Kia reveals electric campervan and rugged EV9 ADVNTR concepts at SEMA

Kia has given its award-winning seven-seat EV9 a tough new look with the Kia EV9 ADVNTR concept.

The customised SUV was unveiled at the SEMA show in Las Vegas alongside a go-anywhere version of the upcoming PV5 electric van.

SEMA is the home of modified vehicles and aftermarket accessories, and often plays host to wild concepts from manufacturers. For this year’s show, Kia’s US design centre decided to adapt the family-friendly EV9 into the brand’s most adventurous SUV yet.

The Kia EV9 ADVNTR features a 76mm (three-inch) suspension lift along with chunky mud-plugging tyres to help it cross rugged terrain. It also has unique custom front and rear panels for a tougher look and reinforced sills to improve its off-road abilities. A custom roof rack can accommodate everything from luggage containers to roof-mounted tents, theoretically allowing owners to head properly off-grid.

Taking the off-grid concept even further is the PV5 WKNDR concept van. The PV5 isn’t even on sale yet but the Irvine, California design team has already reimagined it as a van-life friendly adventure wagon.

The PV5 WKNDR gets a similar suspension lift and off-road tyre combo to the EV9 ADVNTR, to ensure drivers can escape into nature. It also comes with roof-mounted solar panels and ‘hydro turbine’ wheels to help charge the battery, plus an onboard tyre compressor to adjust tyre pressure and inflate accessories.

The PV5’s cargo space has been transformed into a flexible living/storage area with a removable ‘Gear Head’ storage space. This can be carried in the van on the move then mounted off-board when the vehicle is stationary, providing equipment storage and creating more interior space, as well as acting as a mobile kitchen space.

Sadly, there’s no suggestion that either vehicle could make it to production, much like the one-off Kia Pride EV the company’s UK team recently revealed.

Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America, said: “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.

“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.”