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Kia EV2: will this be Kia’s next hit?

January 9, 2026

Design Kia EV2

The approximately four-meter-long Kia EV2 looks like a real Kia. That much is clear. We detect vertical daytime running lights, the distinctive Star Map Light Signature, a striking shoulder line and pronounced wheel arches. As standard, the model has push-button handles. Door handles that come out automatically are optional and have the same design as regular door handles.  

Competitors Kia EV2

The Kia EV2’s main competitors are the Volkswagen ID. Polo, Skoda Epiq, Cupra Raval, Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, Mini Aceman and Jeep Avenger. These models Kia itself mentions, but you can also think of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki e-Vitara, Citroen e-C3, Fiat Grande Panda Electric, Peugeot e-2008, Volvo EX30, BYD Atto 2, Ford Puma Gen-E, Opel Frontera Electric, Smart #1 and Zeekr X. Did we mention that the range in the B-SUV EV segment is huge?

For Europe

Francesco Conti, Manager of Product Marketing Kia Motor Europe, says in an interview with AutoRAI.co.uk the following: “The B-segment will be one of the fastest growing segments in the market. In addition, it is also the second most important segment in Europe. With the EV2, we want to respond to market demand. We designed the car with the European market in mind. It will also be produced in Europe. For now, the EV2 is the smallest electric car we are going to offer in our lineup.”

Kia EV2 Frost Blue BaseLine
Kia EV2 Frost Blue BaseLine

Frost Blue

Furthermore, Kia provides several body colors, including the new Frost Blue. Other shades include white, gray and black. The Kia EV2 is also available as a GT-Line. In this case, the car gets body color trim and high-gloss accents on the bumpers and lower grille. The whole thing then looks just a bit sportier. The GT-Line also has a three-spoke steering wheel, versus the BaseLine’s two-spoke steering wheel.

Wheels: 16-, 18- or 19-inch

You can get the EV2 with wheels in 16-, 18- and even 19-inch sizes. This depends on the version. As standard, the EV2 is on 16-inch tires in size 205/65 R16. The 18-inch wheels have tires in size 215/50 R18 and the GT-Line version is on wheels in size 225/45 R19 with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires.

Dimensions

The Kia EV2 is on the E-GMP platform. The car is 4,060 millimeters long, 1,800 millimeters wide and 1,575 millimeters high. The wheelbase is 2,565 millimeters. On the menu are two battery versions: the Kia EV2 Standard Range and the Kia EV2 Long Range. Both versions have a 400V architecture and are capable of bi-directional charging via V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and have V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) preparation. This allows users to power external devices or feed energy back to the grid in the future.

Rear end Kia EV2 Frost Blue BaseLine
Rear end Kia EV2 Frost Blue BaseLine

Kia EV2 Standard Range

The Kia EV2 Standard Range features a 108 kW (147 hp) electric motor combined with a 42.2 kWh battery pack. The official WLTP range comes out to 317 kilometers (preliminary figures). The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.7 seconds and the top speed is 161 km/h. Fast charging (DC) from 10 to 80 percent takes 29 minutes. Via AC 3-phase, battery charging takes 4 hours and 5 minutes with an 11 kW charger and 2 hours and 35 minutes with a 22 kW charger (optional).

Kia EV2 Long Range

The Kia EV2 Long Range features a 61.0 kWh battery pack and a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor. The WLTP range comes out to 448 kilometers (preliminary figures). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.5 seconds and, again, the top speed is 161 km/h. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent via DC takes 30 minutes. Charging via AC takes 5 hours and 35 minutes with an 11 kW charger and 3 hours with a 22 kW charger (optional). Note that the WLTP figures quoted for the Standard Range and Long Range are not yet final. The Standard Range and Long Range both have a braked towing weight of 750 kilograms. The vehicle weight is not yet known.

With four or five seats

There is a choice of a five-seat configuration or a four-seat layout with independently sliding rear seats. Luggage space is 362 liters in five-seat configuration and 403 liters in the four-seat arrangement when the rear seats are pushed forward as much as possible (321 liters in normal arrangement). Rear legroom ranges from 885 millimeters to 958 millimeters. A power tailgate is not available. The EV2 also has a 15-liter frunk, just big enough for the charging cable. With the standard rear seat position, headroom is 973 millimeters for both the four- and five-seat configurations. For the four-seat version, headroom is 968 mm when the seats are in the maximum rear sliding position and 955 mm in the maximum rear sliding and reclining position.

Interior Kia EV2 BaseLine
Interior Kia EV2 BaseLine

Interior Kia EV2

The interior of the Kia EV2 features remarkably soft materials. The EV2 is further equipped with the latest ccNC infotainment system (ccNC Lite), consisting of three screens totaling nearly 30-inch screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 5.3-inch touchscreen for climate control and a 12.3-inch central display. The center 5.3-inch touchscreen disappears behind the steering wheel, which is a point of interest. An integrated navigation system is not in ccNC Lite because everyone uses Apple CarPlay or Android Auto anyway, Kia claims. And this also reduces the cost. The optional ccNC does have built-in navigation. The infotainment system can be personalized, for example with a theme from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic.

Lots of technology

Ambient lighting has also been thought of. The EV2’s navigation system has a built-in EV Route Planner, quite convenient. Furthermore, the car has Digital Key 2.0 with NFC, Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology, OTA updates and upgrades through the Kia Connect Store. An eight-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is optionally available. There is also a sustainable edge to the EV2. Kia’s uses include bio- and BTX-free exterior paint, bio-based plastics, bio-PU seat upholstery and carpets and felt made from recycled PET derived from used fishing nets.

Driving assistance systems

The Kia EV2 has several driving assistance systems. We list them below.

Greetings from Slovakia

Kia will produce the EV2 at its plant in Žilina, Slovakia, alongside the EV4. Kia will begin production of the EV2 in February 2026, starting with the 42.2kWh versions. The variants with the 61kWh battery, including the GT-line, will roll off the assembly line from June 2026. Kia Netherlands expects the first examples to be in showrooms from the end of March. Prices will follow ahead of the market launch.

Technical specifications Kia EV2

42.2 kWh (LFP)

61 kWh (NMC)