Kia EV2 Review 2026: Prices, specs and verdict

What is the Kia EV2?

Kia has been selling electric cars in the UK for well over a decade, and now has an established line-up of dedicated EVs – handily, with ‘EV’ in the name – covering most of the market.

The impressive EV6 arrived first, but in the last few years we’ve seen the vast EV9 seven-seater along with the smaller, more accessible EV5, EV4 and EV3. Now, it’s the turn of the hotly anticipated EV2 – and it shouldn’t be hard to guess where that car sits.

That’s right, it’s the smallest electric Kia that’s ever been sold in Europe, sitting under the EV3 SUV and sharing much under the skin with that car, just in a smaller and funkier body.

The Kia EV2 is a compact hatchback-cum-SUV that competes with cars like the Fiat Grande Panda and Renault 5 E-Tech. We’ve tested one of the first examples to arrive in the UK, on a variety of roads, to see if it’s been worth the wait.

Verdict: is the Kia EV2 a good car?

Put simply, the EV2 sets new standards as an all-round small electric car The Long Range model is our pick because it goes further on a charge than any rival, but any EV2 offers a spacious and classy interior, intuitive technology, an easy driving experience and class-leading comfort and refinement levels.

It’s difficult to really criticise Kia’s smallest EV in our initial testing. Rivals like the Renault 5 and Fiat Grande Panda do offer more character and charm, but they’re compromised in other areas. If you want an affordable small electric car that can do it all, the EV2 is now the car to beat.

Pricing, specs and rivals

Prices for the Kia EV2 start at £24,245 for the Air Long Range model. That includes a £3,750 saving that Kia is applying until its eligibility for the Electric Car Grant is confirmed – where it’s expected to get the full £3,750 discount anyway.

That price is a little higher than both the Renault 5 E-Tech and Renault 4 E-Tech once the grant is applied, but the EV2 does offer a longer range. It’s also considerably cheaper than the Ford Puma Gen-E, MINI Aceman and Jeep Avenger Electric.

Air trim comes with kit such as 16in alloys, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with seven years of Kia Connect Services. In other words, it’s well equipped enough to be our choice.

GT-Line trim is quite a big step up in price, at £28,995 including the grant. It does bring extensive upgrades, though, including 19in alloys, sportier styling inside and out, adaptive beam headlights, privacy glass, two-tone faux leather, electric driver’s seat adjustment, a frunk (front boot) and wireless phone charging.

Topping the range is GT-Line S trim at £32,595. It further adds a tilt/slide sunroof, ventilated front seats, electric front passenger seat adjustment and a memory function for the driver’s side, an electric tailgate, customisable ambient lighting, Vehicle-to-Load tech, a Harman Kardon sound system, remote smart parking, a 360-degree camera system and a digital key.

For a limited time, Kia is also offering a First Edition version of the EV2 (pictured above). It’s priced at £26,995 and comes with 18in alloys, adaptive LED headlights, cloth upholstery, an electric driver’s seat, a frunk and some of the other kit available in higher trims. However, it’s the only version available in Standard Range form with a smaller battery.

Rivals

The Kia EV2 goes head-to-head with cars like the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen e-C3, MG 4 Urban EV, MINI Aceman, Ford Puma Gen-E and Jeep Avenger Electric. It also straddles both the Renault 5/Nissan Micra and Renault 4 E-Tech in terms of size and practicality.

Other options at the top end of the EV2’s range include the Volvo EX30, Smart #1, Fiat 600e, BYD Dolphin and MG 4 EV.

Interior comfort, quality & technology

Step inside the EV2 and it’s clear to see how much has been borrowed from the larger, more expensive EV3. And that’s no bad thing at all in our book.

Both cars have the same dual-touchscreen dash layout, physical controls and centre console design, making the EV2 a smart and grown-up feeling car inside. It’s quite different from small car rivals like the Fiat Grande Panda, which disguise their relative cheapness with bright colours and quirky details.

Even if it isn’t as funky inside as the Panda, or Renault’s small EVs, cabin quality exceeds those cars. Key touchpoints such as the dash and doors are covered in classy recycled fabric, and while there are plenty of hard-wearing plastics everything feels solid and the switchgear feels expensive.

The EV2 has a noticeably higher seating position than cars like the Renault 5. That combines with the car’s boxy shape, bringing upright pillars and tall windows, to give a great all-round view out. The driver’s seat is also very comfortable and widely adjustable, so drivers of all shapes and sizes will fit nicely.

Infotainment, sat-nav, stereo and connectivity

Every EV2 comes with a pair of 12.3in screens sitting within a single bezel in the driver’s eyeline. Squeezed between those is a 5.3in touchscreen for climate control functions.

If that sounds a bit touchscreen heavy, fear not: Kia has retained simple physical switchgear to control the temperature, fan speed, heated seats and volume. There are also shortcut buttons below the screen itself, while it’s easy to turn off things like the speed warning and lane keeping aids via steering wheel buttons.

