Kia aims the EV2 at the urban SUV segment in Europe, and it is unlikely to be sold in the U.S. market. Instead, the company plans to position the upcoming EV3 as a budget-friendly electric vehicle for North America.

Kia describes the EV2 as a significant advancement in urban mobility, promising to combine advanced technology and practicality within a compact body. Features of the EV2 include Kia’s signature star map lighting with vertically arranged projector LED headlights, a sturdy bumper, wide daytime running lights (DLO), sleek door handles, and a robust silhouette.

The EV2 has been developed primarily for the European market. As observed in test vehicles, it features a vertical front end, vertical grille and headlight modules, daytime running lights, star-shaped wheels, an elevated window line, and a thick rear bumper.

Recent spy shots have confirmed the presence of star-shaped two-tone alloy wheels and a charging door on the front fender. The rear design is expected to include a wrap-around windshield, a wide-opening tailgate, and combination lamps integrated into the wheel arch extension, similar to the Kona EV.

While the concept featured rear-hinged doors, the test prototype has regular doors with large windows and a windshield. We can anticipate influences from the EV3, which includes a minimal dashboard, a digital instrument cluster, and an infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia plans to include a wireless charging pad, power outlet, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and foldable rear seats with enough space for four adults. Although Kia has not yet provided details on the EV2's specifications, reports suggest that the EV2 will be available with LFP and NMC battery versions. The LFP battery-based EV2 is designed to achieve a range of 186 miles (300 km) on a single charge, while the NMC battery version aims for a range of approximately 273 miles (440 km).

The EV2 may be compact, but it will include features related to vehicle, cargo, and charging capabilities comparable to larger Kia EVs. The Kia EV2 small SUV is expected to launch in February 2026, with a gradual rollout anticipated in the European market during the first half of next year. It will be produced in Slovakia, with a projected price range of €25,000 to €30,000 (approximately $27,000 to $32,000 USD). Key competitors include the Fiat Grande Panda, Hyundai Inspire, Citroën e-C3, and Renault 4.