Kia recently showed off its new Tasman Weekender concept, a cool and rugged version of its upcoming midsize pickup truck. But what if Kia turned that pickup into a tough off-road SUV like the Jeep Wrangler?
That’s exactly what an independent designer, Theophilus Chin, imagined. He created a fictional version called the Kia Tasgler—a shorter, boxier SUV built for off-road adventures.
A Jeep-Like Makeover
The Kia Tasgler looks a lot like a Jeep Wrangler. It has a removable roof that turns it into a convertible and a compact, strong-looking body. The SUV keeps many parts of the Tasman’s design but gives it a fresh, cleaner look that fits Kia’s modern style.
Surprisingly, the unpainted plastic fenders that people didn’t love on the pickup actually look better on this SUV version. The short body makes them stand out in a good way, giving the Tasgler a bold off-road vibe. The front grille, bumpers, and even a cowboy-style hood add to its adventurous look.
The boxy LED headlights and taillights from the Tasman fit well on this SUV too. From the back, it even looks a bit like a Jeep Wrangler—until you see the Kia badge or notice the unique spare tire.
Will Kia Build It? Probably Not.
As fun as the Kia Tasgler looks, it’s not a real vehicle—just a cool idea. To build something like it, Kia would have to completely change the Tasman’s base structure and redesign the interior and exterior.
Plus, Kia isn’t planning to bring the Tasman pickup to the U.S., and this kind of two-door off-road SUV doesn’t have a huge market outside North America. That means it’s unlikely that Kia would invest in building the Tasgler for real.
Instead, Kia is focusing on a new electric pickup truck for the U.S. market, which will be very different from the Tasman.
A Fun “What If”
While the Kia Tasgler won’t hit the roads anytime soon, it shows how flexible the Tasman’s design could be. For now, it’s just an exciting idea—but one that shows Kia might have what it takes to play in the off-road SUV world someday.
