Who says an affordable EV has to feel like a compromise? The Kia EV2 is the smallest and cheapest member of the brand’s electric family – a crossover just over four metres long, built in Europe for European streets. Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026, it takes aim at the B-segment with a German starting price of €26,600.

Design and interior: small outside, clever inside

At 4,060 mm long, the EV2 is as compact as a classic supermini but looks like a shrunken EV3, with an upright, boxy stance. It is built at Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia. Alongside the core versions there is a sportier GT-Line with its own bumpers, body-coloured details and bespoke wheels.

The interesting bit is inside. The rear bench slides and reclines – pushed back, it offers up to 958 mm of legroom. The boot holds 362 litres in five-seat form and up to 403 litres in the four-seat version with the rear seats slid forward, and there is a 15-litre frunk (from Earth trim upwards). The dashboard is dominated by three screens: a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 5.3-inch climate display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Kia EV2 exterior — Photo: Kia (Hyundai Motor Group Newsroom)

Batteries, power and range

The EV2 uses a 400-volt architecture and two battery sizes. The Standard Range pack has 42.2 kWh and up to 317 km WLTP, while the Long Range pack has 61.0 kWh and up to 448 km according to Kia’s global data (Kia Germany quotes up to 453 km). Outputs depend on the version: in the UK, Kia lists 107.8 kW (144 bhp) for the smaller battery and 99.5 kW (133 bhp) for the larger one. Drive goes to the front wheels.

DC fast charging from 10 to 80% takes 29 minutes for the Standard Range and around 30 minutes for the Long Range. On AC it accepts 11 kW, with 22 kW optional – a real plus for drivers without a home charger who rely on street posts.

Kia EV2 GT-Line — Photo: Kia (Hyundai Motor Group Newsroom)

Tech and practicality

For a car this size, the feature list is impressive: V2L and V2G, Plug & Charge, an EV route planner, Digital Key 2, the Kia AI Assistant, over-the-air updates and optional Harman/Kardon audio. Driver aids include Highway Driving Assist 2 and remote smart parking. There’s even a Pet Mode.

Price and who it’s for

In Germany the EV2 starts at €26,600, with Air, Earth and GT-Line trims. UK prices start at £27,995. That puts it squarely against the Renault 5 and 4, Peugeot e-208, VW ID.3 and the upcoming cheap EVs from the VW Group. On paper its strengths are the flexible cabin and rich equipment; the question marks are modest outputs and the shorter range of the entry battery. For a family doing mostly urban driving that wants a proper crossover feel without crossover bulk, the EV2 looks like a very serious contender.