Kia toughens up the EV5 with WKNDR concept

Kia has revealed a more adventurous take on its EV5 electric SUV, unveiling the EV5 WKNDR concept at the Guangzhou motor show and hinting that this toughened-up show car is headed for production.

It’s the fourth WKNDR-branded concept from the Korean manufacturer, following similar outdoors-themed builds based on the Tasman ute, EV9 SUV and PV5 van. This time, Kia’s Chinese design studio has turned its attention to the EV5, giving it an off-road makeover aimed squarely at the growing “weekend escape” market.

Off-road upgrades you won’t see on a Model Y

The WKNDR concept looks far more rugged than the standard EV5 and certainly more adventurous than its key rival, the Tesla Model Y. Kia has fitted chunky new bumpers, muscular wheel-arch extensions, functional roof rails with integrated tool mounts, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in mud-terrain rubber.

Retractable yellow recovery points sit front and rear, and what appears to be a meaningful suspension lift enhances approach and departure angles. While Kia hasn’t published ground-clearance figures, the visual increase is significant.

Adventure-ready interior

Inside, Kia has dialled up the outdoor theme with bold yellow cabin highlights and a new octagonal steering wheel. The trim makes use of eco-friendly BIO PU materials, while redesigned seats aim to offer more durability for weekend warriors.

The rear seats can fold flat or be removed entirely, turning the EV5 into a mobile gear hauler. The cargo area features sliding mounts and yellow tie-down straps for stowing camping equipment.

Additional lifestyle touches include a tailgate that doubles as a camp table, ambient camp lighting, a built-in radio, and even a pair of binoculars.

Smarter trip-planning for getaways

Kia says the concept features a clever one-touch “weekend mode” that automatically calculates scenic routes, suggests charging stops and flags nature-focused points of interest.

Technical details for the WKNDR weren’t disclosed, but it’s expected to be based on the EV5 GT-Line AWD, which uses dual motors producing 230kW and 480Nm, powered by an 88kWh LFP battery.

Production reportedly locked in

Unlike previous WKNDR concepts, the EV5 version is rumoured to be heading for showrooms. Chinese automotive analyst Tycho de Feijter reported on X that Kia intends to put it into production, though launch timing remains unclear.