Kia made a strong impression at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) conference in Las Vegas with two exciting electric vehicle concepts designed for rugged off-road adventures. While electric vehicle (EV) concepts were fewer in number compared to previous years—reflecting the ongoing but gradual shift in the automotive industry—Kia’s offerings stood out as some of the most innovative and visually striking.
The SEMA show, which draws over 135,000 attendees from the automotive aftermarket industry, is known for showcasing the latest trends in vehicle modifications and performance upgrades. This year, however, saw a shift as the industry continues its transition toward electric vehicles, and the number of plug-in models at the event was relatively limited. Despite this, Kia’s entries made waves, particularly with their focus on adventure-ready, off-road capabilities.
Kia’s Adventure-Themed Concepts: ADVNTR and WKNDR
The two standout concepts from Kia, the ADVNTR and WKNDR, represent the brand’s vision for a future where electric vehicles aren’t just about city driving or family transport, but are designed to tackle the great outdoors.
- Kia ADVNTR: Based on Kia’s spacious three-row EV9, the ADVNTR concept is a rugged, off-road-ready version of the electric SUV, tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. The ADVNTR stands three inches taller than the regular EV9, giving it a more aggressive stance for better ground clearance. It also boasts custom wheel and tire setups designed to handle rough terrain, making it ideal for rock climbing, dirt trails, and river crossings. With its beefed-up suspension and all-terrain capabilities, the ADVNTR offers a bold take on the future of family adventure vehicles.
- Kia WKNDR: The WKNDR concept, based on Kia’s modular Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), first introduced at CES 2024, takes adventure to the next level. With a focus on customization and versatility, the WKNDR is built for those who seek outdoor activities that range from camping and hiking to more extreme expeditions. The concept features off-road tires, a customizable interior, and modular elements that can be tailored to fit different types of outdoor gear or equipment. The WKNDR also includes features like an onboard air compressor for tire inflation or camping gear setup, a mobile pantry for cooking, and even solar panels and hydro-turbine wheels to recharge the vehicle’s battery, making it perfect for off-the-grid exploration.
These two concepts showcase Kia’s ability to blend functionality, ruggedness, and sustainability in a way that appeals to the growing market of adventure-seeking EV owners. The integration of sustainable energy features, such as solar panels and hydro-turbine wheels, speaks to Kia’s commitment to eco-conscious outdoor exploration.
A Rare Glimpse into the Future of Electric Adventure Vehicles
While electric vehicles are rapidly becoming the future of transportation, the SEMA show has traditionally been dominated by modified gasoline-powered cars, trucks, and muscle cars. This year, the shift toward EVs was noticeable but still in its early stages. Kia’s concepts, however, demonstrate the potential for electric vehicles to cater to a niche audience of outdoor enthusiasts, offering the rugged capabilities of traditional off-road vehicles without the emissions.
Other automakers, such as Stellantis with its Mopar division, also showcased electric conversions of classic cars like the 1967 Plymouth GTX, blending nostalgia with new technology. However, in terms of fully electric adventure-ready concepts, Kia’s ADVNTR and WKNDR were the most prominent EV entries at SEMA 2024.
Looking Ahead
As the auto industry continues to embrace electrification, it’s clear that brands like Kia are pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can offer. The ADVNTR and WKNDR concepts are a glimpse into the future of off-road EVs—vehicles that don’t just offer sustainable transportation but also cater to the adventurous spirit of outdoor enthusiasts. While this year’s SEMA show featured fewer electric vehicles than in the past, these concepts suggest that the future of EVs will include a lot more than just city driving.
For those who are looking for adventure without leaving a carbon footprint, Kia’s rugged electric concepts could be the ideal solution, and they’re likely a sign of even more exciting off-road EVs to come in the near future.