Kia’s affordable EVs catch on, but the EV2 could sell like ‘hotcakes’

Kia credited its growing lineup of mass-market EVs and hybrid SUVs after posting its third straight month of sales growth in May.

The Kia EV2 is poised to sell like hotcakes

The Korean automaker sold 277,715 vehicles last month, up 2.7% from May 2025, marking Kia’s third straight month of year-over-year global sales growth.

Kia’s SUVs and electrified vehicles led the demand, including the Sportage and Seltos. The Sportage set a new sales record with 52,294 units sold, followed by the Seltos at 29,208.

Outside of its home market of Korea, Kia sold 232,781 vehicles, up 3.4% from the same period in 2025. In the US, hybrid SUVs, such as the new Sportage and Sorento HEVs, drove the highest demand.

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Meanwhile, in Europe, the UK, and other overseas markets, Kia’s mass-market EVs, like the EV3, EV4, and EV5, are winning over buyers.

Starting at around €36,000 ($42,000) in Europe and £33,000 ($44,300) in the UK, Kia’s compact electric SUV, the EV3, has remained a top-selling EV since it went on sale in late 2024. Last year, it was the third most popular EV in the UK behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and ranked in the top 10 in Europe.

While the EV3 has been a huge factor in its recent growth streak, the smaller, more affordable EV2 will likely be an even bigger hit.

After naming the Kia EV2 as the “Best Electric Compact SUV” on its annual EcoCar Electric Top 50, Diesel&EcoCar Magazine Editor Ian Robertson said, “The EV2 brings the brand’s bold design language to the compact SUV segment at an accessible price, without compromising on quality or technology.”

A cut above the rivals

According to Robertson, “The driving range is competitive, the interior feels a cut above rivals at this price point, and the driving experience is refined and assured.”

With the EV2 now arriving at UK showrooms, “it’s going to sell like hotcakes,” Robertson added. Kia opened orders for the EV2 last month, starting at £24,245 ($32,500) on the road.

The compact electric SUV is available in four trims: Light, Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. Buyers can choose from two battery pack options: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh, providing WLTP ranges of up to 197 miles (317 km) and 281 miles (453 km), respectively.

To give you a better idea, BYD’s most affordable EV, the Dolphin Surf, starts at £18,675 ($24,800) in the UK, but offers a WLTP range of just 137 miles. The “Boost” model starts at £21,975 ($29,000) with a WLTP range of up to 200 miles.

While it still features Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system inside, including dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens, the EV2 is equipped with a “Lite” version that offers most of the same functions, except built-in navigation.

Drivers can still access the feature using apps like Google Maps to connect their smartphones to the vehicle’s infotainment system for navigation and other functions.

Although the EV2 is even smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 at just over 4,000 mm (160″) in length, it offers “segment-leading” rear passenger legroom and up to 403 liters of cargo capacity.

While those in the US will miss out on the EV2, Kia is finally set to launch the EV3 later this year. It will be available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT, offering up to 320 miles of range from an 81.4 kWh battery.

The base Light model uses a 58.3 kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor, providing a driving range of up to 220 miles.

Kia has yet to reveal prices, but the EV3 is expected to start at around $35,000 or less, making it among the most affordable EVs in the US alongside the new Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF.

After unveiling the US-spec model in April, Kia said the EV3 is an “entry-level EV SUV that offers many of the advanced amenities of the EV9,” but in a smaller, more affordable package.