Kia has returned to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) aftermarket trade show in Las Vegas this week with two outlandish off-road concepts, based on the big EV9 electric SUV and then upcoming PV5 purpose-built electric van.
The EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR are claimed to “bring to life an easy to imagine future where vehicles will provide the ultimate in capability, adaptability, utility and organisation and all with an eye on sustainability”.
Both concept cars feature enhancements like suspension lifts, redesigned bumpers, all-terrain tyres and a range of accessories like roof racks and tents.
Given Kia America has been going hard with X-Line products, it’s possible we’ll see these concepts become reality and enter production at some point in the future.
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Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept
This rugged take on the flagship EV9 electric SUV is “designed to take life well beyond the beaten path”, says Kia.
The team at Kia Design Center America has given the EV9 new front and rear fascias for a more rugged look, plus reinforced rocker panels for “increased capability and character”, and a 3.0-inch (76.2mm) suspension lift over the standard EV9.
Kia’s design team also added “a rugged wheel and tyre combination” that appears to include pretty serious all-terrain rubber, which the company says helps to maximise the EV9’s off-road capability.
Atop the roof are custom roof racks that can carry luggage containers to bespoke roof tents. It also appears the exterior is finished in a sandy matte paint that isn’t available on the standard car.
Unfortunately, Kia America hasn’t supplied any photos of the EV9 ADVNTR’s interior, though no changes to the cabin have been detailed for this concept car.
Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept
Perhaps more elaborate is the PV5 WKNDR Concept, which is based on the Concept PV5 dedicated electric van.
It’s almost like Volkswagen ID. Buzz meets Mercedes-Benz Unimog, with a number of off-road focussed upgrades and enhancement to make this the ultimate electric camper van.
Kia has added a suspension lift and off-road tyres – though exact details haven’t been confirmed – as well as solar panels on the roof and special ‘hydro turbine’ wheels, both of which can recharge the batteries when off the beaten track.
In addition to driving the vehicle, the batteries can be used for a number of other uses, such as powering an on-board air compressor that can adjust tyre pressures or inflate “space efficient mattresses”.
The PV5 WKNDR also features what Kia calls the ‘Gear Head’, which is a tailored storage solution that provides an on-board and sheltered storage space for when the vehicle is stationary.
Kia says the Gear Head feature allows for “maximum utilisation of interior space while still offering easy access to gear outside”, and can even act as a mobile pantry for when campers are cooking.
The PV5 WKNDR comprises a more camper van-themed take on the van’s interior compared to the original concept as well, with swivelling chairs and table structures for resting items on when the vehicle is stationary.
It also features what appears to be a grey cloth interior as part of a dominant blue cabin theme with lime green accents.
While this is a concept based on a concept, it could provide an exciting look at what the future may hold for electrified mobility from Kia.
Kia America is displaying the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR alongside a number of one-of-a-kind versions of its existing models including the Sportage, Sorento and Telluride, wearing extensive accessory accoutrements to showcase add-ons sourced from aftermarket suppliers.
The 2024 SEMA Show is running over November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
MORE: Everything Kia EV9
