Kia EV2 becomes first RAC Car of the Year and Best Small Electric Car
The Kia EV2 has made history as the first-ever overall winner of the RAC New Car Awards, taking the top title at the inaugural 2026 ceremony in the UK.
- 1897
- more than 15 million
- 7
- at least 15 models
What Happened
Kia announced that the EV2 has become the first-ever winner of the RAC New Car Awards' overall Car of the Year title, and was also named Best Small Electric Car at the inaugural 2026 awards in the United Kingdom. The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) is one of the UK's most respected automotive organizations; founded in 1897, it has served more than 15 million British motorists and is known for independent, credible vehicle reviews. The EV2's win gives it significant recognition as Kia's latest electric vehicle enters the European market.
The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) is founded; it has since served more than 15 million British motorists.
The RAC holds its inaugural New Car Awards in the UK; the Kia EV2 becomes the first vehicle in the awards' history to win the overall Car of the Year title and is also named Best Small Electric Car.
Kia aims to offer at least 15 EV models globally, including traditional passenger vehicles and next-generation Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models.
The EV2 was rigorously tested by the RAC's independent editorial team against competing vehicles using a comprehensive 10-point scoring system. Cars were judged across seven key categories: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and driving performance. RAC experts made the final decision at their Bristol headquarters, with the EV2 becoming the first vehicle in the awards' history to win the overall Car of the Year title.
“Kia designed the EV2 to bring the benefits of electric mobility to a broader range of customers, combining accessible pricing with the technology, practicality and driving experience expected of our dedicated EVs. Becoming the first-ever RAC Car of the Year is meaningful recognition of that approach and further strengthens the EV2's position as Kia expands accessible electric mobility across Europe and its global EV lineup.”
“The Kia EV2 is the best small electric car we've driven to date. Sensibly priced and easy to live with, it sets new standards for comfort, refinement and range. That premium feel is reflected in the way it drives, while its generous levels of standard equipment make the EV2 outstanding value. Put simply, the EV2 is the benchmark by which all small electric cars are now judged.”
The EV2 is Kia's newest dedicated electric vehicle, designed, engineered and built in Europe for European customers. Kia describes it as a compact SUV that combines practical proportions with long-range capability, everyday usability and advanced technology. As the newest entry in Kia's dedicated EV lineup, the EV2 plays a key role in the company's broader electrification strategy: Kia plans to offer at least 15 EV models globally by 2030, including both traditional passenger vehicles and next-generation Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models.
Previously from Hyundai
The EV2's RAC win comes days after separate UK recognition for Hyundai Motor, which won three honors at the 2026 What Car? Electric Car Awards. At those awards, the IONIQ 6 N was named Best Electric Performance Car.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Hyundai's official releases.
Why this matters
The RAC is one of the UK's most respected automotive organizations, so an independent win gives Kia credibility as the EV2 enters the European market. The judges' verdict also tells small-electric-car buyers what to expect: the RAC says the EV2 sets new standards for comfort, refinement and range at an accessible price.
Terms in This Story
- RAC (Royal Automobile Club)
- A UK motoring organization founded in 1897 that serves British motorists and provides independent vehicle reviews.
- PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle)
- A vehicle platform category for purpose-built models designed for uses beyond conventional passenger cars.
- dedicated EV
- An electric vehicle built on a platform designed specifically for electric power rather than one shared with combustion-engine models.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.