The SEMA Show featured many interesting builds and concepts this year. From a Sheriff’s car based on the Tesla Model S, to a 2,800-horsepower Widebody Chevelle, to a Modillista Overland Concept based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, we though we had seen it all. But, a few automakers that aren’t generally known to go wild and don’t really make over-the-board modifications also took made a splash this time.
Kia, famous for making some of the most practical and versatile mainstream vehicles, showcased two neat concepts at the 2024 SEMA. One of them is based on the EV9, whereas the other, on an electric ‘Purpose Beyond Vehicle’. Both these off-road concepts show that Kia is capable of making vehicles that can be taken on the beaten paths confidently.
The Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV Is Made For Off-Roading
If you ever wanted a three-row electric SUV that can take you over treacherous paths with utmost ease, the EV9 ADVNTR Concept will make you happy. However, this is a concept and we won’t be seeing a production version of it anytime soon. Kia has equipped it with a three-inch lift kit and reinforced rocker panels to give it a rugged look.
The front and rear facias were customized, and so was the wheel-and-tire combination to keep it in line with the off-road vibe. Furthermore, Kia also installed a custom roof rack that can not just hold standard luggage, but also roof-mounted tents to make it an ideal overlanding partner. Kia did not mention any changes made to the powertrain, battery, or performance specs of the production-version EV9.
2025 Kia EV9 Specs
|
Light |
Light Long Range |
Wind |
Land |
GT-Line |
|
|
Motor |
Single Permanent Magnet Motor |
Single Permanent Magnet Motor |
Dual Permanent Magnet Motors |
Dual Permanent Magnet Motors |
Dual Permanent Magnet Motors |
|
Horsepower |
215 HP |
201 HP |
379 HP |
379 HP |
379 HP |
|
Torque |
258 LB-FT |
258 LB-FT |
443 LB-FT |
443 LB-FT |
516 LB-FT |
|
Battery |
76.1 kWh Net |
99.8 kWh Net |
99.8 kWh Net |
99.8 kWh Net |
99.8 kWh Net |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
RWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
88 MPGe |
89 MPGe |
83 MPGe |
83 MPGe |
90 MPGe |
|
Range |
230 Miles |
304 Miles |
280 MIles |
280 Miles |
270 Miles |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.7 Seconds |
8.8 Seconds |
5.7 Seconds |
5.7 Seconds |
5.0 Seconds |
|
Reliability |
48/100 |
48/100 |
48/100 |
48/100 |
48/100 |
|
Price |
$54,900 |
$59,900 |
$63,900 |
$69,900 |
$73,900 |
2:24
Review
The EV World Will No Longer Be The Same Thanks To The 2024 Kia EV9
Once in a while, a vehicle arrives that changes the game, propelling the entire automotive industry in a new direction. The Kia EV9 is such a vehicle.
The PV5 WKNDR Concept EV VAN Showcased With Kia Is Capable Of
Not too long ago, Kia debuted a line of electric ‘Purpose Beyond Vehicles’, and now it has taken one of them, the PV5 Electric Van, and put it through the works. Like the EV9 ADVNTR Concept, the PV5 WKNDR Concept is also lifted and comes with off-road tires.
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The most intriguing aspect of this electric van is the “Gear Head” feature, which, according to Kia, is the ‘first-of-its-kind storage solution that provides an off-board, sheltered storage space for gear when the vehicle is stationary”. This is done to utilize the interior space best way possible, while also offering access to gear on the outside. This can also be doubled up into a mobile pantry. Kia has equipped it with solar panels and unique hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the batteries. This can be used to power the onboard compressor that can help inflate the tires, or fill up an air mattress for those camping nights.
Kia also unveiled many active lifestyle products to showcase its capabilities. Seeing what Kia did with these two concepts, it would be nice to see it explore the adventure lifestyle niche; something that remains untapped for the automaker.