The Kia EV9 has been a big hit for the brand as production of the three-row SUV shifted from South Korea to Georgia this year.
Now Kia is thinking about sending it somewhere else … off road.
The automaker has brought a concept called the EV9 ADVNTR to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas that previews a possible rugged version of the model.
It retains its standard 379 hp all-wheel drivetrain, but gets a three-inch lift and a massive wheel and all-terrain tire package.
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The front and rear fascias have been restyled with higher clearance and protective panels, while the rocker panels are also beefed up. Recovery hooks and a roof rack with integrated auxiliary lighting further add to its capabilities.
Kia also brought an electric van concept to the show that’s based on a model it doesn’t sell in the U.S. yet.
The PV5 WKNDR has been outfitted as an overland recreational vehicle. It gets a similar off-road treatment for the wheels and body, but matches it to an interior outfitted with reconfigurable seating and a table, wall racks and webbing on the ceiling for securing equipment. There’s a pop-up tent above that and an induction stove that extends from a sliding door.
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Kia hasn’t announced plans to put either model into production, but the concepts do show the possibilities of its EV platform.
he all-wheel drive Kia EV9 currently starts at $65,395 for a trim with a range of 280 miles per charge. It has the 379 hp drivetrain, which is rated at 443 lb-ft of torque. The top of the line GT-Line gets a boost to 516 lb-ft, but its range drops to 270 miles due largely to the different wheels and tires it has.
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