Kia Admits the Rugged-Looking Tasman Pickup’s Styling “Needs Improvement”

Debate over the polarizing styling of the Kia Tasman has continued ever since the midsize pickup made its public debut, and sluggish sales in Australia — its primary market — have only intensified the criticism. Kia has already resorted to price cuts to boost demand, and now company executives are acknowledging what many buyers have been saying from the start: the truck’s design could use some work.

Speaking with Drive, Kia Australia planning chief Roland Rivero said the automaker is already considering possible changes.

“We have a couple of ideas that we’re looking at,” Rivero said.

However, customers hoping for a quick redesign shouldn’t expect one. According to Rivero, the company has no plans to rush an update.

“We want to put an end to any rumors about an early facelift,” he explained. “A product cycle is a product cycle, and updates happen according to that schedule. What you see on the road today will be with us for at least another couple of years. But that doesn’t mean we’re sitting still.”

His comments echo remarks recently made by Kia’s global sales chief, Spence Cho. In an interview with Australian media, Cho said the company plans to introduce “countermeasures” in the coming years, along with possible powertrain additions and styling revisions.

Reading between the lines, that could mean a broader range of factory-approved accessories designed to alter the truck’s appearance. One likely source of inspiration is the Tasman Weekender concept unveiled at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. The show truck featured a more aggressive body kit and a significantly tougher-looking exterior.

Among the most noticeable upgrades were a larger skid plate integrated into the front bumper, a slimmer grille and body-colored fender extensions that partially covered the headlights. The concept also wore a futuristic roof rack that extended into the bed area, a redesigned rear bumper and a matte military-inspired beige finish accented by bright lime-green highlights.

Kia could eventually bring some of those elements to production, either as dealer-installed accessories or as part of a special edition aimed at attracting new customers. In the meantime, Tasman owners in Australia have no shortage of aftermarket suppliers offering body kits and styling upgrades for the pickup.