A camouflaged KIA Tasman prototype with an unusually high ride height has been spotted testing by our colleagues at KIA Tasman Club. The appearance of this rugged-looking vehicle has reignited speculation about Kia’s plans for a lifestyle-oriented pickup, especially in light of the Tasman WKNDR concept that made waves at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.
Could this prototype be the real-world evolution of the WKNDR concept? Let’s explore what we know so far.
Kia Tasman: From Utility to Lifestyle
The Kia Tasman has already made headlines as Kia’s first global pickup truck, set to challenge rivals like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Volkswagen Amarok. With its ladder-frame construction, robust diesel powertrain, and off-road potential, the Tasman was clearly engineered to be more than just a workhorse.
But with the unveiling of the Kia Tasman WKNDR concept at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, Kia hinted at a more adventurous, lifestyle-driven version of the pickup. The WKNDR—short for “Weekend Rider”—featured a lifted suspension, overlanding accessories, flared arches, and bold styling cues that targeted outdoor enthusiasts and overland adventurers.
The Spotted Prototype: What We Know
Recently, spy shots emerged showing a high-riding prototype of the Kia Tasman undergoing road testing, with the characteristic Hyundai-Kia notice on the window intended to deter photographers from taking pictures. While heavily camouflaged, several key features stood out:
- Increased ground clearance, hinting at upgraded suspension components or larger all-terrain tires.
- Chunky wheel arches, potentially accommodating wider track and aggressive tires.
- Unique roof accessories such as roof rails and possibly a roof rack—both key elements seen on the WKNDR concept.
- Skid plates and tow hooks suggesting off-road readiness.
These features closely resemble the WKNDR concept, suggesting this prototype may be a near-production version aimed at lifestyle and overlanding markets.
Is This the Production WKNDR?
There are compelling reasons to believe Kia is preparing a WKNDR-inspired trim or variant:
- Growing Demand for Adventure Vehicles: The global appetite for off-road capable lifestyle vehicles is surging. Brands like Ford with its Ranger Raptor and Toyota with the Hilux GR Sport have capitalized on this trend.
- Concept-to-Reality Trend at Kia: Kia has a strong recent track record of evolving design-forward concepts into production-ready models with minimal changes (e.g., the EV9).
- Strategic Positioning: A rugged, high-spec Tasman WKNDR production version could serve as a halo vehicle for the Tasman lineup, appealing to buyers in Australia, South Korea, and other SUV-loving markets.
Conclusion
The appearance of the mysterious high-riding Kia Tasman prototype is more than just a routine test mule sighting—it could mark the early stages of a bold new off-road-focused variant. With styling and hardware seemingly inspired by the WKNDR concept, this could be Kia’s answer to the lifestyle adventure truck segment. All eyes are now on Kia for confirmation, and if this prototype becomes reality, the midsize pickup segment is in for an exciting shake-up.
