As Kia makes waves with its first midsize ute, digital artists have taken the opportunity to reimagine the Tasman ute as a rugged SUV that could rival the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X.
These renderings from designers such as Theophilus Chin (@Theottle) and Nikita Chuicko (Kolesa.ru) bring Kia's potential SUV to life, showing what a body-on-frame Tasman-based model could look like.
Although Kia has no official plans for this kind of SUV, these designs spark conversations around its possible place in the competitive off-road SUV segment.
Envisioning a Kia Tasman SUV
Kia's Tasman ute has already turned heads with its unique styling, which some find daring and others divisive. Its design includes recessed headlights, bold fender flares and a glossy hood trim, elements that have inspired both admiration and criticism.
The Tasman SUV renderings build upon these features with a more refined approach.
Chin's design, based on the proportions of the Toyota Land Cruiser, integrates Kia’s DNA through modern LED taillights and cleverly placed rear door handles that blend seamlessly into the rear fenders.
Chuicko’s version, on the other hand, dials back on rugged plastic cladding, opting for body-coloured fenders, longer roof rails and a streamlined rear end that stays faithful to the Tasman’s bold aesthetic.
Both designers envision a shorter wheelbase for the Tasman SUV, enhancing its agility in off-road environments.
The SUV adaptations also retain practical features, such as high ground clearance and large, rugged tyres, mirroring the ute's robust stance.
Chin’s rendition leans into a sleek, modern design with hints of Land Cruiser influence, while Chuicko opts for a more straightforward, cohesive look that maximises the Tasman’s existing appeal.
Key elements like the rear bumper steps are retained for functional ease, which is ideal for loading gear onto an extended roof rack.
No official plans, but possibilities ahead
For now, Kia has no immediate plans to develop a Tasman-based SUV.
Addressing the potential for an SUV version, John Buckingham, Head of Kia Next Design Exterior, remarked, “We are not exploring that at the moment. So we haven’t got anything on our drawing boards.”
While acknowledging the Tasman's unique styling and “huge amount of potential as a visual statement,” Buckingham emphasised that this potential remains focused on the pickup model: “But that’s all we have at the moment.”
Though Kia has not officially planned an SUV based on the Tasman, Buckingham’s comments don’t entirely exclude the possibility.
He concluded with a hint at future openness, saying, “We have to see what comes of it really.”
This cautious stance leaves room for speculation, particularly as the SUV market for midsize, ladder-frame vehicles remains robust across regions like New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East.
Kia has entered this competitive arena with the Tasman ute, which will be available with a 2.5-litre petrol engine delivering 210kW/441Nm or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel producing 157kW/500Nm.
For now, fans of Kia’s unique design will have to settle for the Tasman ute, but the renderings provide a tantalising glimpse of what could lie ahead.
