Kia EV2 Named Finalist for 2027 Car of the Year Award, Europe’s Prestigious Automotive Prize
- Kia
- 2026.10.30 (KST)
- 분량8min
- 조회수 2,369Views
AI summarized the main points
AI-generated summary. Please refer to the full article for precise details.
- Kia EV2 among seven finalists for Europe’s 2027 Car of the Year, marking the brand’s ninth finals appearance
- EV2 nomination marks Kia’s sixth consecutive Car of the Year final, selected by an independent jury of automotive journalists from across Europe
- Compact electric SUV combines Kia’s advanced EV technology, flexible interior space, everyday practicality and distinctive design
(Seoul/Frankfurt am Main) October 30, 2026 – 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 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. It also reflects the brand’s expanding portfolio of dedicated EVs, applying advanced technology and practical design to make sustainable mobility accessible to a broader range of customers.
“We are delighted that the EV2 has been shortlisted for Car of the Year, marking Kia’s sixth consecutive appearance in the final,” said Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “With the EV2, we are bringing the technology and experience of our dedicated EV 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.”
Why Is Reaching the Car of the Year Final Significant for the Kia EV2?
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. The EV2 is one of seven finalists selected after rigorous evaluation.
Which Kia Models Have Previously Reached the Car of the Year Final?
Kia’s Car of the Year history began with the Ceed in 2008. The Stinger reached the final in 2018, followed by a new-generation Ceed in 2019. The EV6 then became Kia’s first Car of the Year winner in 2022, beginning the brand’s current run of consecutive finals appearances, including:
- 2022: EV6 – Car of the Year winner
- 2023: Niro
- 2024: EV9
- 2025: EV3 – Runner-up
- 2026: EV4
The latest nomination extends that sequence from the EV6 to Kia’s most compact dedicated electric SUV, the EV2, demonstrating the scope of the brand’s evolving EV portfolio.
How Does the Kia EV2 Make Electric Mobility Accessible to More Customers?
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 offers customers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Battery and range: 42.2 kWh Standard Range and 61.0 kWh Long Range batteries, with figures of up to 317 km and 453 km respectively (European-specification WLTP figures; range varies by version).
- Versatility: a choice of five- or, in selected markets, four-seat layouts, the latter featuring sliding and reclining rear seats and up to 403 liters of luggage space with the rear seats fully forward.
- Technology: available EV Route Planner, Plug & Charge, over-the-air updates and advanced driver assistance features to simplify everyday electric driving.
- Safety: 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.
When Will the 2027 Car of the Year Winner Be Announced?
The overall winner of the 2027 Car of the Year will be announced on 8 January 2027 at the Brussels Motor Show, following further testing and evaluation of the finalists by the jury.
