Kia has officially unveiled the Kia EV5 WKNDR (Weekender) concept, a rugged, adventure-focused variant of the EV5 electric SUV. Revealed at the Guangzhou Auto Show, the EV5 WKNDR introduces a tougher design, exclusive off-road upgrades, and modular accessories, signaling Kia’s intent to expand its lifestyle-oriented electric SUV portfolio.
With production-ready styling and a strong consumer shift toward outdoor-capable EVs, the EV5 WKNDR appears poised for a future mass-market release.
A New Member of Kia’s Growing Weekender Lineup
The EV5 WKNDR is the fourth model to wear Kia’s “Weekender” badge, following the EV9, PV5, and Tasman concepts. Designed to reflect an outdoor-exclusive lifestyle identity, each Weekender model focuses on versatility, capability, and recreational usability.
While previous Weekender concepts did not reach production, rising demand for rugged lifestyle EVs could make the EV5 WKNDR the first of the series to become a showroom reality.
Exterior: Higher Ground Clearance, Wider Stance, and Adventure-Ready Accessories
Developed by Kia’s China design studio, the EV5 Weekender features upgrades engineered for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Raised suspension for improved ground clearance
- Large off-road wheels and all-terrain tires
- Matte beige body finish with lime-green accents, now a signature Weekender design theme
- Wider fender flares and reinforced body cladding
- Redesigned front and rear skid plates
- Strengthened side sills and new hood trim elements
- Oversized roof rack for camping and storage needs
- Side-mounted gear bracket, similar to the Land Rover Defender, ideal for bikes and camping gear
These features give the EV5 WKNDR a bolder, more purposeful presence compared to the standard EV5.
Interior: Wide Display, New Materials, and Modular Storage Solutions
Kia implemented extensive interior enhancements, showcasing how a production-grade off-road EV could look:
- Full-width panoramic display extending toward the passenger side
- Slim digital instrument cluster
- New steering wheel and redesigned center console
- Updated HVAC vents and refined trim pieces
- New 3D-texture interior materials and modern color palette
Practicality is central to the design, with multiple storage solutions inspired by modular systems like Dacia’s YouClip:
- Integrated trunk-side cupholders and storage bins
- Roof-mounted interior rails for securing gear and accessories
Platform, Performance, and Future Potential
Kia has not yet revealed technical details for the EV5 WKNDR concept. It is unclear whether the model features mechanical upgrades beyond its enhanced suspension system.
The standard production EV5 is built on the Hyundai-Kia E-GMP electric platform and offers:
- Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants
- Multiple battery configurations depending on market
- An upcoming EV5 GT performance version with increased power and sport-tuned dynamics
Given Kia’s track record of adopting concept-car design into production models, the EV5 WKNDR has strong potential to evolve into an adventure-oriented EV5 trim.
