Kia has lifted the wraps off the Tasman WKNDR concept at the 2025 Seoul Motor Show in Korea, presenting a tougher, off-road-focused version of its midsize pickup truck.

The Tasman has had a mixed reception since its debut late last year, with its styling proving divisive. But Kia looks ready to change that perception with the WKNDR, which sports a series of visual and functional upgrades aimed squarely at the off-road crowd.

Building on the existing Kia Tasman platform, the WKNDR concept adds a suite of body-coloured accessories to boost its appeal. Wide fender extensions, painted in the same sand colour as the bodywork, immediately offer a more polished look than the standard model’s unpainted plastic trim.

Kia has also tweaked the truck’s stance, giving it a broader, more aggressive appearance thanks to wider tracks and a raised suspension setup. The WKNDR sits on a new set of black wheels wrapped in chunky 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, hinting at enhanced off-road capability.

Lime green accents and reshaped body panels add character, while a custom-painted bumper guard at the front narrows the grille’s visual footprint. There’s also a built-in winch and a more pronounced hood for a tougher overall look.

Overhead, the custom roof rack sports additional LEDs and links to a storage solution for the rear bed. A redesigned rear bumper and a tailored tailgate add-on complete the concept’s rugged makeover.

Kia Tasman WKNDR Concept rear

What’s under the bonnet?

Despite the fresh gear and off-road intentions, Kia hasn’t announced any changes to the Tasman’s powertrain. The WKNDR concept likely sticks with 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. The UK is not currently among those markets, despite a lot of interest from buyers.

Production possibility

Kia has made no promises about putting the WKNDR concept into production, but the brand is clearly exploring new ways to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Karim Habib, Kia’s Executive Vice President of Design, talked more generally with Professional Pickup at Kia’s EV Day in Barcelona last month, mentioning the need for flexibility and learning from customer feedback.

Though the WKNDR might not reach showrooms as a complete package, some of its components will likely become available as accessories across the Tasman range, joining the various add-ons already available, including nudge bars, fender flares, and load bed accessories.

And Kia is leaning into the more adventurous branding, with an EV9 ADVNTR electric SUV and PV5 WKNDR van-based concepts appearing in quick succession.

Phil Huff
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