The EV2 is Kia’s smallest electric SUV. We drove the Business Plus version with the 42.2 kWh battery in Lisbon in March.
When the EV2 made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January, Kia announced that it would bring the technology and character of its larger electric SUVs to a more compact, city-friendly format. Back then, we were not able to drive it. Now we have, in Lisbon in March, in sunshine and rain, in dense city-centre traffic, on the coastal road and on the motorway. The car we drove was the EV2 in Business Plus trim with the 42.2 kWh battery.
Developed specifically for the European market, the EV2 is built in Žilina, Slovakia. Positioned below the EV3, EV5 and EV9, this small electric SUV is designed above all for everyday use.
A modern interior that takes some getting used to
The open design of the cabin is striking as soon as you get in. The uncluttered centre console frees up space and makes the car feel larger than its exterior dimensions would suggest. The dashboard clearly takes its cue from the larger models in the EV family, with clean lines, plenty of space and large displays.
The steering wheel, by contrast, initially struck us as somewhat cluttered, and it leaves little room for the thumbs. Its many buttons take some getting used to and, depending on the seating position, obscure part of the display behind it. The infotainment system is not immediately intuitive either. Some functions are hidden in sub-menus, and it takes a little time and patience to find your way around.
Alongside the touchscreen, the climate control and ventilation have physical buttons. The interior door handles also remain mechanical, and Kia has hidden a small message on them, ‘Have a nice day’.
One feature we liked was Kia’s familiar blind-spot assistant, which additionally shows a camera image in the driver’s field of view. In dense traffic, it provides a better overview. In Luxembourg, however, this camera is only fitted as standard on the top-of-the-range Black Line trim.
Comfort over sportiness
On the road, the EV2 proved pleasantly uncomplicated. It drove calmly and confidently, without trying to seem sporty. In the narrow and sometimes confusing streets of the Portuguese capital, it played to its strengths, and the suspension remained composed on cobblestones. The cabin stayed pleasantly quiet, even when rain and road noise became much more noticeable outside. On the winding coastal road and on the motorway alike, the EV2 inspired confidence whatever the weather.
Acceleration was smooth and controlled. The EV2 does not tempt you into sporty driving, as Kia’s engineers have clearly prioritised everyday usability and relaxed driving. The i-Pedal energy recovery system, already familiar from the brand’s other electric models, fits this approach. Regenerative braking can be adjusted over four levels, up to almost complete one-pedal driving. In town, it all worked smoothly during our test. The driver assistance systems remained discreet and never intrusive throughout the drive.
Designed to be practical
Like the other models in the EV family, the EV2 sits on Hyundai and Kia’s E-GMP platform. The battery is mounted low in the floor, which benefits both interior space and handling. Two batteries are available. The 42.2 kWh Standard Range version offers a WLTP range of 308 to 317 km depending on trim, while the 61 kWh Long Range version achieves up to 453 km. Both use a 400-volt architecture. In addition to 11 kW AC charging, a 22 kW on-board charger is available as an option from Business Plus trim upwards. The interior is surprisingly versatile. Depending on the version, the conventional five-seater is joined by a four-seat variant with a sliding rear bench. Boot capacity then ranges from 321 to 403 litres, compared with 362 litres in the five-seater.
Under the bonnet, a small 15-litre frunk is fitted from Business Plus trim upwards. Apart from the charging cable or a few small items, however, not much fits in it. Thanks to the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, the little Kia can also act as a backup power source for external devices. In Luxembourg, the 230-volt socket in the cabin is part of the optional 22 kW charging pack. In Luxembourg, the EV2 starts at €26,194 in Essential trim with the 42.2 kWh battery. The Business Plus version we tested, with the same battery, is listed at €32,286, and the Long Range versions start at €32,770.
Our verdict
The EV2 wins you over with its simplicity. It drives smoothly, is practical for everyday use and clearly focuses on comfort. The display controls could be more intuitive in places, and the steering wheel a little more finger-friendly. As an everyday companion for city driving and commuting, however, the little Kia is surprisingly convincing. It was not love at first sight, but we enjoyed driving it.
Specifications
Kia EV2 Standard Range
