KIA USA OVERLOADS SEMA 2K24 WITH AWESOME EV CONCEPTS - WKNDR FTW.

We love that the USA is so big that automakers based outside of the country still do awesome stuff inside the country. Kia is one of these companies, as evidenced by the awesome concept cars  Kia America unveiled for SEMA 2024. The company showcased a pair of all-new customized concept vehicles and also tarted up some favourites from the product line to show what’s possible. These awesome concepts come from Kia Design Center America based in Irvine, CA. Here’s what was on show…

V9 ADVNTR CONCEPT EV SUV

Meet the EV9 ADVNTR, Kia’s latest all-electric, three-row SUV that’s not just ready for adventure—it’s built to own it. This 2025 model pushes boundaries with a rugged, custom look that makes it Kia’s most adventurous SUV yet. Sporting unique front and rear facias and reinforced rocker panels, it’s prepared for the wild in style. With a 3-inch lift over the standard EV9 and heavy-duty off-road tyres, the ADVNTR concept takes capability seriously. Its custom roof rack is ready for anything, from standard cargo carriers to full roof-top tents, making it an ideal base for escaping to the outdoors. Rugged and versatile, the EV9 ADVNTR is Kia’s bold vision for exploring tomorrow’s trails.

PV5 WKNDR CONCEPT EV VAN

The PV5 WKNDR Concept reimagines the van as a lifestyle hub on wheels. Based on Kia’s Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBV) line, this all-electric van is built for small businesses and those ready to roam. A lift and off-road tyres give it the stance and versatility for weekend getaways, while its modular interior—like a Swiss Army knife for van life—offers endless customization options. The “Gear Head” storage feature is a game-changer, with sheltered off-board storage for easy access to outdoor gear, transforming into a mobile pantry for scenic camp cooking. Complete with solar panels and unique hydro turbine wheels for self-sufficient recharging, plus an onboard compressor for tyre adjustments and air mattresses, the PV5 WKNDR EV Van is fully equipped for life off-grid.

Sportage | THETIS Goddess of Water

Crafted for river-bound adventurers, the THETIS Sportage, in collaboration with Rhino Rack, embraces the water’s edge in style. With a custom wrap depicting whitewater rapids protected by XPEL Paint Protection Film, rose gold accents, and Fifteen52 wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country tyres, the THETIS is unmistakably prepared for the elements. A Rhino Rack kayak mount rounds out the setup, ensuring gear is secure and ready for action.

Telluride | ZEUS God of The Sky & Thunder

Unleashing the spirit of Zeus, this Telluride is all about tackling tough terrain with power and confidence. Developed with Xpel, this custom build flaunts a wrap featuring mountain peaks, Fifteen52 wheels equipped with Open Country Toyo tires, and a lifted Eibach suspension for peak performance on rugged trails. An iKamper rooftop tent is ready for restful nights under the stars, while Yakima’s MOD storage system keeps gear organized and accessible. And in true Zeus style, a BORLA exhaust system adds thunderous tones to each adventure.

Sorento | GAIA Goddess of Earth

With earthy neutrals, gold trim, and blacked-out Fifteen52 wheels fitted with Toyo Open Country tyres, the GAIA Sorento is crafted to blend seamlessly into nature. Once you’ve reached your base camp, the Yakima awning offers shaded relaxation for enjoying the outdoor projector screen and Kicker soundbar. And when the sun dips below the horizon, Baja Design light bars and perimeter lighting ensure the GAIA Sorento keeps the area safely illuminated for a perfect evening in the wild.

“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,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, of Kia America. “Our vehicles already help people live their active and adventurous lifestyles and 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.”

Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off our favourite concept from the KIA USA lineup for Sema 2024, the PV5 Wkndr - or Weekender for those who dropped out in 8th grade. It looks like summin from that 80s game, Moon Patrol: Kia PV5 Wkndr concept for SEMA | CarScoops

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