The central touchscreen doesn’t quite manage to look as slick as Renault’s infotainment system, but it’s still good by small EV standards. It’s responsive and the menu layout is easy to understand, while it has all the latest features including gaming and media streaming services.

Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also feature and are well integrated. Meanwhile the digital dial display is clear, customisable and gives you plenty of information. Even the climate control display is easy to operate, and less hidden from view by the steering wheel rim than in larger Kias.

You’ll find no fewer than three USB-C ports at the bottom of the dash in the front of the EV2, with a 12-volt socket below. There are also two rear USB-C ports, so children won’t be fighting over device chargers on long journeys.

Air and GT-Line models get a six-speaker audio system, while First Edition and GT-Line S models benefit from an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon upgrade.

How practical is the Kia EV2?

The Kia EV2’s dimensions of 4,060mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,575mm in height make it a bit larger than the Renault 5, but fractionally smaller in every dimension bar height than the Renault 4.

Importantly, it’s noticeably roomier than both Renaults, and cars like the Jeep Avenger Electric.

It feels a lot roomier up front than those cars, too, with an airy feel thanks to the high roofline, big windows and open centre console area. We don’t think anyone under 6ft 5 would find any issue with the front of the EV2.

Rear seat space is on a par with the Fiat Grande Panda and way more than in the Renault 5. It’s even a bit roomier than the Renault 4 SUV back there.

Six-footers sitting behind a driver of equal size will find enough legroom to avoid touching the seat in front, and enough headroom not to brush their heads. There’s also plenty of foot space, along with a flat floor that means taking a third adult in the middle seat for short journeys isn’t too tricky.

One complaint? Like the smaller Hyundai Inster, the Kia EV2 can be had with sliding and reclining rear seats to make it even more practical. It doesn’t appear that this will be offered in the UK, however.

Storage and boot space

Storage in the front of the EV2 is very good thanks to the split-level centre console. On the top level you get an under-armrest cubby and a tray that’ll swallow up even the thickest of wallets, while on the bottom there’s a couple of cupholders, a large open space and a phone tray that wirelessly charges devices on top trims.

On top of that the glovebox is a decent size and there are coin holders below the door handles. Our only minor criticism is for the door pockets, which are a little thin and shallow but can still take medium-sized water bottles.

Things aren’t as good in the back. The door bins are an okay size but there’s only on map pocket on the passenger’s seat side, and there’s no centre armrest or cupholders. But that’s typical in this class of car.

The boot, meanwhile, is very practical for a small car. At 363 litres in capacity, it’s considerably bigger than a MINI Aceman and Renault 5 and about the same size as the Fiat Grande Panda.

The boot itself doesn’t look that big when you first look at it, but that’s because a good chunk of the available space sits under the adjustable boot floor. You can fold that in half or remove it entirely if needed, but with it in place you get a completely flat load bay even with the rear seats folded in their 60/40 split.

That roomy, easily accessible boot is complimented by a frunk, but only on some versions as, oddly, the cheapest Air trim doesn’t come with one. You’re not missing much, though, as its measly 15-litre storage space is barely enough to fit the charging cable in.

Performance & drive: What is the Kia EV2 like on the road?

The EV2 is actually fastest with the smaller Standard Range battery fitted, although every version delivers good performance by small EV standards.

In an unusual move, the EV2 Standard Range has slightly more power (147hp) than the bigger battery Long Range version (135hp). Usually it’s the other way round, with the heavier battery pack compensated by extra power, but Kia wanted to maximise the distance the Long Range car can go on a charge so pegged it back.

That means the Standard Range car is nearly a second quicker from 0-62mph than the Long Range, but the latter will still complete the sprint in well under ten seconds.

So far we’ve only been able to drive the Standard Range EV2 in the UK, and its acceleration is just about brisk enough to keep pace with the Renault 4. In other words, you don’t feel a huge Tesla-like shove in the back, but the little Kia gets up to speed effortlessly enough on faster roads or motorway slip roads.

One area that really impresses is the EV2’s braking system. Not only does the brake pedal itself respond smoothly and naturally, but there are so many options for regenerative braking that you may never need use it.

There’s three standard regen modes, from full coasting to strong braking effect. But you can also select ‘i-Pedal’ one-pedal driving on each of those three modes, so even on gentle regen the car will bring itself to a dead stop without brake pedal input.

Power, 0-62mph times

Kia EV2 Standard Range: 147hp/ 8.7 secs

Kia EV2 Long Range: 135hp/ 9.5 secs

Ride and handling

Kia has favoured a relatively soft suspension setup for the EV2, which we think is entirely fitting for a town-focused EV given the state of many UK road surfaces.

This means that it’s very good at absorbing speed bumps, sharp ridges and potholes for a small electric car, keeping occupants comfortable. It’s better than rivals from Renault in that respect, although it does mean it bobs around a little on challenging surfaces. And that’s on the 18in wheel option – the EV2 is likely to be even comfier on smaller wheels.

