Kia EV2 drives into Car of the Year glory with 275-mile range
Compact electric SUV earns recognition for value, safety and performance
DUBAI – Kia EV2 has made history by becoming the first-ever recipient of the overall Car of the Year title at the inaugural RAC New Car Awards 2026 in the United Kingdom.
The compact electric SUV also secured the Best Small Electric Car award, adding two major accolades as Kia expands its dedicated electric vehicle range across Europe. The awards were independently assessed by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), one of the UK’s established motoring organisations.
The EV2 was evaluated by the RAC’s independent editorial team against competing vehicles using a 10-point scoring system covering seven areas: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and driving performance.
The final decision was made by RAC experts at the organisation’s headquarters in Bristol, with the EV2 becoming the first vehicle to claim the awards’ overall Car of the Year title.
RAC assessment
Dan Powell, Editor of the RAC’s Automotive Review Program, described the EV2 as the best small electric car the organisation had driven to date.
He highlighted its pricing, everyday usability, comfort, refinement and range, while also pointing to its premium driving experience and standard equipment. Powell said the EV2 had become the “benchmark by which all small electric cars are now judged”.
The RAC, founded in 1897, has served more than 15 million British motorists and provides independent vehicle reviews alongside its wider motoring services.
Sang Un Cho, Senior Vice President of Global Business Planning at Kia, said the EV2 was developed to make electric mobility accessible to a broader group of customers while combining pricing, technology, practicality and driving performance.
EV2 specifications
The EV2 is Kia’s newest dedicated electric vehicle and has been designed, engineered and built in Europe for European customers. Positioned in the compact SUV segment, it combines practical dimensions with long-range capability, everyday usability and advanced technology.
The model offers up to 275 miles of WLTP combined driving range, while its 362-litre cargo capacity provides space for everyday use. Its battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast charging.
The award adds to recognition for Kia’s expanding electric vehicle portfolio as the company pursues a broader electrification strategy. Kia plans to offer at least 15 EV models globally by 2030, spanning traditional passenger vehicles and next-generation Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models.
Founded in 1944, Kia employs around 52,000 people worldwide, operates across nearly 200 markets and has manufacturing facilities in six countries. The company sells more than three million vehicles annually.