Kia EV2: The €26,670 Electric SUV Challenging the Competition

The Kia EV2 arrives with a shock argument: upper-segment features starting at €26,670. This 4.06m urban SUV bets everything on energy efficiency with a consumption of just 15.1 kWh/100 km and a 403-liter trunk that defies its category.

"This EV2 was designed in Germany for the European clientele and for them alone, but it is also manufactured in Europe at the group's Slovakian plant in Zilina" — Kia Motors

A Price Positioning That Hurts

Kia strikes hard with the EV2. While its European competitors flirt with €30,000, the Korean manufacturer pulls out an entry price of €26,670 for the Light trim with the 42.2 kWh battery. With government incentives and the launch discount, the entry ticket even drops to €19,970. That's €3,320 less than the Renault 4 e-Tech electric, its most direct rival.

This aggressive pricing strategy doesn't sacrifice equipment. From the base version, you get the essentials: touchscreen, automatic climate control, parking sensors. Kia clearly intends to shake up the urban electric SUV market where the Peugeot e-2008 and Jeep Avenger reign supreme.

A Compact but Clever Footprint

At 4.06 m long, 1.80 m wide, and 1.57 m high, the EV2 plays in the league of true urban compacts. But the manufacturer has optimized every available centimeter. The trunk boasts 403 liters, a volume usually found on larger vehicles.

Interior space is a positive surprise up front. Rear passengers will have to make do with more measured space, which remains consistent with the footprint. The electric architecture frees up floor space and optimizes interior layout without penalizing cargo volume.

Two Batteries for Two Uses

Kia offers two battery sizes for the EV2. The entry version packs an LFP battery of 42.2 kWh paired with a 145 hp motor delivering 250 Nm of torque. This configuration promises 317 km of WLTP range with a mixed consumption of 15.1 kWh/100 km.

The second option steps up to 61 kWh for an extended range of 453 km according to the WLTP cycle. This version prioritizes long journeys at the expense of the purchase price. On the highway, tests reveal a consumption of 17.9 kWh/100 km at legal speed, while on a brisk country road drive, it drops to 14.1 kWh/100 km.

What's the Real-World Range?

Initial tests show the EV2 lives up to its efficiency promises. In mixed use, consumption oscillates between 14 and 18 kWh/100 km depending on the type of route. This frugality places the small Korean SUV among the segment's references for energy optimization.

Fast charging is done on DC chargers up to 77 kW for the small battery and 80 kW for the large one. Correct values without being exceptional, allowing for an 80% charge recovery in about thirty minutes.

Facing European Competition

On paper, the EV2 puts pressure on its European rivals. The Renault 4 e-Tech starts at €29,990 with a range of 300 km. The electric Jeep Avenger displays a similar price but with a lower range of 400 km for the long-range version.

On the Chinese side, competition gets tougher with models like the BYD Attoo 3](/article/byd-atto-3-evo-449-ch-800v-et-autonomie-renforcee-pour-2026) which offers more space and equipment. But the EV2 benefits from Kia's quality image and, crucially, its eligibility for the eco-bonus thanks to its Slovakian production.

Road Manners That Reassure

Behind the wheel, the EV2 displays a rare homogeneity for the segment. The suspension effectively filters out road imperfections without ever becoming vague. The chassis developed on the E-GMP platform provides a pleasant driving experience, whether in the city or on open roads.

The steering is precise and the running gear manages weight transfer well. The electric motor delivers its 145 hp with the prog