Kia Gets Bold at SEMA: Bright Lights & Mysterious Vans
The SEMA show is just around the corner, and if you’re into automotive customizations, aftermarket wonders, and seeing car brands really let their hair down, you’re probably already revving up for it. Kia has given us a sneak peek of the two concepts they'll be bringing to the show floor, and let’s just say these rides are packing more than just a bit of attitude. So what’s in store from Kia’s creative team this time? Picture some serious LED energy and a modular van that feels straight out of a sci-fi flick. Here’s what we know so far.
EV9 Concept: Extra Lighting, Off-Road Hints, and X-Pro Speculations
First up is the big guy — the EV9 concept. You might recognize its shape if you’ve seen the three-row EV9 that’s rolled out in Kia dealerships, but this isn’t your everyday family hauler. This EV9 concept is all decked out in what can only be described as “overlander chic.” We’re talking serious lighting elements here. Along the windshield sits a rugged light bar, and the front end boasts a trio of extra lights that feel like they were pulled straight off a rock-crawling rig.
Could this be a hint of an off-road-ready EV9 X-Pro? The front tow hooks say, “Absolutely, yes.” And while Kia hasn’t confirmed if this is a trailblazer in the making, these hints are like a neon sign for off-road adventure. It’s almost as if Kia said, “Hey, what if you could take your electric SUV to the middle of nowhere and actually come back?” For the curious (and those eyeing rugged EVs), this is definitely one to watch.
Mystery Modular Van: Say Hello to the PV5 (Or Something Like It)
The second concept is a bit more mysterious. Kia dropped a single teaser photo that shows an LED light pattern up front, and if you’re a hardcore Kia fan, you might recognize it from a recent CES showcase. This modular electric van, likely based on the PV5 concept, feels like it’s pulled from some futuristic cityscape. With the additional fog lights and a roof-mounted light bar, this isn’t your grandma’s minivan. Instead, it’s a multi-purpose vehicle with adaptability as its middle name.
The PV5 is expected to roll out next year, but what version we’ll actually see at SEMA is anyone’s guess. Is it a people-mover with a dash of utility? An urban camper with off-grid potential? One thing’s for sure: this van concept is here to shake up the notion of what an electric van can be.
Ready to Rumble
These teasers from Kia serve as a fun reminder that the brand isn’t content with just making electric vehicles — they’re pushing boundaries and playing with bold ideas. Both concepts will make their full debut next week, and we can’t wait to see if Kia’s lighting, off-road tweaks, and modular van dreams inspire some aftermarket magic.
