Kia EV2: first hands-on with the most complete urban electric SUV

Some cars arrive on the market with real potential to make a difference, and the new KIA EV2 is one of them. We got behind its wheel in a first hands-on test, but before talking about impressions, it’s worth understanding the EV2’s strategic position within the Kia range.

The Korean brand has spent years building a coherent electric ecosystem: the EV6, the EV9, the EV3, the EV4… and now the EV2, which completes the range at the bottom to democratise access to electric mobility without giving up what Kia has achieved in its higher-end models. Because, indeed, the EV2 is the smallest Kia model with electric propulsion, but its purpose is not to be a compromise alternative. The brand defines it as “all the best of Kia in its most compact EV”, and after the first kilometres behind the wheel on Portuguese roads and driving through the streets of Lisbon, I can confirm that the statement is not just marketing.

Moreover, the EV2 is manufactured in Europe, an increasingly relevant argument in the context of tariffs. And it is aimed directly at users who want to enjoy the advantages of an electric vehicle as a daily car, not just — though that is also perfectly valid — as a second car for shopping trips.

Exterior design: unmistakable SUV character

The EV2’s exterior design leaves me with mixed feelings. The Kia design language is strong, recognisable and consistent across the entire range. Too much, I would say. Taken as a whole, the Kia EV range reminds me a little of Russian matryoshka dolls, those dolls that are all the same except for their size and fit inside one another. In this sense, an EV9, an EV5, an EV3 and now an EV2 are like matryoshkas: basically the same visual proposal, but at different scales. I don’t say this is a bad thing, but I think it takes away some individual character from each of the models.

That said, and since we’re talking about design, if I had to choose among all of them, I would pick the EV3, which I find the most well-proportioned. The EV2 convinces me in its three-quarter front and side views, with a robust SUV silhouette, vertical front light clusters and the Star Map light signature, which is already the brand’s signature. But I think that on this occasion the rear is not quite as well resolved. There is a lot of bodywork on show, and the rear lamps placed very far into the corners, with no element visually connecting them, create a somewhat heavy image. A connecting light bar or a graphic detail between them would have greatly lightened that rear section. The EV3’s rear, for example, strikes me as far more attractive.

The other detail that stands out is the car’s height in relation to its length. The EV2 is compact, but also quite tall, which gives it a certain “box” look from certain angles. This is not a flaw in itself; in fact, the height is justified by the interior space, as we will see later. But the visual effect is, to say the least, striking.

As always at Kia, the GT-Line version, which arrives a little after the launch range, raises the bar with 19-inch wheels (the base versions fit 16 to 18-inch wheels), gloss black details and that extra dose of sportiness this trim always brings. The base trims fit 16- and 18-inch wheels depending on the version. The available colour palette includes interesting options, and the two-tone roof combination on some versions works well, adding a more carefree touch.

The interior: where the EV2 delivers its biggest surprise

The interior space is one of the EV2’s biggest surprises. The body height that draws so much attention from the outside pays off here: there is plenty of headroom, both in the front and the rear.

The dashboard follows the line that Kia has been refining across its entire electric range: three screens in a clean, modern visual layout. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12.3-inch central infotainment screen and a third independent 5.3-inch screen for climate control — which, as across the rest of the range, is partially hidden by the steering wheel — make up a space that feels high quality without looking cluttered.

The centre console is uncluttered, with a design that enhances the sense of space, a “floating” armrest and multiple storage compartments. The seats are very comfortable and the materials convey solidity and careful finishing. And it is welcome that Kia keeps physical controls on the dashboard for managing the climate system without going through the screen.

Two configurations, an important decision

The EV2 is offered in two cabin configurations, and it’s worth pausing on this point because the difference is significant. The 5-seat version with a fixed rear bench offers a 362-litre boot, a figure that is more than adequate for a car of this size.

The 4-seat version features a split rear bench with seats that slide independently. Here the boot grows to 403 litres, surpassing even the Kia Ceed, a C-segment compact, with plenty of legroom for rear passengers in the most favourable configuration.

This is a decision that deserves careful consideration: many users prefer five seats “just in case”, but I think the sliding configuration, even though it loses one rear seat, offers a versatility and comfort in these seats that is hard to match in this category. By the way, under the front bonnet there is a space of about 15 litres. Not very large, but enough to fit the charging cable.

Comfort and acoustic insulation: the EV2’s main selling point, and the one that surprised me most

If there is one aspect of this first hands-on that caught my attention, it is the work Kia has done in what is known as NVH, which is nothing other than the control of noise and possible vibrations during driving. It must be borne in mind that we are in a segment where soundproofing is usually the first cost cut made by manufacturers. The brand’s representatives clearly emphasised this aspect before we got behind the wheel, and the reality is that on the road it is noticeable from the very first moment.

The EV2 is, for its category, a remarkably quiet car. Kia has set specific NVH targets for European markets and the result is perceptible in the city when driving over cobbled streets or passing speed bumps, and also when you join a national road or motorway, with genuinely good insulation from tyre and wind noise at legal speeds.

