Kia revealed two new EV concept cars and three specially-themed models at this year’s Specialty Equipment and Marketing Association show, or SEMA, in Las Vegas. The concepts based on some of Kia’s preexisting electric vehicles, are the EV9 ADVNTR Concept and the PV5 WKNDR Concept, both of which pitch new ideas and possibilities for what can become of Kia’s new line of EVs.
As electric vehicles continue to gain traction among buyers, owners will be looking for ways to make the most of their new emissions-free rides, ideally in world where ample charging infrastructure can support them. EVs clearly work as cars and as prospective buyers and owners look for ways to use them as they would conventional ICE-powered vehicles, such as road-tripping for adventuring out into the wilderness for recreation, automakers are going to want to make sure they’re there to support the wants and needs of its customers. For Kia, these new concepts help expand the horizons of what can be possible with its rugged line of capable EVs.
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The first big concept is the EV9 ADVENTR Concept EV SUV, which as you can probably tell from the name, is based on the automaker’s flagship EV9 three-row electric SUV. As such, it starts life as a 2025 EV9 and it’s then kitted up the wazoo with a ton of performance and off-road upgrades. Such upgrades include a custom three-inch lift kit for more ground clearance and capability, reinforced rocker panels with under body protection, beefier all-terrain tires, and bespoke alloy wheels.
Rounding out the treatment is a unique roof-mounted tent along with a set of luggage containers, making this specific EV9 ready for any recreational or camping enthusiast with an appreciation for conserving nature.
The second PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van starts life as one of the brand’s latest PBVs, or “Purpose Beyond Vehicles.” Basically, it’s Kia’s fancy term for MPV or multi-passenger vehicle, or as us Yanks call it, the minivan. And it seeks to summon some of the growing van love that’s on the rise in popularity, particularly among the remote-working wanderlusts with an affinity for the van life.
Similar to the EV9 ADVNTR Concept, the PV5 WKNDR benefits from a range of upgrades when compared to its standard variant, including a suspension lift kit, beefier all-terrain tires, and the lot. But more so, the interior is specifically designed and arranged for life on the road, being completely decked out with organized and shelved storage space, a mobile pantry, and other gear, to make what Kia metaphorically analogizes as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels.” And further enabling the theme of “self-sufficiency,” the PV5 WKNDER comes with built-in photovoltaic solar panels and a special hydro-turbine wheel unit to help recharge the EV’s batteries and provide additional electricity for ancillaries.
Other Kia concepts at the show include overland-themed crossover SUVs based on current models. The lot includes a Sportage themed as THETIS, Goddess of Water, which is decked out with a wide variety of all-terrain-inspired goodies such as custom Fifteen52 wheels wrapped in all-terrain Open Country Toyo Tires, XPEL Paint Protection Film, and a bunch of accessories, compliments of Rhino Rack; a Telluride inspired by Zeus, God of The Sky & Thunder, or one featuring similar upgrade; and a Sorento, modeled after GAIA, Goddess of Earth.
“Kia’s rugged and capable utility vehicles have long been known for being versatile, adaptable and comfortable to suit the needs of a wide range of consumers. We wanted to ‘level up’ the functionality and capability by developing these concepts that take those legendary attributes to the next level,” Steven Center, Kia of America’s Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement. “Our vehicles already help people live their active and adventurous lifestyles and it was fun to see just how far we could go with these latest concepts. The SEMA Show acts as a blank canvas for creativity and offers a glimpse into what Kia’s automotive future may hold.”
