Kia Tasman Design Functions More Effectively as a Competitor to the Jeep Wrangler | Carscoops

      If you've ever wondered, "What if Kia created a rugged ladder-frame SUV to complement its midsize pickup?", here's a response—sort of.

      Independent renderings depict a combination of the Kia Tasman and Jeep in a conceptual form.

      The controversial styling of the pickup is more palatable in a compact SUV form.

      Despite the appealing design, it’s unlikely that Kia will launch an off-roader akin to the Wrangler.

      Recently, Kia unveiled its Weekender concept, which enhances the Tasman midsize pickup with a bit of rugged off-road character. However, in the realm of "what ifs," independent artist Theophilus Chin envisioned a different future for the Tasman—a short-wheelbase, off-road SUV version he calls the Kia Tasgler, for obvious reasons.

      The imaginative Kia Tasgler resembles the proportions of a Jeep, featuring a removable hardtop that allows it to convert into a convertible. The design takes inspiration from the Tasman but presents a cleaner, modern aesthetic that aligns with Kia’s current styling trends.

      On the topic of the unpainted plastic fenders, often the most debated aspect of the truck, they actually seem to integrate well on the off-roader. The Tasgler's shorter body allows them to shine, giving the vehicle a look ready to tackle trails (or at least not immediately break apart when faced with one). The bumpers and front grille are cohesive, and the horn-style hood insert adds a hint of cowboy charm.

      The boxy LED headlights and taillights are taken directly from the Tasman, and they surprisingly fit well here. In fact, the rear design might easily be mistaken for a refreshed Jeep Wrangler—if you squint, overlook the Kia badge, and ignore the spare wheel that distinctly indicates "this is a Kia."

      As much as we would enjoy seeing Kia enter the off-road SUV market alongside the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, this isn't likely to happen. Creating something like the Tasgler would necessitate a complete redesign of the Tasman’s ladder-frame architecture and significant modifications to the interior and exterior.

      Considering the limited demand outside of North America for rugged two-door SUVs, the investment likely wouldn’t be sensible for a mainstream company like Kia. Furthermore, it should be noted that the Tasman is produced in North Korea and there are no intentions to introduce it to the U.S. market. Instead, Kia has announced plans for an electric pickup truck tailored for the American audience.

      Ultimately, these renderings serve merely as an enjoyable exploration of possibilities—demonstrating that the design language of the Tasman could potentially adapt to various off-road vehicle types. However, for the moment, we must content ourselves with the fantasy.