Compact and confident: The Kia EV2 exterior design
Compact and confident: The Kia EV2 exterior design
How Kia’s Opposites United design language shaped the Kia EV2
Bold design is at the heart of every new Kia, and the Kia EV2 is the perfect example. Compact yet confident-looking, it has an exterior defined by strong upright elements, Kia’s latest Star Map light signature and a robust stance.
Here, we take a closer look at how its exterior design has been shaped by Kia’s innovative ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.
Kia EV2: Distinctive design, dynamic detail
Bold. Confident. Strong. Three words that sum up the Kia EV2’s exterior design. It starts with its overall shape – upright and proud, in true SUV fashion. Then there’s its stance – solid and tough thanks to its raised ride height, chunky wheel arches and high roofline.
At the front, distinctive lighting and a sleek interpretation of Kia’s latest grille design give it real personality. The side profile is pure SUV, with a steep windscreen angle, robust wheel arches and gloss-black A-pillar trim for a ‘floating roof’ effect. Smooth surfacing and retractable door handles add to the EV2’s contemporary character, but they’re not just for show: they reduce aerodynamic drag to help improve battery range.
A near-vertical rear window and an unusually wide boot lid communicate the EV2’s excellent practicality, while beautifully detailed rear lights add to the overall sense of sophistication.
Signature lighting
You won’t mistake the EV2 for anything other than a Kia, day or night, thanks to its characteristic ‘Star Map’ lighting. Inspired by starry skies, this unique design element was introduced on the EV9, Kia’s flagship SUV. Every new Kia since has featured a variation on this futuristic look.
For the EV2, the emphasis is on vertical light signatures that accentuate its assertive character. Its ‘face’ is defined by four individual lighting units, each with arrow-shaped LED elements. Small, sculpted rear light units sit at either side of the tailgate, framing it neatly while providing space for a large boot opening.
Opposites United
‘Opposites United’ is the design philosophy behind Kia’s latest models, and you can see it in action on the EV2. It’s an approach that uses the concepts of contrast, disruption and opposition to create something new and vibrant, and which helps Kia’s cars stand out from the crowd.
Each car has its own character, yet they’re united by a family resemblance that shouts ‘Kia’. Take a look at the EV2 and you’ll notice its proportions and shape are very similar to those of the EV5 and EV9. And in common with every Kia electric SUV, the EV2 blends clean lines with contrasting wheel arch and body trim for a look that’s both sleek and rugged.
Roomy inside, with plenty of passenger and cargo space
Kia's style revolution
Cutting-edge design has played a key role in Kia’s transformation in recent years. The brand has always been known for cars that stand out for their value, advanced tech and class-leading warranty, but Kia is now just as famous for being a design leader.
Mould-breaking models such as the Niro and Sportage set the tone, and now a new wave of pure-electric models is pushing the boundaries again. With a strategy led by Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design since 2019, Kia’s models now appeal to your heart as well as your head. They’re exciting-looking cars that you simply can’t ignore.
The Kia EV2 is the latest example of this approach, combining compact dimensions with fearless design to create a small SUV like no other.
Style, your way
Being able to personalise the look of your new car is a must-have for most of us and the Kia EV2 offers plenty of options to tailor it to your style.
Three trim levels are available, and each has a distinct look. Even the entry-level Air model comes packed with stylish features, including roof rails, striking alloy wheel designs and LED headlights with a Star Map signature. GT-Line trim adds a sportier vibe, with 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumper and door trim inserts and rear privacy glass. Top-spec GT-Line S trim features interior upgrades and an electric sunroof.
The range of exterior colours includes options to suit all tastes, whether you prefer something subtle or more expressive, as well as a choice of solid, metallic and pearl paint finishes.
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[2] MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary.
[3] When the vehicle is parked, Safe Exit Warning (SEW) can alert the driver when a vehicle is approaching from behind. SEW does not work in all situations and is not a substitute for driver or passenger attentiveness. Always be aware of your surroundings and attentive of approaching vehicles. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[4] Hyundai Pay is available on select 2021-2026 model year Hyundai vehicles equipped with Bluelink and touchscreen navigation. Requires an active Hyundai Bluelink mobile app account, subject to the Connected Services and Hyundai Pay Terms and Conditions. Cellular and GPS coverage is required. Only use Bluelink features and corresponding devices when safe to do so. Valid Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card must be linked to Hyundai Pay. Credit card eligibility and terms are determined by the card issuing bank. Hyundai Pay is currently accepted at select gas stations, charging stations and parking facilities (collectively, “Merchants”) in the U.S. Participating Merchants may not operate in all states or locations. Additional Merchant terms and fees may apply. Features, specifications, fees and availability are subject to change. Visit owners.hyundaiusa.com/resources for more information.
[5] Digital smartphone key requires a compatible smartphone and an appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicle. Not all smartphones are compatible. Hyundai vehicle must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Tap to lock/unlock function works on front doors only. Requires MyHyundai with Bluelink app and active Bluelink account. Please visit www.MyHyundai.com for information on compatible devices. Features and specifications subject to change. See your Owner’s Manual for additional details and limitations.
[6] America's Best Warranty claim based on total package of warranty programs. See dealer for LIMITED WARRANTY details. See your Hyundai dealer and HyundaiUSA.com/Assurance for details and limitations regarding Hyundai’s Powertrain Limited Warranty, New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Roadside Assistance program. Claim based on comparison of warranty specifications on manufacturer websites.
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[9] The smart liftgate will open when the smart key is within 20-40 inches of the detection area for at least 3 seconds. Radio transmitters and other vehicle smart keys may interfere in the normal operation of the feature. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations. Make sure you close the liftgate before driving.
[10] Hyundai SmartSense features are supplemental features and not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Feature availability varies by trim. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[11] Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) can assist the driver by warning of other cars in the blind spot region. While your turn signal is on, it can alert you visually, by sound and/or by haptic feedback when equipped. It senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over approximately 12 mph. There are limitations to the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other cars. BCW may not operate if sensors are obscured in any way. Do not rely exclusively on BCW. BCW is a supplemental system, and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
