Jobaaj Stories
What if Kia transformed its new Tasman pickup into a short, rugged SUV? That’s the question Malaysian designer Theophilus Chin set out to answer with his bold rendering of the fictional Kia Tasgler—an off-roader concept inspired by icons like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
A Compact, Trail-Ready SUV Based on the Tasman
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The Kia Tasgler rendering reimagines the midsize Tasman pickup as a compact, two-door SUV.
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It borrows many design cues from the Tasman but adapts them into a shorter, more agile body.
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One key highlight? A removable hardtop, turning it into a convertible-style SUV for open-air adventures.
Why the Tasman’s Styling Makes More Sense on an SUV
Unlike the polarizing design of the Tasman pickup, the Tasgler’s styling is easier on the eyes:
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Unpainted plastic fenders now serve a purpose, giving it a true off-road-ready appearance.
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Boxy LED headlights and horn-style hood nod to rugged, cowboy-inspired design.
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The rear design gives off strong Wrangler vibes—minus the Kia badge and spare wheel placement.
Kia Tasgler Concept (Imagined) Specification
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Don’t Get Too Excited — The Kia Tasman SUV Isn’t Real Yet
As cool as the Tasgler looks, Kia has no plans to build it.
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Developing a true off-road SUV from the Tasman’s platform would require major reengineering.
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Kia is focusing on EV development and has already confirmed an electric pickup for the U.S. instead.
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The Tasman itself isn’t planned for the American market, as it's produced in South Korea and targeted at specific international regions.
Why This Kia Tasman Rendering Still Matters in 2025
Even though the Tasgler is just a digital concept, it shows how Kia’s new design language can be extended to different vehicle types.
It also reflects growing interest in affordable, rugged SUVs—a segment dominated by the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Suzuki Jimny.
Conclusion
The Kia Tasgler, though fictional, highlights the brand’s untapped potential in off-road SUVs. Whether or not Kia ever builds a Wrangler rival, renderings like this stir imagination and show there’s demand for bold new ideas.
