The 2026 Kia Camper Van officially the PV5 WKNDR (Weekend) variant is what happens when a brand known for family sedans decides to crash the camper party with a fully electric twist. It’s still technically a concept as of January 2026, but with production prototypes already being tested in Korea, it’s fair to say this one’s not just a design exercise. The first batch of customer deliveries is expected by late 2026 across Korea, Europe, and possibly the U.S.—with India eyeing CBU (import) units before local assembly becomes viable.
And yes, the hype is real.
Design: Modular, Boxy, and Adventure-Ready
The PV5 sits on Kia’s new PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) electric architecture—a modular, skateboard-style base that can morph from delivery van to camper to mobile café if you want. The WKNDR trim focuses on outdoor living, sporting a boxy yet futuristic silhouette with adventure gear baked in.
A pop-up roof tent sleeps two or three comfortably, while the slide-out kitchen module houses a compact sink, stove, and fridge. Large rear doors swing wide open for easy access, and the side windows ensure proper airflow—essential when you’re camping under the stars in summer.
For power independence, Kia’s fitted roof-mounted solar panels (200–400W range), helping charge the auxiliary battery system while you’re parked off-grid. The ground clearance—around 200 mm—makes it capable of handling dirt roads and unpaved campsites, especially with the optional lift kit.
Dimensions are cleverly optimized: roughly 4.8 to 5.2 meters in length, compact enough for city parking but tall enough for full standing height when the roof is up.
Interior: Smart Space for Small Adventures
Step inside, and it’s clear Kia’s designers studied camper conversions seriously. The rear seats fold flat into a 180×130 cm bed, the roof tent adds a second sleeping zone, and a tiny kitchenette packs a 40-liter fridge, an induction cooktop, and a sink.
A 100–150Ah lithium battery setup powers lights, fans, and appliances, backed by an inverter for 220V output. Curtains, LED lighting, and a ventilation fan make it surprisingly homey. You’ll find smart storage tucked under seats and floor panels, while the roof rack can hold bikes or surfboards.
It’s not a full-size motorhome, and Kia doesn’t pretend it is. But for two to four people planning 3–7 day trips? Perfect.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Capacity | 2–4 people (bed + roof tent) |
| Kitchen | Slide-out with sink, stove, fridge |
| Power | 100–150Ah lithium battery + inverter |
| Solar Option | 200–400W roof panels |
| Interior Height | Standing room (with roof popped) |
| Storage | Under-bed drawers + roof rack |
Powertrain: Electric, Efficient, and Quiet
Kia’s targeting two battery options—60 kWh and 80 kWh—delivering roughly 400–550 km (WLTP) per charge. A single rear motor puts out around 150–200 horsepower, plenty for highway cruising or hill climbs with camping gear onboard.
Charging is quick: 10–80% in 30 minutes using a 200 kW DC charger, or a full charge overnight (6–8 hours) on 11 kW AC home charging. In real-world mixed conditions (city, highway, camping loads), expect about 350–450 km of range—solid for weekend trips.
On-Road Feel and Practicality
The PV5 WKNDR isn’t a rock-crawler, but with instant electric torque and a low center of gravity, it’s nimble and stable. Think “urban explorer” rather than “mountain conqueror.” The suspension is tuned for comfort, not hardcore terrain, but gravel roads, beachside spots, and forest trails should be no problem.
Driving it feels more like piloting a small EV van than a camper. Compact dimensions make it city-friendly, and regenerative braking helps extend range.
Comfort, Features & Add-Ons
Inside, it’s thoughtfully equipped. You get a roof-mounted battery-powered AC, multiple USB and 12V ports, and even optional water storage with a portable toilet. Privacy curtains and mosquito nets are standard, because Kia knows weekenders don’t want to fight bugs while charging their phones.
| Optional Features | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water Tank | Integrated 20–30L setup |
| Portable Toilet | Foldable, compact unit |
| Roof AC | Battery-powered, low noise |
| Solar Package | 200W or 400W panels |
| Adventure Kit | Roof rack + all-terrain tires |
Pricing & Availability (Speculative)
Pricing remains unofficial, but insiders suggest a $35,000–$50,000 USD range for the base camper conversion, depending on the battery pack and accessories.
For India, expect ₹40–60 lakh if imported as a CBU. Local assembly (if Kia commits) could shave that down significantly in a few years.
| Market | Estimated Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | $35,000–$45,000 | Late 2026 |
| Europe | $40,000–$50,000 | Late 2026 |
| USA | $40,000–$50,000 | 2027 launch expected |
| India (CBU) | ₹40–60 lakh | TBD / possible 2027 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact, easy to drive
- Clever modular interior
- Fully electric, zero emissions
- Solar and off-grid readiness
- Potentially affordable entry to EV camper market
Cons:
- Limited interior space
- Not ideal for long highway hauls
- Import pricing could be steep
- Still awaiting production confirmation
The 2026 Kia PV5 WKNDR could redefine how we think about compact travel vans. It’s modern, efficient, and refreshingly practical—a camper you could actually use daily, not just park for special trips.
If Kia gets the pricing right and expands availability beyond Korea and Europe, this could be a new cult favorite among city-dwellers dreaming of weekend getaways. India, in particular, could see niche enthusiasm from EV and adventure communities.
For now, it’s still a concept on the edge of reality—but one that looks remarkably close to ready.
FAQs
Production is expected to start in late 2026, with Korea and Europe getting the first units.
Not officially, but Kia has hinted at exploring CBU imports followed by local assembly if demand is strong.
With the larger battery and solar setup, you can camp off-grid for 2–4 days without plugging in.
Yes. It supports 200 kW DC fast charging—10–80% in roughly 30 minutes.
Two inside, plus up to two in the roof tent ideal for couples or small families.
