Kia Reveals EV5 WKNDR Electric Adventure Concept

Seoul, South Korea- Kia Corporation., has unveiled the EV5 WKNDR, a bold electric concept that reimagines mobility as a gateway to adventure. Designed entirely by the Kia Design China team, the EV5 WKNDR is built around the idea of the “Spontaneous Escape Enabler,” empowering drivers to move effortlessly from urban life to the outdoors.

More than a traditional concept car, the EV5 WKNDR is envisioned as a versatile companion for modern explorers those who value freedom, flexibility, and the ability to turn a simple idea of escaping into a seamless reality. The concept challenges conventional boundaries by making adventure an easy, intuitive choice rather than a carefully planned event.

The EV5 WKNDR is rooted in Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, blending contrasts such as refinement and ruggedness, structure and freedom, and city sophistication with off-road capability. The result is a vehicle that feels equally at home on city streets and remote trails.

The exterior communicates strength and readiness from every angle. Increased ground clearance, extended wheel arches, protective cladding, and all-terrain tires clearly signal its off-road intent. Retractable tow hooks at the front and rear support recovery in challenging terrain, while a panoramic roof rack accommodates camping equipment and traction boards. A side-window pegboard allows tools to be mounted externally for quick access.

A distinctive front lighting signature and a reinterpreted Tiger Nose design define the front fascia, complemented by a functional hood-mounted board with an integrated action camera. At the rear, geometric bumper shapes and gunmetal accents reinforce the vehicle’s robust, adventure-ready character.

Inside, the EV5 WKNDR transforms into a flexible basecamp designed for multiple scenarios. A slidable display with a clean, flat-art HMI delivers an intuitive digital experience. The center console emphasizes creativity and utility, featuring a rotatable armrest with a walkie-talkie cradle for off-grid communication and a multi-function camping lamp that provides light, sound, and scent.

The modular seating system is ventilated, rotatable, and foldable, allowing seats to convert into footrests or expanded storage. A detachable jump seat can be removed and used outdoors as portable camping furniture. In the cargo area, a rail-based storage system enhances flexibility, while the trunk cover doubles as a portable table.

Color, material, and finish choices are directly influenced by the natural world. The exterior color Birch mirrors the grey-white tones of birch bark, helping disguise marks from off-road use. Inside, Spruce Blue reflects the calm of a forest at dawn, accented by Citrus Green inspired by outdoor safety gear.

Sustainability is central to the cabin, with bio-based polyurethane materials derived from corn offering a Nappa-like feel with reduced environmental impact. Lightweight 3D knit fabrics add breathability, elasticity, and durability, aligning comfort with responsible material use.

The EV5 WKNDR’s digital interface is designed as a supportive co-pilot. Essential information such as battery status, range, and navigation is presented clearly and without distraction. Social features enable shared routes, group travel coordination, and camping checklists, turning individual journeys into shared experiences.

Adventure capability is further enhanced by a detachable trailer system that functions as a customizable mobile basecamp. The trailer can support multiple use cases from drone-assisted climbing expeditions and fully equipped outdoor kitchens to quiet stargazing retreats expanding the concept of spontaneous escape beyond the vehicle itself.

With the EV5 WKNDR, Kia presents a compelling vision of electric mobility that blends technology, sustainability, and design to enable a new kind of freedom where adventure begins the moment the decision is made to go.

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