Kia’s new electric SUV is ready to go beyond the pavement [Images]

The EV5 is about the size of Kia’s best-selling SUV, the Sportage. Kia revealed a new EV5 WKNDR concept, giving us our first look at the electric off-roader.

The Kia EV5 WKNDR is an off-road electric SUV

Kia’s midsize electric SUV has it all. The EV5 offers up to 555 km (345 miles) driving range, can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, and it even has “best-in-class” rear passenger space.

The only thing it’s apparently missing is some off-road attitude. At the 2025 Guangzhou Motor Show, Kia introduced the EV5 WKNDR concept, designed for more than just getting around town.

The EV5 is the fourth Kia vehicle to receive a “WKNDR” upgrade, following the PV5 electric van, EV9, and the Tasman pickup.

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Kia upgraded its midsize electric SUV with rugged new front and rear bumpers, cladding around the wheels, tow hooks, a roof rack with LED lights, and 20″ all-terrain tires. The EV5 WKNDR concept also sits higher with a lifted suspension.

The interior received a complete overhaul with a redesigned steering wheel and neon accent colors throughout. The rear passenger seats fold flat, opening up enough space for mountain bikes, camping gear, work equipment, and more.

It also features tie-down straps, “camp” lights, a built-in radio, and smart storage spaces if things get a little bumpy on the trip. Meanwhile, the tailgate can also serve as a camping table.

Measuring 4,610 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm, the EV5 is about 10 mm wider, 70 mm longer, and 30 mm taller than the Kia Sportage.

Built on the E-GMP platform, the Kia EV5 is available with two battery pack options: 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, offering WLTP ranges of 400 km (248 mi) and 530 km (329 mi), respectively.

The base Kia EV5 Air starts at £39,295 ($53,000), on-the-road (OTR) in the UK. In South Korea, Kia’s midsize SUV starts at around 48.55 million won ($35,000).

Will Kia bring the EV5 WKNDR to the US? Don’t get your hopes up. Kia already said the EV5 will be sold exclusively in Canada for the North American market. Hyundai, on the other hand, revealed its off-road electric SUV, the Crater Concept, at the LA Auto Show last week, and it will likely go into production.