Driving dynamics: composure, ease and very low consumption

The EV2 does not set out to thrill; it is designed to do well what most drivers need every day: easy to drive, comfortable, safe and efficient. And it does all of this really very well.

The steering is precise and light, which makes manoeuvring in the city and in car parks easy. Visibility is good thanks to the elevated driving position and generous windows. On the motorway, which is not really its natural habitat, the car proves composed and stable. Its behaviour in corners is balanced and inspires confidence.

As for consumption, during this first test on a mixed route combining city, country roads and motorway sections, the EV2 stayed at around 16–18 kWh/100 km, a very competitive figure for an electric SUV of this size and equipment level. There is a choice of four driving modes (eco, normal, sport and snow), conveniently accessed from a button on the steering wheel, plus a fifth customisable one. I also like the ability to adjust the level of regenerative braking via the steering wheel paddles; there are three levels plus an automatic one, as well as a “one-pedal” function.

Range and charging: the EV2 initially arrives with the standard battery

At launch, the Kia EV2 reaches the European market with a 147 CV motor and the standard 42.2 kWh battery, which provides a homologated range of 317 km on the WLTP cycle. This is a very competitive figure for the category, if we put it in context with its rivals. For example, the Renault 4 stays at 308 km in its equivalent version, and the Jeep Avenger does not exceed 400 km even with its higher-capacity battery.

Later on, a higher-capacity battery (61 kWh, keeping the same power) will be available, with which the EV2 claims a range of 450 km, consolidating its position among the best in the segment and even becoming an alternative to the small-battery EV3. But in a car of this type, unless you are certain you will use it for long trips, the small-battery option seems to me the most advisable.

There is one data point Kia offers that deserves special attention: the EV2’s behaviour in extreme cold conditions. With the standard battery, the EV2 maintains 310 km of range at -20 degrees Celsius, a loss of 24% compared with the WLTP figure. Kia provides comparative study data in which a Tesla Model Y, for example, loses 42% under the same conditions.

As for charging, the EV2 is the first Kia with 22 kW AC charging, which opens up real possibilities for semi-fast charging at public chargers in cities. On DC, with a maximum charging power of 1198 kW, charging from 10 to 80% takes around half an hour under normal conditions. In everyday terms: with the higher-capacity battery version, one hour of charging equates to five days of driving on a typical urban usage profile.

Connectivity and technology: top-of-segment level

The EV2 does not skimp on technology features. The driver assistance package includes all the usual ones, and even some more typical of higher segments, such as the blind-spot monitor in the instrument cluster, which shows the image captured by the external cameras when the indicators are activated to change lanes.

In terms of connectivity, the Kia app also offers the standard features, such as real-time monitoring of the vehicle’s status. But the EV2 goes a step further with functions such as the Digital Key 2.0 digital key to unlock and start the car with a smartphone or smartwatch, and Remote Smart Parking Assist to manoeuvre the car from outside, which will be added to the range later. Over-The-Air updates via the app itself keep the software always up to date, and the Kia Connect Store allows additional features to be added once the car has been delivered.

Among the functions specifically aimed at electric use, the integrated EV route planner stands out, which calculates the most efficient itinerary taking into account available charge and en-route charging points. And the Plug & Charge function, which allows the charging session to start simply by connecting the cable, with no need for cards or external apps. Both are features not easily found in this segment. The V2L (Vehicle to Load) function is more common, allowing external devices or appliances to be powered directly from the car’s battery.

Range and prices: from €19,599 with all aid and discounts

And we come to a decisive factor: price. Kia offers two versions of the EV2 with a standard battery, the Air and Earth trims, to which the GT Line will be added. List prices start from €29,450 for the Air, and from €33,575 for the Earth. There are campaigns for being an existing customer of the brand (€1,500), for renewal (€1,000 for the Air and €400 for the Earth), for financing (€1,550) and a commercial discount, which reaches a total of €4,900 for the Air and €4,175 for the Earth. With all these discounts, the prices are:

• Kia EV2 Air: €24,550
• Kia EV2 Earth: €29,410

If we also take into account the Spanish CAE and Plan Auto+ aid, with all possible discounts you could access an EV2 Air from €19,600, and from €24,460 for the EV2 Earth. A very competitive price.

Conclusion: the most complete compact electric SUV on the market

The EV2 has convinced me, even more than I expected before driving it. Interior space, quietness on the move and consumption efficiency are real, weighty arguments. The route planner works very well, and 22 kW AC charging can make a notable practical difference in everyday use of public chargers for some users. It comes into a segment with a no-compromise proposition: it has the best range in its category, fast charging on both AC and DC, a very spacious interior, top-tier technology and safety systems, and a level of soundproofing you would not expect in a car at this price.

If the question is whether the EV2 justifies its price and deserves a place on the shortlist of anyone wanting a compact electric SUV as their main car, the answer is yes.

Kia EV2 – Image gallery