Kia Motor’s global debut of the Tasman Weekender concept at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show has set the tone for India’s entry into the high-performance pickup segment. With bold styling, rugged upgrades, and off‑road muscle, this brawny version of the Tasman promises a fresh alternative to the Ford Ranger Raptor. Here’s what makes it so compelling for Indian buyers, and why it matters for the pickup market in India.
Summary Table: KIA Tasman Weekender
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
Model |
Kia Tasman Weekender (Concept) |
Engine |
2.2 L Diesel (207 hp/441 Nm), 2.5 L Petrol (281 hp/421 Nm) |
Transmission |
6‑speed manual / 8‑speed auto |
Drivetrain |
RWD / 4×4 with electronic diff-lock |
Wheel/Tyre |
35″ A/T BF Goodrich (concept) |
Ground Clearance |
~252 mm |
Towing Capacity |
3,500 kg braked |
Payload |
~1,150 kg |
Tech |
Dual screens, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
Safety |
ADAS (lane-keep, blind-spot, cruise; trailer aware) |
Comfort |
Reclining rear seats, premium audio, smooth ride |
Launch (India) |
Mid‑2026 |
Indicative Price |
₹40–45 lakh ex‑showroom |
What Is the Tasman Weekender?
- Concept variant of the 2025 Kia Tasman mid‑size pickup
- Concept shown at Seoul Mobility Show on April 8, 2025
- A “Raptor‑style” variant featuring aggressive body kit, 35‑inch all‑terrain tyres, beefed‑up bumpers, under‑body protection, and winches
- Retains standard powertrains (2.2 L diesel, 2.5 L petrol), but allows future UK‑style, off‑road wave of India‑fitment
In India, where the pickup segment is rapidly evolving toward lifestyle and adventure vehicles, the Tasman Weekender concept signals Kia’s serious intent to compete with robust off‑road alternatives.
Core Specs & Powertrain
All production Tasman models share a body‑on‑frame chassis with four‑cylinder engines:
Spec |
Detail |
|---|---|
Platform |
Body‑on‑frame, 5410 mm long, 1930 mm wide, wheelbase 3270 mm |
Diesel Power |
2.2 L CRDi, 154 kW (207 hp) and 441 Nm torque |
Petrol Power |
2.5 L G2.5 T‑GDi, 207 kW (281 hp) and 421 Nm torque |
Transmission |
6‑speed manual or 8‑speed automatic |
Drivetrain |
RWD/Multi‑mode 4×4; electronic locking diff in X‑Pro/X‑Trek |
Ground Clearance |
~252 mm (Demo model) |
Towing Capacity |
3,500 kg braked |
Payload |
~1,150 kg |
Second‑Row Space |
940 mm head/legroom; rear-seat reclines 30° |
Off‑Road Enhancements: Weekender Concept
For India’s varied terrains—from Western Ghats to Himalayan foothills the Weekender concept offers:
- Wide, body‑coloured fenders to accommodate 35″ BF Goodrich A/T tyres
- Raised suspension and revised front bumper for better approach angles
- Winches, recovery points, grab handles, plus roof-rack & storage box for adventure gear
- Under‑tray protection and optional snorkel to tackle river crossings
These features directly address the needs of off-road enthusiasts in India’s emerging pickup culture.
Tech & Comfort in Indian Context
The Tasman pairs high-tech with rugged convenience:
- Dual 12.3″ screens for instruments and infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- ADAS suite: lane assist, blind‑spot monitoring, surround‑view, adaptive cruise; some with trailer‑aware functionality
- Premium Harman/Kardon audio in top X-Pro variants
- Rear comfort: reclining seats, fold‑flat centre console, under‑seat occluded storage
- Ride quality: tuned suspension smooths bumps—ideal for India’s mixed road conditions
India‑Specific Appeal and Positioning
Kia India is targeting:
- Lifestyle buyers: weekend adventurers, small-fleet owners, farmers seeking command & comfort
- Value seekers: with expected pricing between ₹40–45 lakh ex‑showroom
- Competitors: Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Mahindra PikUp; Weekender aims to bridge daily drive & trail fun
- Local terrain fitment: Four‑wheel drive, terrain modes (desert, mud, snow, rock), and X-Trek hill descent control suit Indian landscapes
Launch Timeline & Price Outlook
- Global rollout began April 2025 (Australia, Middle East, Korea)
- India launch expected mid‑2026, price: ₹40–45 lakh
- Weekender variant likely follows in late‑2026 or 2027 depending on demand and homologation
FAQs Abot KIA TASMAN
Q1: Will the Tasman Weekender come to India?
Ans. Yes. India launch is expected mid‑2026, with the Weekender off‑road variant likely following within 12–18 months based on global demand.
Q2: How does Tasman compare to Ford Ranger Raptor?
Ans. Power figures (especially diesel) are lower than Raptor’s V6 engine, but the Weekender concept offers wide-body styling, big tyres, chassis protection, and terrain-off modes making it a compelling alternative at a lower cost.
Q3: What will be the on-road price in India?
Ans. Estimated ex‑showroom range is ₹40–45 lakh. With RTO, insurance, and handling charges, on-road price could be ₹45–50 lakh depending on the state.
Q4: Can it handle severe off-roading?
Ans. The concept is well-equipped: underbody skid, winches, diff-lock, off‑road terrain modes, and high clearance. Practical capability will depend on final production choices and accessories.
Q5: What’s its fuel economy with big tyres and off‑road setup?
Ans. Fuel economy will likely drop from official figures due to wider tyres and added weight. Expect ~8–10 km/l for diesel, and ~6–8 km/l for petrol in mixed driving.
Final Verdict for Indian Buyers
The 2025 Kia Tasman Weekender concept marks a significant shift: from utilitarian pick-up to aspirational off-road weapon. With powerful engines, rugged upgrades, advanced tech and comfort, it could stand as a credible, more affordable rival to the venerable Ranger Raptor especially for adventurers and SUV-conscious Indian buyers. While the petrol/diesel powertrains offer a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, the India launch timeline and localization, along with the availability of off‑road accessories, will ultimately determine its success.
For those seeking rugged weekend escapades and daily-driving ease, the Kilana seeker, the Tasman Weekender may very well be Korea’s best answer to India’s next‑generation pickup segment.
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