Kia EV2 revealed: a compact electric SUV built for everyday Europe
Kia has officially taken the wraps off the EV2, its smallest and most accessible electric SUV to date, and a clear signal that the brand is serious about bringing EVs to more European driveways.
Positioned in the ever-popular B-SUV segment, the EV2 is designed and built in Europe, for Europe. At just under four metres long, it’s compact enough for city streets, yet Kia claims it has the space, tech and range to work as a main household car. In short: small SUV, big ambitions.
A new entry point to Kia’s electric range
The EV2 becomes the entry model in Kia’s growing electric line-up, sitting below cars like the EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9. It arrives at a time when smaller electric SUVs are becoming one of the most important battlegrounds for manufacturers, particularly in the UK and across Europe.
According to Kia, the EV2 is aimed at drivers who want to go electric without moving up into larger, pricier vehicles. That makes it a potentially interesting option for urban drivers, families downsizing, or anyone making their first switch to electric.
Kia Europe CEO Soohang Chang described the EV2 as “a significant step in making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience”, pointing to its blend of compact dimensions, modern tech and European production.
Compact on the outside, properly usable inside
Despite its small footprint, Kia has focused heavily on interior flexibility. Built on a dedicated electric platform, the EV2 uses a long wheelbase to free up space where it matters.
Highlights include:
- Sliding and reclining rear seats
- Up to 403 litres of boot space with the seats moved forward
- A 15-litre front boot (frunk)
- Choice of four- or five-seat layouts
Rear legroom can stretch to a segment-leading 958mm, which should make it more family-friendly than its size suggests.
Inside, the cabin follows Kia’s clean, fabric-rich design approach, with a wraparound dashboard and a calm, uncluttered feel. The “Picnic Box” inspiration sounds like marketing speak, but in practice it translates into a light, practical interior focused on everyday usability.
Triple screens and connected tech
Even as an entry-level EV, the EV2 doesn’t skimp on technology. Higher-spec models feature Kia’s triple-screen setup, combining:
- A 12.3-inch digital driver display
- A 5.3-inch climate control screen
- A 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen
A new ccNC Lite infotainment system will also be available, keeping the same layout but at a lower cost. Both systems support over-the-air updates and Kia’s upgrade-on-demand features.
Connectivity extends to digital keys, app integration, remote functions and optional Harman/Kardon audio — features that would have been unthinkable in this segment not long ago.
Battery options and real-world charging
The EV2 will launch with two battery options:
- 42.2kWh standard range (up to 317km WLTP, pending)
- 61.0kWh long range (up to 448km WLTP, pending)
Fast charging times are competitive, with both versions capable of charging from 10–80% in around 30 minutes on a DC rapid charger.
Notably, the EV2 supports 11kW and 22kW AC charging from launch, a practical touch given how often drivers rely on slower public or workplace charging across the UK and Europe.
Kia has also included features like Plug & Charge, an integrated EV route planner, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power external devices. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability is also supported, subject to market availability.
Safety and driver assistance
The EV2 comes with a broad suite of driver assistance systems, including:
- Highway Driving Assist 2
- Front Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0
- Smart Cruise Control 2
- Blind-spot View Monitor
- Surround View Monitor
One standout feature is Remote Smart Parking Assist Entry, allowing the car to be moved in and out of tight spaces using the key, still a rarity in this class.
Built in Europe, with sustainability in mind
Production will take place at Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia, making the EV2 the brand’s second electric model built there. Standard-range versions enter production in February 2026, with long-range and GT-Line models following from June 2026.
Kia has also leaned into sustainability, using recycled PET materials, bio-based plastics and BTX-free paints across the car’s interior and exterior.
When will the Kia EV2 be available to lease?
Market launch timings and UK pricing haven’t been confirmed yet, but the EV2 is clearly aimed at becoming one of Kia’s most important electric models in Europe.
For drivers looking for a compact, practical electric SUV, without stepping up into larger or more expensive segments, the EV2 could soon be one to watch.
If the Kia EV2 is on your radar, leasing is one way many drivers choose to go electric. You can browse our current electric car leasing deals, or sign up to our newsletter for updates on new models as they launch.
