Days after teasing a big reveal at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Kia has revealed two unique and custom-built EV concepts designed for off-road fun. During the unveiling, we got a new look at the ever-popular EV9 SUV called “ADVNTR” and a rough take on one of Kia’s new purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), the PV5, called “WKNDR.”
On October 30, Kia America sent out a press release about the upcoming unveiling at the annual SEMA show in Los Angeles. The first release showed a shadowy image of what appears to be an off-road vehicle, with its familiar Kia front fascia shining through the camera lens. The caption reads, “All roads lead to SEMA.”
We speculated that SEMA might be the event where Kia finally unveils the first of two promised BEV trucks. Since the headlights were very similar to those of the EV9, we assumed it could be the mule van we reported testing in the US earlier this year. We were close.
Later that same day, Kia followed up with a second press release with the same title and quote but a photo of a different off-road EV that glowed in the dark, one that was less visible.
Both releases had fine print explaining that the car in each photo is a concept, so we've narrowed down our expectations for this week's 2024 SEMA show. This morning, Kia officially unveiled these two new off-road EVs, and they look great. Have a gander at EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR.
Kia unveiled the off-road concepts of its EV9 and PV5 EVs
According to the Korean automaker, designers at the Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, CA, thought of both off-road concepts. SEMA is often a stage for OEMs to showcase their most rugged or heavy-duty concepts and accessories.
So, the Kia team brought its A-game to Vegas with two new EVs that “combine form and function into machines designed for responsible engagement with the environment.”
The first is the EV9 ADVNTR, based on the three-row SUV that took part in Kia's US sales record in October. Today, Kia shared that its off-road version of the EV9 concept has been fitted with new custom front and rear fascias, reinforced rocker panels, and stiffer tires for better traction in the elements.
Additionally, the EV9 ADVNTR can be raised 3 inches higher than the standard 2025 SUV model and features a new roof rack that can haul luggage and hiking gear or support a roof-mounted tent.
In addition to the EV9 ADVNTR, Kia has revealed an off-road concept version of their new PV5 called the WKNDR. The PV5 is the middle-of-the-pack BEV in Kia's latest 'Purpose Beyond Vehicle' lineup, which debuted at CES 2024.
While the regular PV5 was designed for commercial and last-mile delivery, Kia's design team decided to take it off the road with a new WKNDR concept. This BEV van has been lifted and fitted with large off-road tires, but as before, the interior of the PV5 WKNDR is what really stands out.
Kia describes the off-road concept van as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels,” offering a modular cabin that can be customized to the needs and wants of the owner. The concept design has a first-of-its-kind storage solution called the “Gear Head” feature that brings an out-of-board, secure storage area for equipment when the vehicle is stationary, maximizing interior space while giving owners easy access to all their belongings. property.
Thanks to its versatility, Kia shared that the off-road van's “Gear Head” space can be turned into a portable pantry for those foodies who want to put together a variety of meals while parked outdoors, or anywhere for that matter.
Kia also shared that its team designed the PV5 WKNDR to be autonomous as an off-road BEV. It features solar panels and hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the vehicle's batteries and power other components, such as the onboard compressor.
Since these are still just concepts, we don't have performance specs for the Kia EV9 ADVNTR or PV5 WKNDR, and we can't guarantee that either model will reach bonafide production for sale. However, Kia is thinking beyond this plan and is at least flirting with the idea of introducing new models to compete with the likes of Ford, the Rivian, and the recent unveiling from VW Group's Scout Motors.
At least, we can see some of these features and design elements in the upcoming Kia BEV pickups. For now, though, these off-road EV concepts are an interesting design exercise that once again shows how innovative and innovative Hyundai Motor Group is in all BEV segments.
We hope to see more physical displays from the Korean automaker soon.
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