Kia EV2 wins RAC’s inaugural ‘Car of the Year’

• RAC Drive names Kia’s latest EV its ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Small Electric Car’
• EV2 collects its first overall ‘Car of the Year’ achievement
• 2026 the first year of the RAC New Car Awards

The Kia EV2 has been named the overall ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Small Electric Car’ category winner in the inaugural RAC New Car Awards.

Praised for its premium feel, pricing and overall versatility, Kia’s latest EV has received its first ‘Car of the Year’ award, from one of the most recognisable organisations in UK motoring. The RAC has been championing drivers since 1897 and providing peace of mind to more than 15 million UK motorists across breakdown cover, insurance, mobile servicing and repairs.

The EV2 was independently tested and assessed by the RAC’s in-house editorial team, which brings together more than 35 years of combined automotive experience.

The EV2 was evaluated against its direct rivals using a 10-point scoring system across seven key criteria: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance.

The judging process for selecting the overall RAC Car of the Year 2026 was carried out at a final testing session at the RAC’s offices in Bristol, involving a team of RAC experts including RAC Patrol of the Year, Ross Templeman; and RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year, Jack Halstead.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia UK, said: "The RAC is a household name throughout the UK, and its recognition of the EV2 is hugely important to Kia. These two awards not only highlight the exceptional qualities of the EV2, but also our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible to a wider audience. Since its launch, the EV2 has demonstrated that compact, affordable electric vehicles can deliver the technology, practicality and driving experience customers expect from Kia.

These awards instil a huge amount of confidence in our latest and smallest EV, as customer deliveries for the whole line up begin through our 189-strong nationwide dealer network.”

Dan Powell, Editor, RAC Drive, commented: “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 latest EV, designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, for Europe. Starting from £24,245 on-the-road, it represents Kia’s newest entry point into its dedicated electric line-up, combining compact SUV proportions with long-range capability, everyday practicality and advanced technology. Available in the UK as a five-seater, it offers up to 275 miles of WLTP combined range, a 362-litre boot, 10-to-80% DC charging in 30 minutes and three well-equipped Long Range trim levels, making it one of Kia’s most accessible and versatile electric vehicles to date.

EV2 plays a key role in Kia’s long-term strategy of having no fewer than 15 EVs on sale globally in 2030, consisting of passenger cars and Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models.