Despite a strangely arranged name, the Kia Concept EV2 is like a cute puppy we want to take home. Too bad we’d have to smuggle it out of the adoption center because it’s likely not coming to the United States due to its diminutive dimensions. Still, a production version of the pint-sized electric SUV is slated to be sold elsewhere sometime in 2026.
The EV2 Is Kia’s Smallest-Ever EV
Consider the EV2 concept to be Kia’s take on the Hyundai Inster, a similarly quirky and small SUV that we do not currently have. We bet that the production version of the EV2 will be influenced by the Inster’s setup, which peaks at 113 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque when paired with the larger (lol) 49.0-kWh battery. However, there is not a single drop of information regarding the electric powertrain of the EV2. That translates to roughly 187 miles of range, meaning American drivers would probably treat the Inster or EV2 like a puppy that peed on the carpet.
The EV2 represents Kia’s smallest EV, but its design is similar to its larger siblings. For instance, it shares similarities with the upcoming EV4 sedan and EV9 three-row SUV’s vertical front lighting elements. The EV2 also features what Kia has dubbed “Star Map” lighting, which is basically illuminated freckles on the vehicle’s flat front panel. The geometric shapes seen on the glass and wheel arches continue the continuity. However, a couple of things differentiate the EV2 concept from its kin, namely the missing center pillar and rear-hinged back doors (a.k.a. coach doors). While we’d be surprised if those design elements make their way into production, they’re cool nonetheless.
The Concept EV2’s interior is unquestionably its coolest feature. We’ll cut straight to the chase: we’re suckers for front bench seats, so the EV2 is playing games with our hearts. The fact that the front bench is on a track means that it can be slid backward and the rear seats can be folded out of the way, giving people more room to stretch out or even sit on the flat floor. The latter situation is possible according to Kia, but we’re not sure how feasible that will be for more than one person over six feet tall.
The dashboard has a display that looks like a tablet and would fit on most current Kia models. The concept also has a fanciful steering wheel that looks like it was melted in the oven. We dig the dash’s fabric material, which looks like it was inspired by the BMW iX, and there’s an oddly colored metal surface that spans the bottom section. According to Kia, the speakers in the EV2 can be moved, so car karaoke can easily be done anywhere. Another interesting concept is the message lighting that lets people display text messages through the windows. However, it’s quite possible that “Hey, Kia, why don’t you sell cool stuff like the EV2 in America?” is too long to fit.
