Custom electric vehicles and SUVs inspired by Greek gods being developed by Kia for the SEMA show
Kia Unveils Electrifying Adventure Vehicles at SEMA Show
Kia America has showcased its commitment to electric vehicles and outdoor adventures with the unveiling of two concept vehicles at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The event, known for showcasing advancements in performance, styling, and safety, is a significant gathering for automotive enthusiasts.
The Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV, a rugged, three-row all-electric SUV, is engineered for rugged escapades. With a lifted suspension, custom tires, and reinforced panels, this SUV is ready to tackle off-road terrains. Its advanced features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system, adaptive-beam headlights, and optional luxury touches like massage seats and a 14-speaker Meridian sound system. The EV9 GT model delivers high performance with a 501bhp dual-motor four-wheel-drive system, capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds [1].
On the other hand, the Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van is an electric adventure van designed as a Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV)-based unit. It bridges urban and rugged outdoor use, featuring off-road enhancements, an innovative external storage system that converts into a mobile kitchen, a highly customizable, modular interior, self-sufficient energy generation using integrated solar panels and a hydro turbine, and an interior rail system for organized and accessible gear storage. This versatile van earned the "Best of the Best" honor at the Red Dot Design Concept awards in 2025 [2][5].
The PV5 WKNDR Concept is equipped with solar panels for eco-friendly power, making it suitable for off-grid travel. Its unique "Gear Head" storage allows easy access to outdoor equipment.
Kia's KDCA team from Irvine, CA, presented these two custom lifestyle concepts at the SEMA Show. The Sportage, themed around water, features a whitewater-themed wrap, custom wheels, and a kayak mount, making it suitable for river adventures. The Telluride, themed around sky and thunder, boasts mountain graphics, a thunderous exhaust, and rugged tires, built for off-road resilience and power.
The Sorento, themed around earth, offers an awning, outdoor projector, and perimeter lighting for serene nights under the stars, designed for nature enthusiasts. The roof rack of the EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV is designed to accommodate camping tents and storage containers, making it a versatile outdoor base.
Steven Center, COO of Kia America, stated that Kia's utility vehicles are known for versatility and adaptability, and these concepts further push those attributes, offering a preview of future automotive innovation. The PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van is a flexible adventure van built for weekend getaways, with off-road tires and an adaptable modular interior.
In summary, Kia's new concepts showcase adaptability, capability, and eco-consciousness. The EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV is a rugged, electric SUV variant, while the PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van is an electric adventure van designed for urban and rugged outdoor use. These innovative vehicles embody Kia's focus on delivering electric vehicles tailored for premium adventure SUVs and highly flexible, off-grid capable adventure vans that blend urban and outdoor lifestyles [1][2][5].
References:
[1] Kia America. (n.d.). Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV. Retrieved from https://media.kia.com/us/en/home.do
[2] Red Dot Design. (2025). Red Dot Design Concept Awards 2025 Winners. Retrieved from https://www.red-dot.org/en/awards/red-dot-design-concept-awards/winners-2025/
[3] Kia America. (n.d.). Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van. Retrieved from https://media.kia.com/us/en/home.do
[5] Kia America. (n.d.). Kia at the 2024 SEMA Show. Retrieved from https://media.kia.com/us/en/home.do
- The Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV, with its lifted suspension and custom tires, demonstrates Kia's commitment to the finance and automotive industries, particularly in the growing market of electric vehicles and outdoor lifestyles.
- The Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van, equipped with solar panels and a hydro turbine, showcases Kia's focus on transportation solutions that are both eco-friendly and suitable for off-grid travel, bridging the gap between urban and rugged outdoor use.
- Kia's SEMA Show unveilings, including the EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV and the PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van, exemplify the intersection of lifestyle choices and the finance industry, catering to the increasing demand for electric vehicles that integrate seamlessly with outdoor adventures and weekend getaways.
