Kia’s Creative Spark Shines Bright with Red Dot Design Wins
Kia has once again captured the spotlight in the world of industrial design, clinching a total of five accolades at the 2025 Red Dot Award: Design Concept.
At the top of the podium stands the PV5 WKNDR Concept, a versatile electric van that earned the revered ‘Best of the Best’ title. The win reaffirms Kia’s growing dominance in the realm of innovation, particularly in the burgeoning field of electric mobility.
At the heart of this triumph lies a clear message: Kia’s design ethos is not only bold and imaginative but also rooted in sustainability and real-world functionality. These awards aren’t just trophies for the cabinet—they’re proof that Kia is steering the future of mobility with purpose.
An Adventure Van Designed for Modern Explorers
Leading the charge is the PV5 WKNDR, an electrified adventure van built on Kia’s innovative Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture. Originally unveiled at the 2024 SEMA Showcase, this model is far from your average camper. It morphs effortlessly from navigating tight city streets to tackling off-grid trails.
Its signature modularity is more than skin deep. With off-road tweaks and a customisable external storage system—which moonlights as a mobile kitchen—this van screams adventure. Inside, a flexible interior layout with rails for gear storage allows users to tailor the space to their exact needs. Whether you’re a weekend camper or a full-time nomad, the PV5 WKNDR’s design adapts accordingly.
What really seals the deal is its self-sustaining power supply. Thanks to integrated solar panels and a miniature hydro turbine, it can generate energy on the go. That means fewer emissions, less reliance on grid charging, and more freedom to explore.
Other Concept Winners Redefining Urban and Commercial Mobility
Beyond the WKNDR, four additional Kia concepts were recognised for pushing the envelope in design and utility. Each one exemplifies a different facet of Kia’s user-centred, forward-thinking approach.
- Concept PV1: This ultra-compact PBV is geared toward last-mile logistics. Think autonomous delivery bots on steroids. Its narrow profile and high manoeuvrability make it perfect for bustling city centres, while the flexible interior accommodates a range of delivery needs. The design hints at a future where urban congestion meets smart, autonomous logistics.
- Concept PV5: Not to be confused with the WKNDR variant, the standard PV5 is already rolling out to commercial users. It offers scalable solutions for cargo and passenger transport. From configurable seating arrangements to a ‘Driver’s Desk’ workstation, it’s tailored to suit a wide range of operational demands.
- Concept PV7: Sitting at the top end of Kia’s PBV family, the PV7 delivers expansive cargo space and a mobile-office-ready interior. With a flat floor, intelligent storage solutions, and ample room for tech integrations, it’s a strong candidate for SMEs and fleet operators in need of agile, sustainable transport.
- Concept EV2: For those looking for something a bit more rugged, the EV2 delivers a B-segment electric SUV designed for flexible lifestyles. Its pillarless frame opens up the cabin space, while its compact, muscular design suggests utility without sacrificing style.
The Design Philosophy
At the core of these achievements lies Kia’s unique ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. This isn’t just a catchy tagline—it’s the guiding principle behind every curve, joint, and material decision. By blending contradictions like technology and nature or rationality and emotion, Kia’s designers aim to produce vehicles that resonate on a deeper, human level.
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, put it best: “Winning five Red Dot Design Concept awards, including the Best of the Best, is a proud moment for everyone at Kia. 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.”
It’s this blend of ambition and authenticity that keeps Kia on the front foot in a competitive and fast-changing industry.
Where Design Excellence Meets Global Recognition
The Red Dot Design Award, established in 1955, is among the most prestigious competitions in the field of design. With an international panel of experts judging entries across a wide range of industries, the awards focus on innovation, practicality, and aesthetic quality. To win here is no small feat; to win five times in one sweep is a definitive statement.
The 2025 edition of the competition saw entries from across the globe, and Kia stood tall in the Cars and Motorcycles category. The accolades were as follows:
- Best of the Best: Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept
- Winner: Kia Concept PV1
- Winner: Kia Concept EV2
- Winner: Kia Concept PV7
- Winner: Kia Concept PV5
Each award speaks to a specific need within the transport ecosystem, from personal adventure and lifestyle solutions to scalable logistics platforms. Together, they paint a picture of a carmaker with a clear vision and the design muscle to back it up.
Driving Forward with Purpose
While awards are certainly a feather in Kia’s cap, the real takeaway is the direction in which the company is headed. With concepts like the PV5 WKNDR and EV2, they’re not just ticking boxes on sustainability or style. They’re creating adaptable, future-proof solutions that speak directly to how people live, work, and move today—and tomorrow.
For policymakers, investors, and professionals in the mobility space, Kia’s showing at the 2025 Red Dot Awards serves as a case study in balancing innovation with impact. The road ahead looks not just exciting, but also intelligently designed.
