A Bold Debut with Mixed Reactions
When Kia launched the Tasman, it became the Korean brand’s first real attempt at building a truck designed for personal and recreational use, not just a small commercial vehicle—a real headline-maker that grabbed attention worldwide. However, its polarizing design also kept people talking. The Tasman’s bold, boxy shape and chunky detailing made it stand out – and not always in a good way.
Reactions have been mixed since its reveal, with some calling it confident and others finding it awkward. Kia Australia’s CEO Damien Meredith described the early criticism as “angst,” adding that buyers are warming up to it after seeing it on the road.
However, the company isn’t waiting long for opinions to settle. Reports now suggest Kia is already planning an update to the Tasman’s design, just months after launch.
Kia
Weekender Concept Could Lead the Way
According to Kia’s Vice President of Mid-Large Vehicle Chassis Engineering Design Centre, Dong Hoon Kang, the recently revealed Tasman Weekender concept may guide the pickup’s redesign, Drive reports.
“For the Weekender, actually, from the design part, they think about the design for the future,” Kang said. “After they make the Weekender design, then it looks good, actually. They [head office] want to make [it] a little bit faster, a little bit earlier.”
The Weekender, first shown at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, has a tougher stance with wider, body-colored fenders, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a redesigned front fascia with slimmer headlights and a chunkier bumper. While the concept kept the same 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine producing 207 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, it hinted at what customers could expect from a more refined future model.
Kang also admitted that bringing this look to production wouldn’t be easy. A raised ride height, new panels, and suspension changes would all need to be engineered before anything reaches showrooms.
Kia
Slow Sales Push Kia to Rethink
Despite strong anticipation prior to its arrival, the Tasman’s first few months in Australian showrooms haven’t gone to plan. With fewer than 2,500 units sold since June, Kia is far off its 10,000-unit target for the year. Discounts and free accessory packs have already been introduced to move stock.
If a facelift arrives soon, it could breathe new life into Kia’s first truck. The question now is whether a fresh face will be enough to attract more buyers.
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