The Kia Kue was originally unveiled as a concept car during the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is similar in design to the Hyundai Santa Fe platform, and it may also share the same platform used by the Hyundai Santa Fe and Veracruz in that it, like the Hyundai Sante Fe, is an SUV. The concept vehicle seated five passengers. The Kia Kue was the first car to win a Design Award for a Korean company. This concept was awarded with "Eyes on Design Award" for Design Excellence at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.