Kia EV2 review

If you wind the clock back a couple of decades, the term "SUV" conjured up images of massive, mud-plugging behemoths – 4x4s designed to cross rivers and tow horseboxes, not nip to the local shops. But today “SUV” is really just a marketing term slapped onto cars often no bigger than a small hatchback, one of which is the new Kia EV2.

This is a fully electric car that’s exactly the same length as a Vauxhall Corsa Electric and not even quite as tall as a Citroën ë-C3. But with its chunky wheel arch extensions and squared-off edges, the Kia EV2 definitely has a more imposing stance than many cars that take up similar space on the road.

Kia EV2 video review

So, the modern definition of an SUV encapsulates everything from the car you’re reading about here right up to a full-sized Range Rover. But clearly there isn’t going to be much cross-shopping between those two models, so what exactly are the EV2’s rivals?

Well, closest in concept are probably models like the Jeep Avenger Electric, Peugeot e-2008 and Renault 4. However, Kia is very aware potential EV2 customers might also be considering arguably the trendiest small electric car on sale right now, the Renault 5.

How fast is it and which motor is best?

The cheapest (Standard Range) version of the Kia EV2 has a 145bhp electric motor driving its front wheels. Acceleration isn’t exactly eye-widening, but it feels fairly nippy in urban environments and can officially do 0-62mph in 8.7sec.

The Long Range is heavier and has a slightly less powerful electric motor, so it’s almost a second slower from 0-62mph. We haven’t tested this version yet.

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

Like its bigger brother the Kia EV3, the EV2 prioritises ride comfort over sporty handling – and for most buyers this will come as good news. The relatively soft suspension helps smother ridges and small potholes, while also avoiding rocking occupants too aggressively over speed bumps.

This does mean the EV2 can feel a bit floaty and bouncy along faster undulating roads, and there’s also plenty of lean when going around corners quickly – much more than in a Renault 4. There’s also a noticeable amount of nosedive under hard braking, and the steering is a bit vague.

In short, the EV2 is much happier being driven gently and smoothly than quickly along a country road.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

The Kia EV2 has adjustable levels of regenerative braking (for harvesting energy when slowing down). In the strongest setting, the car can bring itself to a standstill without you using the brake pedal at all. You just lift off the accelerator pedal.

If you'd rather do the braking yourself, you’ll be relieved to hear that the middle pedal has a smooth and predictable response. Indeed, the brakes are less grabby at slow speeds than the Renault 4’s.

Refinement is impressive across the board, with the EV2 generating very little electric motor whine under acceleration. There isn’t much tyre noise on the motorway, either, or suspension noise around town.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

The Standard Range has a battery with a gross capacity of 42.2kWh, and that gives an official range of 197 miles. That’s a few miles farther than promised by an entry-level Renault 5, and in our early tests in Portugal we saw efficiency of 4.0 miles per kWh on a mix of roads, including a long stretch of motorway. This suggests a real-world range of around 155 miles.

We haven’t tested the Long Range yet, but it has a bigger 61kWh (gross capacity) battery and a longer official range of 281 miles. That’s quite a bit farther than a Jeep Avenger or Renault 4 can manage between charges.

A 10-80% top-up in the Kia EV2 takes around half an hour in ideal conditions, assuming you’re plugged into a fast enough charging point. That’s roughly on a par with the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross, Jeep Avenger and Renault 4.

The EV2 is also the first Kia with 22kW AC charging. That means you can plug in at slower public charging points and pay less per kWh of electricity. Assuming you aren’t in a hurry, of course. 

“I found it easy to slow down smoothly in the EV2. Squeezing the brake pedal gives a predictable slowing effect.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

As with its exterior, the Kia EV2’s interior takes inspiration from the larger Kia EV3. In fact, both cars have the same arrangement of screens on their dashboards. That means there's a 12.3in digital driver's display behind the steering wheel, a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard and a 5.3in touchscreen sandwiched in between for controlling the air-conditioning.

There are plenty of hard plastics in the EV2’s interior, but everything feels well bolted together, and it’s likely that GT-Line and GT-Line S versions will have recycled fabric inserts on their dashboards and door trims for a slightly more upmarket feel. The buttons and switches dotted around the interior don’t feel at all cheap or unpleasant to use, either, so overall, the EV2 has the edge over the Renault 4 for interior quality.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

Whether or not you think the EV2 deserves to be called an SUV, there’s no doubt you sit farther from the road than in a regular small electric hatchback, such as a Renault 5 or Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

The seats are comfortable, and GT-Line versions have a fully electric driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support. What’s more, said seat lines up neatly with the steering wheel and pedals, meaning you aren’t sitting at a crooked angle while driving along.

