Hyundai Filed Patent for Off-Road Kia EV9 SUV

The automaker submitted design images to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a rugged electric SUV variant.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a rugged electric SUV chassis with a heavy-duty roof rack, representing new automotive patent developments. — Hyundai has filed U.S. patent applications for a ruggedized version of the Kia EV9, signaling plans to expand the electric SUV into the off-road market. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you consider purchasing an electric SUV designed specifically for off-road travel?

Hyundai Motor Company has moved toward expanding its electric vehicle lineup by filing patent images for a new off-road version of the Kia EV9. The design documents reveal an SUV platform tailored for rugged terrain, following the debut of the Kia EV9 ADVNTR concept at the 2024 SEMA show.

Why it matters

Automakers are increasingly targeting the off-road market with specialized models to capture higher profit margins on flagship electric platforms. This patent filing suggests a formal path to production for a vehicle designed to handle more demanding environments than the standard EV9.

The standard long-range Kia EV9 is currently powered by a 99.8 kWh battery, delivering 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque with an EPA-estimated range of 304 miles.

The players

Hyundai Motor Company

This South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer owns a majority stake in Kia Corporation and manages the global production and engineering strategy for the Kia brand.

Kia Corporation

This major South Korean automobile manufacturer focuses on mass-market and premium electric vehicle development, including the flagship EV9 platform.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

This federal agency is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks, serving as the official record-keeper for intellectual property filings in the United States.

The details

The patent filing includes six images detailing design adjustments to the vehicle, likely incorporating features seen on the ADVNTR concept such as reinforced rocker panels and a custom roof rack. These design specifications indicate a focus on off-road utility rather than the traditional road-focused performance of the current EV9.

The Kia EV9 ADVNTR concept made its debut at the 2024 SEMA show.
Patent images for the new off-road SUV were revealed in September 2026.

Roadmap

This move reflects the industry-wide trend of electrifying traditionally rugged segments to meet shifting consumer demand for adventure-ready utility vehicles. By introducing off-road variants, automakers are positioning their electric platforms to compete with legacy combustion-engine SUVs that have long dominated this high-margin category.

Potential buyers can anticipate a starting price of $75,000 or more if the model reaches production, marking a premium over the existing lineup. Drivers should also monitor future announcements regarding equipment changes, as off-road variants typically require adjustments to suspension and tire specifications that may impact daily range.

The takeaway

This filing confirms that manufacturers are actively refining their high-performance electric platforms for specialized market segments. Consumers interested in electric off-roading should track official brand announcements for details on when these configurations might become available for purchase.