Summary
The Kia EV2 is a small electric SUV and a close cousin of the Hyundai Inster, which arrived in the UK in early 2026. Despite its rugged SUV-style styling, the EV2 is essentially a small hatchback with no significant off-roading capability.
The smallest offering in Kia’s ‘EV’ range, sitting below the EV3, EV5 and EV9, the EV2 has arrived to an overwhelmingly positive reviewer reception from the British motoring media, with Autotrader’s Tom Robert’s describing the car as “way more grown-up” than its Inster counterpart.
“The EV2 rides very smoothly, feels supremely quiet to be in and has well-built interior”, says Car’s Jake Groves, arguing that the EV2 dispels the idea that all small budget-end cars “feel like they’re made of tin.”
The Independent’s Steve Fowler commends the Kia for its practicality, which “you don’t always find at this price point”, praising the car for its interior space, tech suite, and charging flexibility while noting that buyers should aware of some compromises, “particularly around interior materials.”
Top Gear’s Paul Horell meanwhile argues that the EV2 “drives with the feel of a bigger car” and is well suited to urban driving with “pothole friendly suspension”, a short length for parking, and good driving visibility.” He adds that the boot will be “too small for many.”
As of July 2026, the Kia EV2 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 78%. Beyond the car’s impressive set of review scores, this overall rating is bolstered by low predicted running costs and Kia’s generous seven-year warranty. The EV2 is yet to have its safety assessed by Euro NCAP, which we expect will happen in the coming months.
EV2 highlights
- Efficient powertrain with decent battery range
- Comfortable driving experience
- Well-built spacious interior, considering its size
EV2 lowlights
- Rather small boot
- Fiddly infotainment settings
- Not all that exciting to drive
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV-style hatchback
Engines: single electric motor, front-wheel drive
Price: From £26,995
Launched: Winter 2025/26
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of early July 2026, the Kia EV2 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. That said, we expect the hatchback to be safety assessed in the coming months. Once its safety credentials are published, we will update this section.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2026, the Kia EV2 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EV2 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 239 miles | C |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.3 m/KWh | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 21 | B |
The Kia EV2 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
While its average battery range of 239 miles (depends on the model chosen) is nothing special, it is competitive when compared to its compact battery-powered rivals, and the car’s average electrical efficiency (the electric car equivalent of miles per gallon) is above average. On the insurance front, premiums are predicted to be cheaper than the average car.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
The Kia EV2 is a brand-new model, so we won’t have any meaningful reliability data for years to come.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the EV2, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Kia EV2
| New car warranty duration | 7 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Kia’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the EV2.
The duration is seven years, with a limit of 100,000 miles. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the EV2 has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Kia EV2
The Kia EV2 has not yet been launched in the UK, so no recalls have yet been issued for this model.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Kia dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Kia EV2, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica | BYD Atto 2 | Citroën ë-C3 Aircross | DS 3 E-Tense | Hyundai Inster | Jeep Avenger | Mazda MX-30 | Renault 4 | Skoda Epiq | Volkswagen ID. Polo | Volvo EX30
The baby electric SUV market is growing rapidly, and there will be plenty of rivals for the Kia EV2 by the time it launches in the UK. Until we have official pricing and specification, we can only speculate as to which rival models will be most closely aligned with the EV2.
More information
More news, reviews and information about Kia at The Car Expert
Buy a Kia EV2
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Kia EV2, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Lease a Kia EV2
If you’re looking to lease a new Kia EV2, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Kia EV2
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
