by Kia acknowledges Tasman design issues, but has no plans for an urgent facelift
The controversial exterior of the Kia Tasman pickup has become a hot topic following its unveiling, with weak sales in Australia further fueling the debate. The company has already resorted to price cuts to improve the situation, and now executives are openly acknowledging what buyers are thinking: the design needs refinement.
Can Kia Tasman accessories help you forget its weird looks?
Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning and Training at Kia Australia, told local publication Drive that the company is working on addressing this issue:
“We have a few ideas that we’ve looked at. Watch this space.”
No quick fix
However, those hoping for an urgent facelift should temper their expectations. Rivero added:
“Any rumors about an accelerated facelift, we want to dispel right now. The product lifecycle is the product lifecycle, and updates are planned accordingly. What you see on the roads today as the Tasman will remain with us for a few more years. However, that doesn’t mean we are just going to sit on our hands.”
These statements followed similar comments by Spence Cho, head of global sales at Kia. Speaking to Australian media outlets, Cho noted:
“We will provide countermeasures for the coming years, and also, if possible, we will offer other powertrain options, as well as other design changes or enhancements.”
More: Kia Tasman shows its wild side with serious off-road gear
Accessories as a temporary solution
Reading between the lines, the immediate fix will come in the form of an expanded catalog of appearance-oriented accessories. The best example is the Kia Tasman Weekender concept, unveiled at the 2025 Seoul Auto Show. It featured a redesigned body kit and a more aggressive appearance.
The most noticeable updates on the concept include a massive bash plate on the front bumper, a narrower radiator grille, and body-colored fenders that partially cover the headlights. It also featured a futuristic roof rack that transitions into a bed rack, a custom rear bumper, and a military matte beige body color with bright green accents.
More: I finally made the Kia Tasman stop looking like Sid from Ice Age
I recently created my own “correction kit” for the Tasman, which includes redesigned fenders, additional body-colored elements, and auxiliary LEDs integrated into the grille. Kia could do the same, offering these solutions as dealer-installed accessories or as a special series to boost interest.
We should learn more about these “countermeasures” in the near future. Until then, Tasman owners can mask the design shortcomings of their vehicles with parts from aftermarket manufacturers like AR.
The situation surrounding the Kia Tasman demonstrates how manufacturers react to design criticism in the age of social media. While the company does not plan to radically change the pickup’s appearance until its scheduled update, it is seeking creative ways to satisfy buyers. Expanding the range of accessories and special versions could be an effective tool to maintain interest in the model without significant investment in production. At the same time, it highlights that even major automakers sometimes misjudge audience tastes and are forced to seek workarounds to remedy the situation.
