Kia EV2 Review: Is Kia Still Beating the Chinese EV Revolution?
The latest Kia EV has arrived, and it's the smallest so far. John Marcar has driven all three EV2 variants to see how the new model stacks up against the increasingly popular B-Segment EV competition.
Winning the Game
At the risk of sounding like a Kia sycophant, and assuming, like me, you're not insulted by Kia's current design language, it would appear that the South Korean brand can do no wrong at the moment. There's a strong selection of petrol cars, diesel cars, hybrids and EVs to choose from - in all shapes and sizes. From compact hatchbacks to spacious 7-seat SUVs, Kia offers it all; there's even a van, the PV5, which is also excellent.
Over the past few years, Kia has been building on its EV portfolio. It all started with the EV6, and has since expanded to include the EV9, EV5, EV4 and EV3. Now the latest and smallest EV is here: the EV2.
The EV2 follows the uniform design language, quirky characteristics, and minimalist interior that have proven popular with buyers, and, like all its predecessors, comes well equipped as standard in three trim levels.
Practicality
The EV2 is a B-segment SUV, although some might be tempted to describe the model as a hatchback. At 4 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, the EV2 is relatively close in dimensions to a VW Golf, but the styling and interior layout are more SUV-centric. The EV2 offers a generous 362-litre boot and a 15-litre frunk on the GT-Line and GT-Line S models. Headroom and overall space in the front seats are very good.
Air vs GT-Line vs GT-Line S
The EV2 is launching in Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels. All three variants use a 61 kWh battery pack producing 133 bhp, delivered to the front wheels.
EV Range
The WLTP range depends entirely on trim level, and a nominal difference between trims comes down to weight and included tech: the Air returns 275 miles, the GT-Line 261 miles, and the GT-Line S 257 miles.
Air
The entry-level model 'Air' is available from £24,425 to £24,895 depending on exterior colour preferences and comes as standard with LED lighting, auto-wipers, heated front seats, air conditioning, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a 6-speaker audio system.
GT-Line
GT-Line is priced from £28,995 to £29,645 depending on exterior colour, and it includes all the features of the Air, plus 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, artificial leather upholstery, alloy pedals, electric seating, a 15-litre frunk, and a wireless phone charger.
GT-Line S
The top-spec GT-Line S is available with an optional heat pump and is priced from £32,595 to £33,945 plus £700 for the heat pump. Further upgrades on the GT-Line S include a 360-degree camera system, an upgraded Harmon Kardon 8-speaker audio system, a vehicle-to-load power connector, a 3-pin internal plug socket, privacy glass, an electric sunroof, and the option of NFC smartphone connectivity which allows drivers to use their smartphone as a key.
First Edition
At the time of launch, a smaller-capacity 'First Edition' variant of the EV2 is also available for a limited time, priced at £26,995. The First Edition utilises a smaller 42.2kWh battery pack. The First Edition delivers 144bhp and has a reduced range of 195 miles WLTP.
Charging Times
All variants offer a maximum charging rate of 118kW, delivering a best-case fast charge from 10-80% in around 30 minutes. With a 11kW standard wall charger at home, 10-100% is likely to take around 5.5 hours.
Driving Review
With all variants available, I opted to try the Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S on the road to see how they compare.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, with the same power pack and motor output across the range, the overall feel and driving experience is fairly universal. The steering feels nicely weighted, and the suspension compliance feels above average compared with other B-segment EV SUVs.
On the road, the wind noise and road rumble are well insulated, and the seating position and overall comfort are fantastic, with great seat adjustability.
While dynamism isn't on the priority/need list for many B-segment SUVs, the EV2 is surprisingly agile through the corners with the characteristics of a fun front-wheel-drive hatchback. The power delivery, despite only being around 130hp, is punchy enough to accelerate onto faster roads without any fuss.
The tech is typically Kia (very good), and the infotainment system's user interface is excellent, too. Apple CarPlay connects instantly and wirelessly, letting you use navigation and your preferred audio apps on the move.
Rear seat space is pretty typical for a car this size; however, taller rear passengers might feel a little cramped behind an equally tall driver. If rear legroom is a priority, the EV4 might be the better option.
The driver assist systems on the EV2 are consistently good compared with the rest of the range, with intelligent cruise control and safety assist systems included as standard across the range. The safety features include lane assist, driver alertness monitoring, and forward collision avoidance.
Which Variant is Best?
When swapping between the three trim levels on offer, I found the GT-Line to be the pick of the bunch. This is also the model that Kia expects to sell the most of in the UK. The added luxuries of the Harmon Kardon sound system and sunroof are nice features, but they didn't quite elevate the driving experience enough to warrant the extra £3,600.
Better than the Chinese Competition?
Many buyers looking at electric SUVs in this category will no doubt be all too aware of the competition from China too. More models are now making their way out of China as seemingly attractive options in the UK.
A handful of the Chinese cars are brilliant; the likes of BYD, Chery, and Jaecoo are all worth a look; however, Kia is still clinching the prize for all-round value for money and overall quality. Kia has set its sights on 12,500 EV2 sales in 2027, which, if achieved, will further expand the brand's market share in the UK.
As summarised in my review of the EV4, Kia's clever strategy is to offer a one-stop shop (or showroom) that caters to all needs. Need something similar but bigger? - The options are plentiful in the form of the EV4, 5, 6, and 9. Hoping for something a little smaller? - The EV1 is rumoured to launch late in 2027, and chances are, that will be great too.
Conclusion
The Kia EV2 is a great little car; we knew it would be. The latest model is a welcome addition to a broad fleet of EVs, and it's likely to be a popular choice for buyers in the UK.
words by John Marcar
photography by Kia UK
