Kia is embracing the off-road lifestyle by showcasing two new concept vehicles at this year’s SEMA show. The “Advntr” concept is an enhanced version of the EV9 electric three-row SUV, featuring a range of upgrades and camping equipment. The PV5 “Wkndr” concept is an off-road van built on Kia’s PBV (Purpose Beyond Vehicles) platform, which Kia Explains to a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels.” This weekend, someone at Kia really wants to go camping. Kia’s most recent concept car pairing at this year’s SEMA show makes that the case. The company showed off two new ideas that focus on toughness and off-road ability. First, the “Advntr” concept is based on Kia’s EV9 electric three-row SUV. The second, the PV5 “Wkndr” concept, is based on Kia’s Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBVs). The Advntr is an EV9 that has been raised and comes with all the gear you need to go overseas. Thanks to its three-inch elevation, stronger rocker panels, and reworked front and back fascias, it should have better approach and departure angles. The new wheel and tire setup has been improved to make the car more stable off-road, but Kia has not released it. The car company says that a unique roof rack can hold both regular luggage and tents made just for the roof. The Wkndr has a similar set of improvements. For the same reason as Kia’s PBV delivery cars, the Wkndr has also been raised, but for an unknown amount. It has the same tires and wheels as the Advntr idea. “Like a Swiss Army knife on wheels,” Kia says of the modular cabin. When camping, the outboard storage system can be used while the vehicle is still in order to make the inside room bigger. Kia says that the Wkndr’s “unique hydro turbine wheels” and solar screens allow the batteries to be charged more than once. The van also comes with a compressor that can be used to blow up tires or air beds while camping.
