Kia EV2 named finalist for 2027 Car of the Year, Kia's ninth finals appearance
Kia's compact electric EV2 is one of seven finalists for the 2027 Car of the Year, extending the brand's sixth consecutive run at Europe's best-known automotive prize.
- 7
- 65 journalists from 25 European countries
- 9, including 6 consecutive
- 453 km
What Happened
Kia's Car of the Year history began with the Ceed in 2008, continued with the Stinger in 2018 and a new-generation Ceed in 2019, and reached its high point with the EV6's outright win in 2022. The EV2 now becomes the brand's ninth finals appearance and its sixth in a row. The award, established in 1964, is judged by 65 automotive journalists representing 25 European countries. The jury assesses new vehicles on criteria including technical innovation, design, safety, driving performance and value for money. The EV2 is one of seven finalists selected after rigorous evaluation.
EV6 - Car of the Year winner, starting the current run of consecutive finals
Niro reaches the final
EV9 reaches the final
EV3 - runner-up
EV4 reaches the final
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 manufactured at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia, becoming the second fully electric model produced at the facility following the EV4. Kia says the nomination underscores its global commitment to making electric mobility accessible to a broader range of customers, and that the compact electric SUV combines advanced EV technology, flexible interior space, everyday practicality and distinctive design.
- A choice of five-seat or, in selected markets, four-seat layouts, the latter with sliding and reclining rear seats and up to 403 liters of luggage space with the rear seats fully forward
- Available EV Route Planner, Plug & Charge, over-the-air updates and advanced driver assistance features
- A five-star Euro NCAP rating awarded in 2026, reflecting performance in independent safety assessments
- 2 kWh battery, up to 317 km
- 61.0 kWh battery, up to 453 km
8 January 2027
At the Brussels Motor Show, following further testing and evaluation of the finalists by the jury.
Previously from Kia
Kia's electric line-up has been collecting independent assessment results this autumn. In coverage published on 14 October 2026, the Kia EV4 took a five-star Green NCAP Sustainability Rating with a 90% overall score, the best result of that assessment round.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Kia's official releases.
Why this matters
The Car of the Year title is decided by 65 journalists from 25 European countries, so a finalist slot puts the EV2 in front of the European buyers Kia is targeting with its most compact dedicated electric SUV. Kia has reached the final every year since its EV6 win in 2022, and the winner will be named on 8 January 2027.
Terms in This Story
- E-GMP
- Electric-Global Modular Platform, a dedicated architecture designed specifically for battery-electric vehicles.
- WLTP
- Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure, the standardised European test cycle used to quote range and efficiency figures.
- B-segment
- The European size class for small cars, one step below compact (C-segment) models.
- Euro NCAP
- The independent European new-car assessment programme that awards star ratings based on crash-test and safety performance.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.