With the Kia EV2, the Korean company is now building a small car that stands out in the test with its solid materials. The model also does a lot of other things better than the competition.
It works: The look of the Kia EV2 is easy to digest and friendly. Photo: Kia
Cologne. Quite a few cars are olfactory nuisances. There are, of course, the exhaust gases produced by the engine of combustion engines. Further wrinkling of the nose can provoke chemical emissions in the interior. Almost everyone is familiar with the phenomenon of interiors simmering at oven temperatures in summer, greeting their guests as they get in with a cloud of smells that smells suspiciously unhealthy.
In the blazing summer of 2026, we were traveling with Kia's new EV2 small electric car, which didn't bother us with one or the other problem. Instead, it presented itself as a cheap and surprisingly versatile small car that fits more user profiles than many would imagine.
Small car with electric drive? For years, this was a rare and niche species that was particularly successful in convincing climate activists. The Kia EV2 is further along and is no longer an exception. It is a real small car in the best sense of the word, which, at just 4.06 meters long, combines a certain presence with Kia's current brand-typical design language.
Its slightly SUV-like proportions are right, and its demeanor appears both authoritative and friendly. Finding a parking space is usually an entertaining undertaking, while the Korean interior is modern, ergonomic and spacious.
A rather unexpected quality of the EV2 was evident on some particularly hot days of the past hot summer. Although he often had to wait for long periods in the blazing sun, we were spared the plastic and glue smells typical of new cars when we got in. We cannot prove whether this is directly related to the choice of material. At least our impression fits with Kia's strategy of relying more on bio-based plastics, bio-PU, recycled PET and BTX-free paints.
Lots of space and panorama in the interior
The electric drive also has an impact on the interior climate because it allows for clever, space-saving packaging. The battery in the vehicle floor and the small motor under the front hood create space that makes the EV2 appear more grown-up inside than you would expect given its size. You can sit at the front and back without feeling anxious.
The trunk holds over 360 liters and can be expanded to around 1,160 liters in the classic way. This applies to the five-seater. For the four-seater it is around 40 liters more. There is also a small frunk under the hood, which is ideal as a charging cable snail shell.
The trunk is already sufficiently large for many everyday tasks Photo: Kia
In the cockpit, Kia has placed its three-part panoramic screen on the dashboard, which is also common in larger models. We have now gotten very used to this infotainment standard introduced in 2021 and continue to enjoy the system, which easily conjures up the content of our Android smartphone on the touchscreen.
The digital menu world is complemented by a bar with direct selection buttons, underneath which are controls for climate and volume. The tidy workplace is complemented by a practically divided center console with space for a smartphone, drinks and all sorts of small items.
In addition to a modern workplace, the EV2 welcomes its guests with a pleasing odor neutrality Photo: Kia
The generous use of plastic surfaces makes a robust, but not entirely high-quality impression. Our EV2 with Earth equipment provides a little more comfort with gray textiles on the dashboard and doors. In keeping with the Korean's friendly appearance, there is a neon-colored inlay with the discreet lettering "Have a nice day" hidden in the door release handle.
Economical even on long journeys
In addition to a version with a large 61 kWh battery, the EV2 is available in the rightsizing version we tested with 42 kWh and 317 kilometers of WLTP range. Although the operating radius on the motorway is significantly reduced, we also tested the EV2 on long journeys. In Eco mode in summer weather, cruise control 120 and air conditioning deactivated, you can cover 250 kilometers in one go.
The compact format of the EV2 helps when looking for a parking space. Nevertheless, the small electric car has plenty of space inside Photo: Kia EV2
Given the limited reserves, we usually headed to the charging station after 210 to 220 kilometers. When driving faster, consumption increases to 17 to 18 kWh per 100 kilometers; in city traffic, values under 10 kWh are easily possible. After around 1,800 kilometers, the on-board computer showed an average of 15.8 kWh. Depending on the electricity tariff, the Korean incurs energy costs of around 5 to 7 euros per 100 kilometers.
A charging stop of 23 minutes was enough for 26 kWh, with which we reached the destination comfortably after a total of 330 kilometers on a trip from Bremen to Cologne. The EV2 initially started surprisingly quickly on the fast charger with a generous 113 kW. However, the charging curve drops continuously, which is why the end result was an average charging power of 69 kW.
The small battery is already comfortably sized for urban and suburban use. If you often drive longer motorway tours, you should opt for the large battery, which promises a WLTP range of 453 kilometers.
Entertaining speedster
What might be surprising: The version with 61 kWh has the weaker drive of 100 kW/136 hp and therefore needs 9.5 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h. The 42 has a livelier 108 kW/147 hp and 8.7 seconds. In both cases the speed limit is 161 km/h. Less battery also means less weight, which is pleasantly noticeable when driving. Despite the small battery, we found the EV2 to be an entertaining speedster - regardless of whether it goes straight ahead or sometimes turns sharply.
Whether as a second car for the city or as an all-rounder for users with little wanderlust: the EV2 cuts a fine figure in both roles. Not only is it locally emission-free, but it also leaves a pleasant impression with its comparatively odorless interior.
As is now usual, the EV2 also has to adorn itself with SUV blessings Photo: Kia
The price of 26,600 euros for the four-seat basic version Light is okay given what is on offer. If you want a more comfortable interior with fabric covers in the cockpit, you will have to invest 31,300 euros for the five-seater Earth version. With a large battery, the Air version starts at 33,500 euros; the Earth version costs 36,240 euros. The top versions GT Line and Black Line, which are always combined with a large battery, cost around 37,000 and 41,000 euros respectively.
Sure, there are several small electric cars that cost less. But the EV2 is not a cheap electric car. Measured in terms of size, performance, space and features, it is certainly one of the more attractively priced offers among full-fledged small electric cars.
Kia EV2 – Technical data
Five-door, four/five-seat SUV in the small car class
Length: 4.06 meters
Width: 1.80 meters
Height: 1.57 meters
Wheelbase: 2.56 meters
Trunk volume: four-seater 403-1,201 liters, five-seater 362-1,160 liters,
Frunk: 15 liters
Electric motor with 108 kW/147 hp
Torque: 250 Nm/4000 rpm
0-100 km/h: 8.7 s
Vmax: 161 km/h
Consumption: 15.1-15.5 kWh/100 km
Test consumption: 15.8 kWh
Battery size: 42.2 kWh
Range: 317 km (WLTP)
Charging power: 118 kW (DC); 22kW (AC)
Charging time: DC: 10-80% in 29 minutes; AC (22 kW): 10-100% in 2:35 hours.
Price: from 26,600 euros
Test car price: from 31,300 euros
