainous landscapes.
Enthusiastic Reception and Future Mobility Experience
The Tasman Weekender received an enthusiastic response immediately after its unveiling, particularly for its exterior design and practicality. Some even expressed readiness to place orders if it enters production as shown.
Moreover, comments like “A true outdoor vehicle” and “It captures the essence of a pickup truck” suggest that initial curiosity about the Weekender is turning into genuine purchase interest.
Integrating a mobile office space developed in collaboration with LG Electronics, the Tasman Weekender transcends conventional vehicle boundaries, offering a glimpse into future mobility experiences.
While Kia has not yet announced production plans, industry observers are watching closely how the company’s vision for outdoor mobility might influence future product development.
