Kia EV2 Review: A Small Electric SUV with Big Range
The Kia EV2 is one of the most anticipated new electric cars to arrive in Ireland this year. Small, relatively affordable and with an impressive range for its size, it arrives in a part of the market that is becoming increasingly competitive.
I first drove the EV2 at its European press launch in Lisbon, before it arrived in Ireland. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to drive an Irish-specification car on Irish roads, I can tell you if it’s one of the small electric SUVs I’d recommend buying.
The EV2 sits below the popular Kia EV3 in the range and takes plenty of inspiration from its larger sibling, but packages that chunky SUV design into a smaller and, in my view, more playful shape. Its rivals include the Renault 4, Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger and soon-to-arrive Skoda Epiq.
There are two battery options, with the larger 61kWh battery offering up to 453 kilometres of WLTP range. That is a very impressive figure for a car of this size.
So, is the Kia EV2 the small electric SUV to buy?
Kia EV2: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Range
- Comfort
- Rear-seat space
- Standard equipment
Cons
- Boot isn’t class-leading
- Interior hard grey plastics
- Not the most exciting car to drive
The Kia EV2 is the smallest electric car in the Kia range in IrelandKia EV2 price and range in Ireland
One of the biggest attractions of the EV2 is the choice of two battery sizes. The 42kWh standard-range model has a WLTP range of up to 317km and starts from €28,660. The 61kWh long-range model increases the range to up to 453km and starts from €31,940.
There are Air, Earth, GT Line and GT Line Plus trim levels for Ireland, depending on the battery chosen.
The car I’ve now tested on Irish roads is the 61kWh Earth, priced at €33,810. This is also proving to be one of the most popular versions with Irish buyers, according to Kia Ireland. For me, this is the sweet spot in the range. You get the larger battery and its impressive range without having to move all the way up to the more expensive GT Line versions. It also has a generous level of standard equipment.
Kia EV2 design
The EV2 is definitely one of my favourite electric Kias to date. It slots into the range below the EV3, and you can clearly see the influence of that larger car in the chunky SUV styling. But I actually prefer the EV2’s smaller proportions and there is a more playful edge to its design inside and out.
There are distinctive lights front and rear, plenty of cladding and a strong shoulder line that gives the car a more substantial appearance than its dimensions might suggest.
18-inch alloy wheels are standard on Earth trim. Air versions get 16-inch, while the sportier GT Line versions go for 19-inch alloys.
The interior of the Kia EV2 has plenty of technology on boardKia EV2 interior
Inside the EV2 borrows a lot of technology and design from Kia’s larger models. There’s a full digital driver’s display and a large central touchscreen, with modern graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Battery preconditioning is another welcome feature, as it can make charging stops quicker.
There are still plenty of physical buttons and controls for things like adjusting the climate control, which makes it easy to interact with and not as frustrating as some models that rely on touchscreens alone.
Kia is also showing its fun side with the new EV2 with lime green accents in the seats and centre console, while there are little messages behind the door handles, ‘have a nice day’.
The seats are finished in a combination of grey cloth and synthetic leather, which softens the overall look. There is quite a lot of grey plastic around the cabin, and the EV2 doesn’t feel quite as chic or upmarket as the Renault 4. But at this price point, I don’t think that’s a major criticism. The EV2 gives you a lot of useful technology and equipment for the money.
Standard equipment includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. Move up to Earth trim and you also get features such as ambient lighting and wireless smartphone charging.
Kia EV2 practicality
The EV2 is available in both four- and five-seat configurations in some markets, but in Ireland we get the five-seat version with a conventional rear bench and three seatbelts, which is the most sensible configuration for Irish buyers. The flat floor helps make the rear cabin feel less cramped and I think rear seat space is one of the EV2’s strengths. It feels quite spacious for a car of this size, compared to a Renault 4 or Jeep Avenger for instance.
There are Isofix points on the two outer seats as well as USB-C ports and air vents.
The EV2’s 362 litre boot is smaller in volume than the likes of a Renault 4 or Ford Puma Gen E but it’s still practical with useful depth, underfloor storage and another handy storage tray under the bonnet.
The Kia EV2’s boot is smaller than some rivals but still very usefulWhat’s it like driving the Kia EV2 on Irish roads?
The EV2 has been developed specifically for Europe and tuned for European roads, and that comes through in the way it drives. It’s smooth, predictable and easy to drive, with light but precise steering and a comfortable ride. It’s easy around town, but it doesn’t feel out of its depth once you leave the city thanks to good levels of comfort, refinement but also range, particularly the big battery version.
The 61kWh has 135hp and 0-100km/h is 9.5 seconds but there is plenty of power for everyday driving and also joining motorways. There are also drive modes (normal, eco, sport and snow), while paddles behind the steering wheel allow you to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking. Sport mode gives the car a little more urgency, but the EV2 still prioritises comfort over sportiness, and something like a Ford Puma Gen-E or Renault 4 are arguably more fun to drive.
But the EV2 is the better all-rounder when you take into consideration comfort and the versatility of the range it offers. With up to 453km of WLTP range, the long-range model currently has an advantage over several of its closest rivals. It’s also efficient in real world driving, with my average around 13kWh/100km during my summer test.
Kia EV2 charging
DC fast charging is competitive for a small electric SUV with 10-80% in about 30 minutes. 11kW AC is included as standard.
Long-range versions from Earth trim upwards also get vehicle-to-load capability, allowing you to use the car’s battery to power external electrical equipment.
Vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capability are also part of the EV2’s technology offering, depending on specification and market availability.
Kia EV2: Verdict
The Kia EV2 may not have the most stylish interior or be the most fun to drive of its rivals, but it gets the important things right: excellent range, comfort, practicality, technology and generous standard equipment making it good value for money overall and a reliable choice.
The 61kWh Earth looks like the sweet spot for Irish buyers, offering up to 453km of range for €33,810. It’s a strong all-rounder and a sound buy if you’re in the market for a small electric SUV.
Kia EV2 Video Reviews
Kia EV2 Irish Road Test: Is This the Small Electric SUV to Buy?
I’ve now driven the Kia EV2 on Irish roads to see how it performs as an electric SUV. In this video, I take a closer look at the Irish-spec 61kWh Earth, including its range, practicality, interior, equipment and how it drives.
Kia EV2 First Drive: My First Impressions from Lisbon
Before the Kia EV2 arrived in Ireland, I travelled to Lisbon for the European press launch to get my first drive of Kia’s new small electric SUV. In this video, I take a first look at the EV2’s design, interior, practicality, performance and driving experience, and compare it with some of its key rivals.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year