By Tom Baker, Automotive Journalist, Published: April 4, 2025

Introduction: Kia’s Tasman Rescue Mission Begins

Hey there, car enthusiasts! I’m Tom Baker, your automotive guide from Chasing Cars, with over a decade of experience reviewing vehicles across the globe. Today, I’m standing next to the 2025 Kia Tasman Weekender—a drivable concept that’s Kia’s gutsy comeback to the wave of criticism aimed at the standard Tasman ute. Filmed in Korea, where the Tasman is already on sale, this wide-body, beefed-up version tackles the design gripes head-on. With a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, bold styling tweaks, and a nod to adventure, is this the fix Kia Australia needs before its 2025 launch? Let’s dive into this walkaround, explore what’s new, and see if Kia’s turned haters into fans. Buckle up—this is a detailed ride!

What is the Kia Tasman Weekender? A Quick Rundown

The Kia Tasman Weekender isn’t a production model—yet. It’s a concept showcasing Kia’s vision to elevate the Tasman, a midsize ute that debuted a few months ago to mixed reviews. Critics slammed its proportions and quirky design, but Kia’s not backing down. I spoke with Karim Habib, Kia’s Global Design Head, who defends the polarizing look while admitting this concept addresses key flaws. Here’s the gist:

• Engine: Same 2.2L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder as the standard Tasman (likely 148kW/440Nm, though exact specs are TBD).
• Purpose: A wider, tougher take on the Tasman, aimed at adventure seekers and off-road fans.
• Launch Status: Production isn’t confirmed, but it hints at future trims for Australia’s 2025 rollout.

Think of it as Kia saying, “We hear you, and here’s what we could do.” Let’s break down how it tackles the Tasman’s biggest criticisms.

Exterior Design: Beefier, Bolder, Better?

The standard Tasman’s design—awkward wheel-to-body ratios, plastic fenders, and exposed headlights—drew flak for looking odd and fragile. The Weekender fights back with a striking redesign:

• Wide-Body Stance: Wider track and bigger wheels (BF Goodrich mud tires) improve proportions, making it look planted and muscular, key for ute appeal.
• Body-Colored Fenders: Gone are the cheap-looking plastic wheel arches; these painted fenders blend seamlessly, a trick Kia Australia hid with black press cars.
• Headlight Protection: Headlights shift inward with a plastic buffer, reducing off-road damage risk—a smart fix for a major complaint.
• Front Bar & Winch: A cutaway bar with a winch and lime-green GT-inspired accents (think Stinger or EV6 GT) adds rugged flair.
• Roof Extension: A sleek roof box with green ambient lighting screams concept car, cool—practicality TBD.
• Tray Upgrades: A 400L equipment box with ski/snowboard holders, stylized lime-green recovery points, and “Tasman” stamped into the tray elevate utility and style.

Painted in matte sand beige, this ute looks beefier and more cohesive. It’s still the Tasman underneath, but the awkward bits are filled in. Does it work? I think it’s a massive step up—more on that later.

Powertrain: Diesel Dependability Stays the Course

Under the bonnet, the Weekender keeps it simple:

• Engine: 2.2L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, shared with the standard Tasman—reliable, not revolutionary.
• Performance: Expect around 148kW (200hp) and 440Nm (325 lb-ft), paired with an 8-speed auto (final specs pending).
• Capability: Likely retains the Tasman’s 3,500kg towing capacity (braked), though the wider stance and tires suggest off-road tweaks.

No hybrid or V6 here—this is about refining the base model, not rewriting it. It’s a proven powertrain from Kia’s Sorento and Carnival, so reliability’s a safe bet. For heavy-duty fans, though, a V6 option might still be a wishlist item.

Chassis & Off-Road Potential: Ready for Adventure

While I couldn’t crawl underneath (concept car rules!), the Weekender’s off-road intent is clear:

• Wider Track: Enhances stability on rough terrain or when towing.
• BF Goodrich Mud Tires: Serious all-terrain grip for mud, sand, or gravel.
• Winch & Recovery Points: Lime-green accents double as functional tow hooks—handy for getting unstuck.
• Suspension: Likely lifted slightly (details TBD), paired with the wider stance for better clearance.

