Kia’s EV2 blends bold design with everyday practicality. Could this be the perfect city SUV? James Stinson reports.
Kia’s on a mission to make electric cars mainstream, and its latest creation – the EV2 – might just be the car to do it. Fresh from its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, this pint-sized crossover is Kia’s smallest EV yet, but don’t let its size fool you. It’s packed with big ideas, clever tech, and a price tag that could tempt even the most EV-skeptical drivers.
The EV2 slots into Kia’s growing electric family as the smallest sibling. At just over four meters long, it’s roughly the size of a Ford Puma, yet it packs the confident stance of a proper SUV. Think upright proportions, chunky wheel arches, and Kia’s signature ‘tiger face’ front end, all wrapped up in a boxy silhouette designed to maximize interior space. It’s a car that looks ready for city streets but wouldn’t feel out of place on a weekend escape.
And speaking of weekends, Kia’s design team clearly had lifestyle in mind. The EV2’s GT-Line trim – coming later in 2026 – adds sporty touches like high-gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, perfect for those who want their eco-friendly ride to turn heads at the local coffee shop.
In a segment where numbers matter, Kia is promising up to 278 miles on a single charge with the long-range 61kWh battery. That’s class-leading and comfortably ahead of rivals like the Renault 4. For those who stick closer to home, the standard-range model offers 196 miles from a 42.2kWh pack – still more than enough for the daily grind.
Charging is refreshingly straightforward. Both versions use a 400V system, and Kia says you can go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes on a rapid charger. Plus, the EV2 is the first Kia to offer 11kW and 22kW AC charging, making home charging quicker and more flexible.
Step inside, and the EV2 feels anything but entry-level. Kia calls the interior concept a “Picnic Box,” and it’s easy to see why. There’s a sense of openness, with fabric-rich materials and a wraparound dashboard that feels inviting rather than clinical. Higher trims get Kia’s triple-screen setup – two 12.3-inch displays and a 5.3-inch climate screen – while the new ‘Lite’ infotainment system keeps costs down without skimping on essentials like over-the-air updates.
Practicality is another strong suit. Rear seats slide and recline, giving you flexibility whether you’re hauling luggage or stretching out on a long drive. Boot space tops out at 403 litres with the seats forward, and there’s even a 15-litre frunk for your charging cables.
Despite its accessible price point – expected to start around £26,000 – the EV2 doesn’t cut corners on tech. Advanced driver assistance systems like Highway Driving Assist 2 and Smart Cruise Control 2 are on the menu, along with clever features like Remote Smart Parking Assist. Yes, you can park the car from outside using the key – perfect for those tight city spaces.
Connectivity is equally impressive. Digital Key, Kia’s app integration, and Plug & Charge functionality make life easier, while bidirectional charging (Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid) adds versatility for powering devices or even feeding energy back to the grid.
Kia has also leaned into sustainability, using bio-based plastics, recycled PET fabrics, and BTX-free paints throughout the EV2. It’s a thoughtful touch that aligns with the car’s mission: making electric mobility not just attainable, but responsible.
The Kia EV2 feels like a game-changer. It’s stylish, practical, and packed with features you’d expect from cars costing far more. And with prices starting around £26,000, it’s clear Kia wants to make electric driving something everyone can enjoy. Production kicks off in Slovakia this spring, and UK deliveries aren’t far behind. If you’ve been waiting for an affordable EV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this might just be it.