Upright pillars and tall, oblong windows give you a great view out in all directions, plus all versions are likely to come with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. You’ll need to upgrade to range-topping GT-Line S if you want a 360deg surround view camera.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

Thankfully, as well as a small touchscreen for controlling the air-con, there are physical buttons on the dashboard for tweaking the interior temperature and fan speed. This gives the EV2 a clear advantage over the Peugeot e-2008, in which you need to use the main infotainment touchscreen.

Speaking of the infotainment system, it’s pretty good by class standards. There’s the occasional lag between you pressing an icon and anything happening, but most of the time the responses are snappy and the layout is easy to get the hang of. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all versions, while range-topping GT-Line S trim gets you an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.

The EV2 definitely has a better infotainment system than the e-2008, although it’s not as good as the Google-based one fitted to most versions of the Renault 4.

“In other electric Kias, including the EV3 and EV9, I find the rim of the steering wheel blocks the air-conditioning panel. Thankfully this isn’t the case in the EV2.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

How much space does it have for people?

The EV2’s tall stance makes it feel bigger and airier in the front than regular small electric hatchbacks you might be considering, such as the Renault 5. Two six-footers will fit just fine and they’ll have plenty of storage space, including a large uncovered tray between the driver and passenger with various divisions and compartments.

Taller adults will fit in the back more easily than they would in a Renault 4 thanks to more generous head room, and there’s more rear knee room than in a Jeep Avenger Electric. The floor area is also completely flat, with no central hump that a middle passenger would need to straddle, like there is in a Peugeot e-2008. Still, fitting three adults in the back of the EV2 will be a squeeze for everyone concerned. 

Kia offers a four-seat configuration for the EV2 in other countries, in which the rear seats slide back and forth to free up knee room or boot space depending on your needs. Sadly, there are no plans to offer this in the UK.

How much room does it have for luggage?

Open the boot lid and the EV2’s load bay initially looks quite small, but that’s before you realise that much of the space is hidden beneath a false floor. This floor is handy most of the time, because its presence means there’s barely any lip at the boot entrance or step in the floor when you floor down the 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks.

However, when you need maximum load-carrying capacity, you can either stuff a few bags under the floor or remove the floor entirely. With this extra space freed up, the EV2 officially has a slightly bigger boot than a Jeep Avenger, but a marginally smaller one than a Renault 4.

At least some trim levels will also have a small 15-litre storage compartment under the bonnet. This is a handy place to stow the charging cable.

“The optional four-seat configuration with sliding rear seats is really handy when you’re juggling boot space and leg room for your rear passengers – so I think it’s a pity Kia has decided not to offer this in the UK.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

Prices hadn’t been announced at the time of writing, but Kia expects the Standard Range to qualify for the Level 2 Government EV grant worth £1500. Assuming this happens then prices should start at a little over £25,000, making the EV2 significantly cheaper than a Jeep Avenger Electric or Peugeot e-2008.

But here’s where it gets a bit confusing, because the Long Range version could qualify for the full £3750 Level 1 grant. That’s because it has a battery sourced from Hungary, whereas the smaller Standard Range battery is shipped in from China. The car is assembled in Slovakia, either way.

In short, the Long Range might have a similar (or perhaps even lower) starting price, rendering the Standard Range pointless.

Kia will offer its usual trim levels with the EV2: Air, GT Line and GT-Line S.  Air trim will have 16in alloys, air conditioning and adaptive cruise control, while GT-Line versions will have slightly sportier styling with different bumpers and bigger 19in alloys – plus a three (rather than two) spoke steering wheel. 

GT-Line will also add artificial leather seats, adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat and a wireless phone charging pad, while the range-topping GT-Line S will have an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats and the punchier Harman Kardon sound system we mentioned earlier. 

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

The first EV2s haven’t even been delivered to customers yet so we don’t have any reliability data. However, the signs are promising because the larger Kia EV3, which sits on the same basic underpinnings, was the most dependable electric SUV in the 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey.

Kia as a brand also finished a commendable eighth place (out of 30 manufacturers) in the overall league table. Better still, Kia EV2 is backed up by a seven-year (100,000-mile) warranty on most components, with extended eight-year cover for the battery (also capped at 100,000 miles).

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

Euro NCAP hadn’t completed its safety testing at the time of writing, so we can’t tell how well the EV2 is likely to protect you and your family if an accident can’t be avoided.

However, there are plenty of aids to help prevent any incidents in the first place, even if you go for entry-level Air trim. Upgrading to GT-Line S adds even more active safety features, including a blindspot view camera.

All versions will come fitted with a Thatcham Category 2 alarm and immobiliser to help keep thieves at bay.

“If the Long Range ends up qualifying for the full £3750 Government EV grant, I think EV2 will be seriously good value for money – especially when you factor in its range between charges.” Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Buy it if...

- You want a small EV with an elevated driving position

- You want a comfy ride and hushed cruising manners

- You want a car that’s easy to see out of

Don’t buy it if…

- You want fun or agile handling 

- You want the peace of mind of a confirmed Euro NCAP safety rating

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