The standard Tasman’s chassis is solid—1-tonne payload, decent articulation—but this concept hints at an off-road-focused trim. Think rivaling the Ford Ranger Wildtrak or Toyota Hilux GR-Sport, but with Kia’s quirky edge.

Interior: Concept Limits, Practical Hints

No interior peek here—it’s a locked concept—but expect the Weekender to mirror the Tasman’s cabin with adventure-ready twists:

• Base Layout: Likely keeps the dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless charging, and rugged plastics from the standard model.
• Upgrades: Could add all-weather mats, extra storage, or off-road tech (e.g., terrain modes).
• Seating: Dual-cab config, seating five with decent rear legroom.

Kia’s interiors are typically practical and tech-heavy, so imagine a toughened-up version of the Tasman’s no-nonsense vibe. I’ll update this once I get a seat inside!

Tech Highlights: Subtle but Smart

The Weekender’s tech leans on concept flair:

• Lime-Green Lighting: Ambient roof lighting—a cool touch, though production odds are slim.
• Equipment Box: 400L tray storage with ski/snowboard holders—niche but innovative.
• Safety: Expect the Tasman’s 360-camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control to carry over.

It’s less about new gadgets and more about showing how the Tasman could evolve for lifestyle buyers—think weekend warriors or snow chasers.

Addressing the Critics: Does It Work?

The Tasman copped heat for:

1. Odd Proportions: Wheel-to-body ratio looked off, fixed with the wide-body and bigger tires.
2. Plastic Fenders: Felt cheap—replaced with painted, beefier arches.
3. Fragile Headlights: Too exposed—now inset with protection.

Karim Habib calls the original “polarizing” and stands by it, but this concept proves Kia’s listening. The Weekender feels like a rescue attempt—beefing up the weak spots while keeping the Tasman’s core intact. It’s not perfect (still no V6), but it’s a hell of a glow-up.

Pros vs. Cons: Breaking It Down

• Pros:
  • Wider stance and painted fenders fix design flaws
  • Off-road upgrades (winch, tires) boost capability
  • Unique matte beige and lime-green accents stand out
  • Retains reliable 2.2L diesel powertrain
• Cons:
  • Still a concept—production isn’t guaranteed
  • No power boost over the standard Tasman
  • Interior details are missing for now

Who’s It For? Your Perfect Match

This ute targets:

• Adventure Seekers: Skiers, campers, or off-roaders eyeing a rugged daily driver.
• Style Fans: Buyers who want a ute that turns heads, not blends in.
• Tasman Doubters: Critics who’d reconsider with better proportions and flair.

If you love the Ranger Raptor’s aggression or the Hilux’s grit but want something fresh, this could be your ride—if it hits showrooms.

Availability: When Can You Get It?

The Tasman launches in Australia in mid-2025, but the Weekender’s fate is unclear. Unveiled in Korea (where the base model’s on sale), it’s a “drivable concept” hinting at a future trim—maybe a 2026 release if feedback’s strong. Kia Australia is watching market reactions closely, so your voice matters!

Verdict: A Tasman Worth Loving?

The 2025 Kia Tasman Weekender is Kia’s bold middle finger to the haters—and it works. The wider stance, beefy fenders, and off-road kit turn a quirky ute into a legit contender. It’s not on sale yet, but it proves the Tasman can look good and tackle tough jobs. I’m sold—this fixes what was broken. What do you reckon? Love the redesign? Want it in Australia? Drop a comment below, hit subscribe, and share this with your mates. I’m Tom Baker from Chasing Cars—thanks for joining me!

Specs Snapshot

• Engine: 2.2L Turbo-Diesel (148kW/440Nm est.)
• Towing: 3,500kg (braked, est.)
• Body: Wide-body dual-cab
• Tires: BF Goodrich Mud Tires

Author Section

About the Author: Tom Baker

Tom Baker is an automotive journalist and the voice behind Chasing Cars, with over 10 years of experience reviewing vehicles worldwide. Based in Australia, he’s known for his sharp insights and hands-on approach, often collaborating with industry leaders like Kia’s Karim Habib. Tom’s passion for cars and honest reviews make him a trusted guide for enthusiasts. Follow him for more at Chasing Cars!