Seoul, South Korea – July 21, 2025 — In a remarkable affirmation of its leadership in innovative and sustainable mobility design, Kia has received five prestigious accolades at the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2025. Among the honours, the brand’s bold and adventurous PV5 WKNDR Concept claimed the competition’s highest distinction: Best of the Best. Four additional concepts — PV1, EV2, PV5, and PV7 — were each named winners in the Cars and Motorcycles category.
This year’s Red Dot success showcases the tangible impact of Kia’s design-led strategy and its future-facing ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy — a creative approach that fuses innovation, emotion, and purpose with cutting-edge sustainable technologies.
“Winning five Red Dot Design Concept awards, including the Best of the Best, is a proud moment for everyone at Kia,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. “Being recognised by one of the world’s leading design competitions is a wonderful achievement and reflects the thoughtful innovation and dedication that we invest into every model we design. We will endeavour to build on this momentum as we shape the future of sustainable and accessible mobility.”
PV5 WKNDR Concept – Electrifying the Spirit of Adventure
Unveiled at the 2024 SEMA Showcase, the Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept embodies Kia’s vision for electrified adventure. Built on Kia’s flexible Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture, the WKNDR is designed for dynamic lifestyles that transition between urban cityscapes and remote off-grid escapes.
Key features include:
- Off-road capability with bespoke enhancements
- External modular storage system that transforms into a fully functional mobile kitchen
- Self-sufficient energy solutions, including roof-mounted solar panels and a hydro turbine
- A reconfigurable interior with a rail-mounted gear system that promotes flexibility and accessibility
With its rugged stance, forward-thinking utility, and zero-emissions drivetrain, the PV5 WKNDR Concept redefines what it means to explore sustainably.
User-Centric Vision Across the Kia PBV and EV Lineup
Beyond the PV5 WKNDR, Kia’s award-winning concept vehicles illustrate a holistic vision of future mobility – one that is flexible, intuitive, and tailored to real-world needs.
- Concept PV1
A highly compact PBV created for agile last-mile delivery. Its narrow profile, autonomous driving tech, and intuitive cabin layout offer an optimal solution for dense city logistics. - Concept PV5
A versatile mid-size PBV designed for both goods and people. It boasts multiple layout options, including a ‘Driver’s Desk’ for mobile professionals and adaptable seating arrangements for ride-hailing or shuttle services. - Concept PV7
The largest PBV in Kia’s current portfolio, PV7 offers a cavernous, flat-floor interior with smart integrated storage. Ideal for fleet operators and small businesses, it accommodates a mobile office configuration for work-on-the-go. - Concept EV2
A compact B-segment electric SUV that balances robust styling with functional versatility. Its pillarless structure and modular interior make it ideal for lifestyle-driven users seeking EV mobility without compromise.
‘Opposites United’ in Practice
At the heart of these designs lies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy — a unifying creative direction that bridges seemingly contrasting ideas: nature and technology, form and function, innovation and emotion. Through this lens, Kia is developing vehicles that not only perform, but resonate on a human level.
From compact urban runabouts to purpose-driven PBVs and electrified adventure vans, Kia is proving that next-generation design must be adaptable, emotionally engaging, and sustainably forward.
A Global Stage for Design Excellence
First established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is among the most respected design competitions in the world. The ‘Design Concept’ category evaluates groundbreaking ideas that shape the future of design. Judged by an international panel of experts, awards are based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, emotional content, and overall quality.
Kia at Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2025
| Category | Product / Concept | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Cars and Motorcycles | Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept | Best of the Best |
| Cars and Motorcycles | Kia Concept PV1 | Winner |
| Cars and Motorcycles | Kia Concept EV2 | Winner |
| Cars and Motorcycles | Kia Concept PV5 | Winner |
| Cars and Motorcycles | Kia Concept PV7 | Winner |
With this latest recognition, Kia continues to push the boundaries of form and function — delivering a compelling vision for the future of sustainable, connected, and user-centred mobility.
