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Kia’s Latest Off-Roader Might Already Have Scout Trembling in Its Tracks

This could be one of the Korean automaker’s best-looking EV SUV pitches yet.

Front view of a silver Kia SUV with sleek LED headlights and a yellow light bar on the roof, set in a forest background.Kia
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By Chris Chin

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Kia might be questioning its EV strategy for North American customers, but it’s not stopping elsewhere. Recently, at the Guangzhou Auto Show, the company revealed the new EV5 WKNDR Concept.

Pronounced “weekender,” the gussied-up EV5 concept is essentially the company’s latest electric SUV. However, it’s been kitted out to appeal to the likes of overlanding fans and adventurous types alike.

It looks pretty damn good. So good, in fact, that it might even put Scout on notice.

Going further with the WKNDR

Beige Kia SUV with black trim and off-road tires parked on rocky forest ground.
The EV5 WKNDR is a pitch at a more rugged and capable all-electric midsize SUV.
Kia

It’s based on the EV5, Kia’s all-electric midsize crossover SUV that’s positioned one rung below the flagship EV9. Think of the EV9 as being the electric equivalent of the gas-powered Telluride, while the EV5 is more the size of a Sorento.

Car interior with gray seats, green accents on steering wheel, door, and center console, and dual widescreen digital displays.
Inspired by the WKNDR Concept from the 2024 SEMA show, the EV5 version showcases Kia’s aspirations in the overlanding space.
Kia

The EV5 WKNDR also incorporates one of Kia’s more lifestyle-focused pitches. It represents the automaker’s interest in expanding into the off-road and overlanding enthusiast space.

Beige Kia SUV with black trim and roof rails parked on a dirt path in a forest.
From its beefier all-terrain tires and tougher appearances, the EV5 WKNDR looks seriously badass.
Kia

It takes inspiration from the WKNDR Concept from last year’s Specialty Equipment and Manufacturers Association show in Las Vegas. The original WKNDR is essentially an all-electric compact van, though it had been outfitted, designed and engineered with overlanding in mind.

Interior view of a gray modular vehicle cargo area with foldable seats and lime green accents.
The EV5 WKNDR is oozes with versatility, both inside and out.
Kia

As one can tell with its beefier all-terrain tires, the increase in ride height, the standard roof rails and crossbars, and the toughened up lower bodywork with integrated tow hooks front and rear, the EV5 WKNDR is obviously geared up to tackle the wilderness.

Versatility both inside and out

White Kia SUV with LED headlights and roof light bar on a rocky forest trail.
The production EV5 is rated up to 345 miles on a single charge.
Kia

The highlights don’t just exist on the outside either, as the EV5 WKNDR is a complete prototype. On the inside, designers went for a similar approach with what appears to be a nice collection of durable and easy-care materials for the seats, dashboard, paneling and other trim bits.

Futuristic car interior with gray and lime green accents, hexagonal steering wheel, and wide digital dashboard display.
The EV5 WKNDR Concept appears to sport an equally rugged and touch interior.
Kia

But they also appear to have embraced the versatility aspect. There’s a unique mounting and rail system for accessories in the rear trunk space. And the exterior roof-rack system incorporates MOLLE-like mounting panels on the outside of the rear-three-quarter windows.

Kia didn’t reveal any powertrain details. But the standard EV5 comes with the choice either a single- or dual-motor setup (for all-wheel drive).

Beige Kia SUV with black trim and off-road tires parked on a rocky forest path.
A MOLLE-like panel integrated into the roof rack system is one of the defining features of the EV5 WKNDR.
Kia

When equipped with the dual-motor system in the all-wheel and GT-Line AWD trims, the EV5 punches out 308 total system horsepower. Driving range estimates hover around the 345-mile mark on a single charge, while fast-charging can juice up the 400-volt-based battery architecture from 10%-80% in just 30 minutes.

Based on an EV we likely won’t get

Beige Kia electric SUV with black trim and roof rack parked on a dirt path in a forest.
Kia so far isn’t planning to sell the EV5 in the States, which means we won’t get the WKNDR if it reaches production.
Kia

While it looks like a seriously awesome all-electric SUV, Kia recently and unfortunately backtracked on its EV plans in the States. This is due to the persistent lack of interest and other automakers pumping the brakes on their own EV plans.

Beige Kia SUV with black roof rack parked on rocky terrain near a greenish river.
The EV5 WKNDR would look great as a next-gen Sorento.
Kia

We may not get the EV5 in any capacity. But we would love to see the Sorento take on similar styling. And we’d definitely love to see a similar all-terrain variant.

Though it’s unlikely the EV5 will come to the States, it just entered production in Asia, and a Canadian launch is expected sometime next year.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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