Kia’s EV Camper Concept at the New York Auto Show
Cory Ross 04.24.25
This week marks the 125th anniversary of the New York Auto Show. It is one of the world’s oldest auto shows and has witnessed everything from horseless carriages to electric vehicles. However, one item that truly stole this year’s show is Kia’s PV5 WKNDR camper van. This model isn’t your standard Sprinter with a combustion engine; it is an EV. For those not interested in a camper van, Kia’s impressive concept might just change your mind. It did for Kate Kozuch of Tom’s Guide, who said, “The Kia PV5 WKNDR concept invited me, a certified non-camper, to daydream about camping with arms wide open.” Initiate a dreamy mountain sunset.
This van impresses with its well-curated amenities. The passenger side features barn-style doors that open to a thoughtfully designed interior. Reminiscent of old VW Buses with pop-up tents, the Kia camper van employs the “Gear Head” storage system, which creates a “hutch-like enclosure intended to store your gear when you arrive at your camping spot.” However, what makes this van truly unique is its futuristic design. “For me, it’s the contrast that the WKNDR dares to embrace that works,” argues Kate. “I’m able to picture this high-tech, ultra-modern EV parked beside a peaceful lake, or tucked beneath a canopy of pines, or pulled over to admire desert canyons. Somewhere, it might not seem like it should fit in if you’re simply considering aesthetics.”
The Kia PV5 WKNDR isn’t merely a concept; Kia plans to commence production in various forms this year. What all the models will be is anyone’s guess. But that leads me to one question: Who is this for? My guess is that Kia is targeting people who only like the idea of a camper van in theory. Kia’s sleek design and modern features, including its electric engine, aim to change their minds and entice them into a new type of adventure. Be on the lookout for this one.
