- Kia reveals EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR concepts at 2024 SEMA show
- Concepts tease off-road potential of EV9 SUV and upcoming PV5 van
- Kia plans new versions of EV9, including high-performance EV9 GT
Kia teased the potential off-road credibility of its EV9 and an upcoming electric van to be called the PV5 with the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR concepts at the 2024 SEMA show, which kicked off on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
The EV9 ADVNTR is based on the familiar EV9 three-row electric SUV that went on sale last year, while the PV5 WKNDR is based on the PV5 midsize van being developed as a member of Kia’s future range of purpose-built EVs. The so-called PV vehicles are designed to meet a customer’s specific needs, such as delivery or shuttle services, and will feature a lot of flexibility when it comes to customization.
Kia EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR concepts
The PV5 hasn’t been confirmed for the U.S., but the reveal of the PV5 WKNDR concept at the SEMA show suggests that Kia is at least considering selling the van here.
In a statement, Steven Center, Kia America’s chief operating officer, said the SEMA show “acts as a blank canvas for creativity and offers a glimpse into what Kia’s automotive future may hold.”
Kia EV9 ADVNTR concept
Of the two concepts, the EV9 ADVNTR appears to be the closest to resembling a production vehicle. It features a 3.0-inch lift kit, new front and rear fasicas designed to improve approach and departure angles, as well as underbody protection including reinforced rocker panels. There’s also a rugged wheel and tire combination, plus a roof rack that can carry all the extra gear required at a campsite.
While the jury is still out on whether Kia will launch a rugged EV9, the automaker is known to be working on a high-performance version that will likely end being called the EV9 GT. The vehicle is due out next year and prototypes have been spotted, including at the Nürburgring.
Kia PV5 WKNDR concept
The PV5 WKNDR is designed for longer stays out in the wild, making it ideal for fans of overlanding, the practice of traveling across remote areas, often for weeks or even months at a time. Like the EV9 concept, the PV5 WKNDR features lifted suspension and rugged wheels and tires.
It also comes with a front-mounted winch, an air compressor, pop-up camper, mobile kitchen, and innovative storage solutions designed to hold all the gear required from long stints away from home. One of the storage solutions is a kitchen-style slide-out system that enables the vehicle to continue holding items while freeing up the main interior space.
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