Hyundai Filed Patents for Rugged Kia EV9 SUV
Owners of the current Kia EV9 may soon see a specialized off-road variant hitting the market.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Hyundai Motor Company has filed patent images with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office detailing a new off-road version of the Kia EV9. This development suggests a production path for the rugged ADVNTR concept that first appeared at the 2024 SEMA show.
Why it matters
Automakers are increasingly targeting the off-road segment to achieve higher profit margins on specialized electric vehicle models. For prospective buyers, this shift signals a move toward more durable, adventure-ready configurations of existing popular electric platforms.
The patent filing depicts an off-road SUV model projected to start at $75,000, surpassing the $71,900 starting price of the current Kia EV9 GT-Line. The existing long-range platform provides 379 horsepower, 516 lb-ft of torque, a 99.8 kWh battery, and an EPA-estimated range of 304 miles.
The players
Hyundai Motor Company
A global automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of electric and gas-powered vehicles and currently holds the parent interest in the Kia brand.
Kia
An automotive brand known for its expanding lineup of electric SUVs and its consistent efforts to integrate advanced battery technology into family-sized vehicles.
The details
The patent images reveal structural modifications designed to transform the standard EV9 into a trail-ready vehicle. Based on the previous ADVNTR concept, these features likely include reinforced rocker panels for underbody protection and a custom roof rack system. The vehicle is expected to utilize the existing high-performance electric powertrain while upgrading tires to specialized all-terrain rubber to handle uneven terrain.
Timeline
The Kia EV9 ADVNTR concept was introduced at the 2024 SEMA show.
Patent images for the new off-road model were revealed in September 2026.
The Home Front
The move toward specialized off-road variants signals that manufacturers are prioritizing high-margin, niche electric SUVs to bolster bottom lines. This trend reflects a broader evolution in the EV market as automakers shift focus from volume-based sales to premium, adventure-ready lifestyle vehicles.
If you are currently researching a family electric SUV, factor in that the current EV9 offers a 304-mile range and 379 horsepower while you wait for potential off-road pricing updates. Before purchasing any electric vehicle, consult a licensed electrician to verify if your home's electrical panel is prepared for a Level 2 charging installation.
The takeaway
The patent filing suggests that a more rugged, adventure-focused Kia EV9 is currently in development for the U.S. market. Potential buyers should keep an eye on future official announcements from Kia to confirm when these specialized features will be available for purchase.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in the Electric Vehicles market and how they compare to traditional SUVs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrek.
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