You also get more body lean than in a Renault 5 or Nissan Micra as a result, but it’s far from excessive. There’s some enjoyment to be had with the EV2 on a twisty bit of road, with plenty of grip and precise steering, although it’s light and lacking in feel.

Ultimately, the EV2 is more at home in regular everyday driving than being pushed. And we think that matters more to most people than having sharper handling than alternatives.

Noise and refinement

Kia has done a very good job of making the EV2 feel like a larger, more expensive car on the road – and refinement is key to that. Wind noise is well isolated, and road noise is less intrusive than in a Renault 5, although we suspect it’s even better with smaller wheel sizes.

GT-Line and GT-Line S models have 19in wheels that boast extra sound deadening within the tyre itself, but we’ve yet to try these. Neither electric motor whine nor suspension noise are noticeable on the version we have driven, however.

Euro NCAP: is the Kia EV2 a safe car?

Euro NCAP has yet to crash test the Kia EV2 to determine its safety rating. We know the bigger EV3 managed four stars in the same tests, but it’s difficult to draw conclusions from that.

We can speculate that the EV2 is unlikely to be marked down for its standard safety aids. As well as six airbags on all models, every trim level offers an extensive suite of assist tech including forward collision avoidance that takes into account junctions, lane keep assistance, speed limit assist and driver monitoring.

On top of that, even entry-level cars come with a safe exit alert system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, parking collision avoidance and lane follow assist. All-round parking sensors and a reversing camera also feature across the range.

That’s impressive, but GT-Line trim and above further adds Kia’s brilliant blind-spot view monitor that gives you a live camera feed of your over-the-shoulder blind spots when indicating. That’s not to mention the 360-degree camera system on First Edition or GT-Line S models.

Charging, range and running costs

The Kia EV2 is available with two battery sizes, with the smaller ‘Standard Range’ lithium-ion ‘LFP’ pack having a usable capacity of 41kWh. That’s enough, according to official WLTP testing, for a range of up to 197 miles.

A Ford Puma Gen-E manages a class-leading 259 miles with only a slightly bigger battery, but the Kia’s range is on a par with the entry-level Renault 5 E-Tech, the MINI Aceman E and the Citroen e-C3.

The EV2 Standard Range will be fine for those after an urban runabout or affordable second car, but those looking to use their EV2 further afield should wait until the Long Range model arrives.

That has a healthier 58kWh usable battery pack (using an NMC chemistry instead of the Standard Range’s LFP) boasting a range of up to 281 miles – more than the long-range BYD Dolphin or any version of the Renault 4, MINI Aceman and Jeep Avenger. It’s even more than any version of the bigger and more expensive Smart #1.

The Long Range option sets new standards, giving the Kia EV2 flexibility and long-range chops beyond any new electric car at its price point. Just bear in mind that, when full UK range details are confirmed, the range figure might reduce a bit with bigger wheel options or higher specs.

Like larger electric Kias, a heat pump is available to help mitigate the effects of heating the cabin in winter on range, but it’s an optional extra only on the top-spec trim.

Range on a charge (WLTP figures)

• Kia EV2 Standard Range: Up to 197 miles
• Kia EV2 Long Range: Up to 281 miles

The EV2 might not be able to top up its battery as rapidly as its bigger siblings, the Kia EV6 and EV9, but it still hits the standard expected in the small car class.

With a peak charging speed of 118kW, the Standard Range model should take just under half an hour to complete a 10-80% charge using a suitable DC rapid charger. That’s a tiny bit faster than a Renault 4/5 and Fiat Grande Panda.

Interestingly, the Long Range EV2 doesn’t have a higher peak speed, but according to EV database it does maintain a higher average charge rate than the Standard Range car. That allows it to achieve the same 30-minute figure despite the bigger battery.

Battery preconditioning is possible, too, giving you a greater chance of hitting the peak speed by warming up the battery in advance of charging. All versions of the EV2 also support 11kW AC charging, which is great for three-phase power supplies or destination chargers.

There’s also Vehicle to Load tech that can power appliances or camping equipment at up to 3.6kW via the car’s battery and an external socket, but it’s only available on GT-Line S trim.

Charging speeds

(Figures from Kia/EV Database)

• 7kW charging: 6hr 45 mins (Standard Range) / 9hr 15 mins (Long Range)
• 11kW charging: 4hr 30 mins / 6hr 15 mins
• 50kW rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 52 mins / 64 mins
• 300kW+ rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 29 mins / 30 mins

How much does the Kia EV2 cost to insure?

The only insurance group released for the Kia EV2 at the time of writing is for the First Edition model, powered by the smaller battery option. That sits in group 21, which is five groups lower than the Renault 4 E-Tech but a little higher than the Ford Puma Gen-E.

We’ll publish insurance group details of the rest of the range when they are available to test.