Pros: Good specs, nice to drive, spacious inside
Cons: Four-seat version isn’t offered here
The EV2 is Kia’s latest and smallest electric car, arriving in the compact SUV segment ahead of many competitors. It follows the same look set out by Kia’s larger SUVs with a well-proportioned, chunky design that focuses on maximising interior space and practicality.
Kia EV2 Design
Much like the larger models in its lineup, Kia’s EV2 has a distinctive look that leans into the chunky, solid image that many seek from an SUV. The squarish proportions see wheels stretched out into the corners to give it a longer wheelbase and therefore more passenger space inside, while the angular cladding around the wheelarches continues the Korean brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design language that shapes its range of vehicles.
There are four specification grades available, starting with Air, which gets 16-inch wheels, while Earth grade gets 18-inch wheels and some exterior changes, such as aluminium bumper inserts front and rear. These are slightly different on GT-Line versions, where the EV2 gains 19-inch wheels, while the top-spec GT-Line Plus features body-coloured bumper inserts. All models get twin-vertical LED daytime running lights and flush-fitting door handles that maximise aerodynamics.
Kia EV2 Interior
Despite the EV2 being its smallest electric car, Kia doesn’t hold back on what it offers on the inside, with an all-digital dashboard that matches what's found throughout its family of cars. Appearing as if it’s one large panel, the ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) unit is made up of two 12.3-inch displays on either side of a 5.3-inch touchscreen for the climate control, though the latter can also be adjusted by physical toggles on the dashboard.
The entry-level version gets ‘ccNC Lite’ that uses the same display but does without navigation hardware to keep costs down - though it still offers full smartphone connectivity and remains connected to online services for over-the-air updates and other features. Also on the dash are multiple USB-C ports, while a wireless charging pad is available for phone charging.
Kia uses a lot of tactile materials throughout the EV2’s interior, and it gives the car a nice ambience. All of the main touchpoints feel solidly made, and flashes of lighter colour set it apart from rivals. Ambient lighting adds another layer of quality to the EV2’s cabin. We also like some of the smaller details, such as the “Have a nice day” message that’s stamped into the recess for the door handle.
There is a good level of space in the rear seats in terms of legroom and headroom, and two ISOFIX anchor points in the outer seats. This version of the EV2 gets a 362-litre boot, which is sufficient for the segment, and - aside from the Air model - it comes with a 15-litre frunk as standard.
Kia EV2 Performance & Drive
Kia launches the EV2 in Ireland with a 42.2kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that is paired with a 147hp and 250Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels. It’s a good package that provides an official driving range of 317 kilometres, which suits how this car will typically be used.
A longer-range 61kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery will be available later this year, offering a 453-kilometre driving range. This version gets a slightly less powerful motor producing 135hp. Both batteries can fast-charge to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.
The standard-range motor’s performance is well-suited to the EV2 and tipping the scales at 1,645kg means it feels relatively light on its feet. In urban settings, the Kia is agile and, combined with the good outward visibility (supported by an array of sensors), is easy to navigate even the narrowest of streets and parking spaces.
Ride comfort is good, with suspension that is slightly firm but not at the expense of comfort, while good damping ensures it drives with polished finesse typically seen in larger cars. The steering is also nicely balanced, avoiding being overly light, instead providing the driver with a reassuring level of feedback that always leaves you feeling in control. Supporting you on the drive is a range of driver assistance systems and Kia makes it easy to tailor these to your preference.
When driving in town, the one-pedal mode provides strong energy recuperation as the car slows, which contributes to quite respectable energy efficiency. The official combined figure of 15.1kWh/100km seems easily attainable in such settings, but even out on the motorway at higher speeds, the Kia puts in a good account of itself.
Kia EV2 Pricing
Pricing for the Kia EV2 in Ireland starts at €28,660 for the Standard Range Air specification, rising to €30,530 for the Earth model. The EV2 Long Range is priced from €31,490 for the Air through to €33,810 for Earth and €34,810 for GT-Line - with the GT-Line Plus topping the range at €37,090.
Carzone Verdict
The EV2 is yet another excellent addition to Kia’s range and demonstrates that smaller cars can still feel every bit as good as larger ones. The choice of battery sizes gives buyers options and we reckon most people could make do with the smaller one given its excellent efficiency.