BRUSSELS: The Kia EV2 has been named one of seven finalists for the 2027 Car of the Year award, Europe’s prestigious automotive award.
Selected by an independent jury of automotive journalists from across Europe, the compact electric SUV (sport utility vehicle) continues Kia’s record of recognition in one of the automotive industry’s leading awards.
The nomination marks Kia’s ninth Car of the Year finals appearance, and its sixth consecutive nomination, continuing a run that began with the EV6’s outright victory in 2022.
"With the EV2, we are bringing the technology and experience of our dedicated EV (electric vehicle) range to a compact SUV developed around European customers’ everyday needs. This nomination is a significant recognition of the progress we have made in electric mobility,” said Kia president and CEO Europe Soohang Chang.
The overall winner of the 2027 Car of the Year will be announced on Jan 8, 2027 at the Brussels Motor Show.
Established in 1964, the Car of the Year award is judged by 65 automotive journalists representing 25 European countries.
The jury assesses new vehicles against criteria including technical innovation, design, safety, driving performance and value for money.
Unveiled at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, the EV2 is a B-segment electric SUV built on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy gives the model a distinctive SUV character, while its compact exterior dimensions are paired with a spacious, flexible interior and connected technologies.
The EV2 is offered with two battery options, 42.2kWh and 61kWh, presenting ranges of up to 317km and 453km (WLTP) respectively.
Flexible charging options, including 400V DC fast charging and 11kW AC charging, support both urban commuting and longer journeys.
Connected services, such as EV route planning, Plug & Charge functionality, and bidirectional charging, simplify ownership.
The EV2's compact size still offers generous legroom, sliding and reclining rear seats, and up to 403 litres of cargo capacity.
Kia’s triple-screen display options, Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) exceed expectations for the segment.
It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating awarded in 2026, reflecting the EV2’s performance in independent safety assessments.
The EV2 is manufactured at Kia's Žilina plant in Slovakia, becoming the second fully electric model produced at the facility following the EV4.
