The new Kia EV2 is a boxy little EV with a quirky design

The glory days of traditional car shows are long gone, but that doesn’t mean automakers are completely ignoring the few remaining events. Kia has chosen the 2026 Brussels Motor Show to roll out the latest entry point in its ever-expanding range of electric vehicles. The EV2 will be the brand’s sixth model based on a bespoke electric platform, and as with its bigger siblings, the styling is bold to say the least.

In a sea of ​​fast crossovers, the Kia EV2 is refreshingly boxy and is offered in a GT-Line trim that adds slightly sportier styling from day one. The taillights, pressed into the lower corners of the body, are a bizarre touch reminiscent of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. At the front, the split vertical headlights look like they’ve been lifted straight from a concept car, making the electric runabout immediately stand out in a crowded segment.

While some of the exterior details make the EV2 look like it’s traveled back from the future, the interior hasn’t gone completely sci-fi. There are still plenty of real buttons that provide quick access to climate settings and other commonly used functions. Kia has also fitted a physical roller for volume control and manual ventilation adjustments, so drivers don’t have to search through sub-menus.

At first glance, the dashboard appears to contain only two screens, but there is an additional screen hidden in plain sight. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen flank a 5.3-inch panel dedicated to climate control. Although it sits at the bottom of Kia’s electric range, the EV2 still has plenty of goodies, including wireless smartphone charging, 100-watt USB-C ports, a Harman Kardon sound system, over-the-air updates and even a pet mode.

In the rear, buyers can choose a two- or three-seat configuration, along with a respectable amount of cargo space for such a small vehicle. Despite being just 4,060 millimeters long, the EV2 can take up to 403 liters behind the rear seat when fully pushed forward. However, that figure applies to the four-seat model, as the five-seat version is limited to 362 liters (12.7 cubic feet). At the front a small frunk adds another 15 liters, enough for the knick-knacks.

Kia EV2: Technical specifications

The EV2 rides on the E-GMP platform that underpins many of Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles and is offered with two battery options. The basic 42.2 kWh pack delivers a WLTP range of up to 317 kilometers, while the larger 61 kWh battery can extend that number to 448 kilometers on a single charge.

Photo by: Kia

As expected, the range varies depending on the wheel size. The regular EV2 comes with 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels, while the flagship GT-Line rides on 19-inch wheels with 225/45 R19 tires. All versions are strictly front-wheel drive, but power varies by battery size. The standard model produces 144bhp, allowing a 0-60mph sprint in 8.6 seconds, while the longer range model sacrifices 10bhp and takes 9.5 seconds to reach the same level. Both are electronically limited to 159 km/h.

Fast charging with DC from 10 to 80 percent takes 29 minutes with the smaller battery and 30 minutes with the larger one. The EV2 forgoes the 800-volt charging architecture of the EV6 and EV9, but that’s not surprising given its position in the lineup. With prices expected to start below $30,000, some compromises were inevitable, including a 400-volt system.

Charging works both ways: the EV2 supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) to power devices such as a toaster and other appliances. The bi-directional charging capabilities also extend to V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid), allowing owners to feed energy back into the grid.

Kia will build the EV2 at its factory in Žilina in Slovakia, where the EV4 is also assembled. The standard range model will go into production in the first quarter of the year, while the larger battery version will arrive later in 2026. The GT-Line will also arrive later this year.

112

Source: Kia

Taking Motor1s: The EV2 certainly has its charm, although some buyers may be put off by the unconventional exterior styling. If that is not a problem, the technical specifications are more than respectable for an entry-level electric car. The tailor-made EV platform delivers excellent packaging, making the most of a small footprint.

Disadvantages? There won’t be a dual-motor, all-wheel drive version at launch, and the EV2 also skips a multi-link rear suspension in favor of a simpler torsion beam setup to keep costs down.

Life won’t be easy for the EV2 as it will have to compete against the retro-themed Renault 4 and Volkswagen’s upcoming ID. Polo cross. These are just two of the many rivals in a difficult segment that also includes the Peugeot E-2008 and the Ford Puma Gen-E.