by Wallace Wyss –
Used to be, SUVs were ugly except maybe the Range Rover. But the newest Korean EV from Kia is really bringing some new design cues to the SUV making it interesting… for an EV.
Here’s my scoresheet:
FRONT A little too snub nosed but it’s got a nicely integrated grille (wait a minute – no radiator) and other cues that give it a muscle car look. There’s vestigial twin bumps on the fender tops like the Camaros of some years ago (also used in Jag sedans). There’s too many scoops up front for an electric or are they actually bringing in air?
SIDE They’ve got that split line that makes the roof look floating. More original is the upswept line from the rocker panel that bisects the rear wheel wells then erupts into a full across the back taillight whose top cover is a spoiler.
BACK The design drawing shows the upper half of the rear lights on, maybe they can do the lower half too? Not sure why there’s vertical lights in back. Maybe backup lights.
IN SUM A video from Kia shows it out at some track mixing it up with Porsches that cost twice as much so I think this is an exciting family car; looks good, goes fast and it’s electric. Tesla’s Model X has those gullwing doors but that’s only one attractive feature in a dull car. This Kia has more than one good view.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss is the author of 18 car histories and has lectured on design at the Art Center College. He is co-host of a car show on KUCR FM Riverside, CA.
Photos compliments of Kia.
For all the world that is a pretty nice looking vehicle, not the same old same old, it actually has some style to it…
I think these will be an interesting offering. I believe this is the same car as the Hiundai IoniQ but much more desirable styling. at a reasonable price. Look out Tesla. Frankly the only Tesla I like is the S model which has been around for a while now and I feel has stood the test of time while the others look boring. Couldn’t ever justify the price for the S model but would be interested in the new Kia EV.
Since Hyundai owns Kia, shared design work makes complete sense
I got to drive a GT line EV6 AWD at the Kia dealer meeting in Las Vegas. They had a mini autocross course set up on the rooftop of the hotel parking garage. It was a complete rocketship. I literally compare it to the acceleration surge of a modern day McLaren. The design is even more impressive when you see it in person. I am not a huge EV… at least not until now, but it is an impressive car.
I find Don’s comments most interesting as we have similar taste. Just wish they had more exciting model names.
The rear is very unbalanced and the tail lights are strange . The Mazda CX-5 or the Jaguar is a much better design IMO
Personally liking the rear it is distinctive and doesn’t look like all the other sport Utes out there, I think in general this one is a stand out and I am not a Sport Ute fan in general…