- Kia Tasman struggles with sales due to design and competition.
- Theophilus Chin reimagines truck with Telluride-style cues.
- Kia plans electrified powertrain and tougher trims for future
Kia’s midsize pickup hasn’t had the smoothest start in Australia, and now the company is openly acknowledging it. While the segment is fiercely competitive, design choices may also be playing a bigger role than expected.
At the same time, they’ve also shut down rumors that began circulating after Kia used AI-generated images to show the pickup with an updated design. Despite the speculation, the brand insists a facelift isn’t coming any time soon.
Read: Kia Shoots Down Tasman Facelift Rumors After Its Own AI Renders Go Viral
All this commotion prompted independent digital artist Theophilus Chin to reimagine the truck with styling cues drawn from the latest generation of Kia’s Telluride SUV.
For this project, Theottle revived the Mohave nameplate. It originally appeared on the KCV4 Mojave pickup concept back in 2004, and later on a ladder-frame SUV sold in North America as the Borego.
The renderings give off the impression of a Telluride transformed into a pickup, with the SUV’s unibody construction swapped for a more rugged ladder-frame platform underneath.
Lights Make All the Difference
Vertical LED headlights and a prominent front bumper complement the dual-cab layout, while the smoother, restrained side panels lend it a more refined presence.
At the rear, Theottle carried over the Telluride’s distinctive LED taillights, pairing them with a purpose-built off-road bumper and a functional tailgate featuring KIA block lettering. In a curious twist, he used the proportions of the VW Amarok as the base for these renderings rather than the Tasman’s actual dimensions.
More: Someone At Kia Used AI To Show Off Tasman, What Could Possibly Go Right?
Kia’s original idea with the Tasman was to stand out with a design that didn’t resemble anything else on the market. In that regard, the designers certainly succeeded. But details like the boxy plastic fenders, the tall front end, undersized headlights, and horn-like trim along the hood have been met with hesitation from potential buyers.
What’s Next for Tasman?
Illustrations: Theottle
According to Kia, the Tasman still has a long road ahead, with several updates already in the pipeline. These include an electrified powertrain, a more off-road-focused trim inspired by the Weekender concept, and a possible facelift further down the line.
Review: New Kia Tasman X-Pro Is Great, But Its Biggest Flaw Is Hard To Miss
Ideally, these changes will help the Tasman hold its ground against top-selling competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, which dominate the Australian pickup market.
Until then, the question remains. As Theottle puts it, “Could a more familiar, SUV-inspired look have sparked greater interest among buyers?”
