Kia Unveils an Off-Road-Ready EV5 Variant at the Guangzhou Auto Show

Adventure-focused EVs are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in the electric market, and Kia appears ready to embrace that trend. At the Guangzhou Auto Show, Kia China revealed the EV5 WKNDR Concept, a heavily reworked version of the popular EV5 designed with camping, trail driving, and weekend exploration in mind.

Developed by the Kia China Style Design team, the EV5 WKNDR is far more than a cosmetic experiment. It previews what could become a future off-road trim level of the EV5 lineup—complete with increased ground clearance, new off-road components, and interior upgrades tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.

A More Capable, Trail-Focused EV5

The EV5 WKNDR starts with one essential upgrade: an enhanced suspension system. This raises the vehicle, improves approach and departure angles, and gives it the ground clearance necessary for uneven terrain. Large all-terrain tires wrapped around upgraded wheels reinforce the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

Exterior Upgrades

Kia didn’t stop at tires and lift kits. The WKNDR features:

• Wide fender extensions for a muscular, rugged stance

• Redesigned body kit with chunkier side skirts

• New front and rear skid plates for underbody protection

• Large roof rack for carrying outdoor equipment

• Functional hood insert

• Side-mounted accessory rails, similar to the Land Rover Defender

The matte beige exterior, paired with lime green and gray accents, follows Kia’s now-recognizable adventure-themed color palette.

Interior: Functional, Modern, and Built for Utility

Unlike many concepts that simply repaint the cabin, the EV5 WKNDR receives a thoroughly reimagined interior.

Key interior upgrades include:

• Full-width passenger display

• Slim digital instrument cluster

• Revised center console

• New air-vent design

• Completely redesigned seats with new upholstery, modern colors, and a 3D texture

Where the WKNDR stands out is its practicality. Borrowing inspiration from Dacia’s YouClip system, the cabin includes:

• Modular clip-in mounts for storage and accessories

• Extra rails in the roof liner to secure gear

• Additional cupholders and side cargo mounts

This is an EV interior tailored for camping gear, tool bags, or adventure accessories.

Platform, Powertrains, and What We Know So Far

Kia hasn’t provided detailed mechanical updates for the WKNDR concept—only the lifted suspension is confirmed. However, since it is based on the production EV5, we can expect similar architecture and capabilities.

Known platform details:

• Built on Kia’s E-GMP platform

• Expected options include FWD and AWD

• Regional battery choices likely carried over from the EV5

• A high-performance GT version of the EV5 is already confirmed

Although the WKNDR prioritizes rugged styling over raw performance, pairing this concept with the AWD configuration of the EV5 would make it well-suited for adventure use.

Part of Kia’s Expanding Adventure Lineup

The EV5 WKNDR is now the fourth model in Kia’s outdoor-focused design series, following:

• EV9 Concept variants

• PV5

• Tasman

While none of these adventure concepts has reached production yet, the growing consumer demand for “lifestyle EVs” suggests Kia could finally take the next step. Given Kia’s strong track record of turning concept vehicles into showroom models, it is highly likely that a toned-down WKNDR package will eventually appear in the EV5 lineup.

Conclusion

The Kia EV5 WKNDR Concept signals Kia’s intention to elevate its EV lineup with more rugged, lifestyle-driven options. With lifted suspension, rugged design elements, modular storage solutions, and a fully upgraded interior, the WKNDR previews a promising future where adventure-ready electric SUVs become mainstream.

If consumer interest continues to grow, this concept may soon transform from a design study to a real off-road EV trim in the Kia EV5 family.

FAQ (H3)

Will the Kia EV5 WKNDR go into production?

Kia has not confirmed production, but based on strong interest and Kia’s history with concepts, a toned-down version is likely.

What platform does the EV5 WKNDR use?

It sits on Kia’s E-GMP platform, shared with the production EV5.

What upgrades does the WKNDR include?

A lifted suspension, wide fenders, all-terrain tires, a new body kit, a roof rack, a redesigned interior, and modular storage rails.