The Kia EV2 looks like a perfect fit as an affordable electric hot hatch, but there’s a catch

Is the EV2 GT the affordable electric hot hatch we’ve been waiting for? Kia hinted that one is on the way, but it might look and feel a little different from Kia’s other electric GT models.

Kia hints at EV2 GT as an affordable electric hot hatch

The EV2 is among the most anticipated EVs of 2026. Almost a year after revealing the concept at its second annual EV Day event, Kia unveiled the production model at the Brussels Motor Show on Friday.

As its smallest electric SUV, Kia said the EV2 marks “a new entry point to electric mobility” with prices expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,000).

At just 4,060 mm (160″) long, the entry-level EV is slightly smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 and Nissan Juke. It’s closer in size and price to the Renault 4 and the Hyundai Inster EV.

Although it’s a tiny SUV, the EV2 boasts “one of the most impressive interiors” in its lineup, Kia said at the event. With sliding second-row seats, smart storage spaces, and more, the company promises the cabin feels much more spacious and open than it looks.

At the Brussels Motor Show, Kia also introduced three new electric GT models, the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT.

Kia now has a flagship GT trim across its entire EV lineup, but will that include the entry-level EV2? When asked at the event, Kia Europe’s director of product and pricing, Alex Papapetropolous, told Autocar that “At launch we’re going to have Air and Earth trims, with GT Line following in June.”

However, we could see the performance variant shortly after. Papapetropolous added, “Of course, we’re looking at life-cycle animations on EV2, and it’s a segment that customers are very keen and receptive to have those life-cycle updates in, so we’re looking at adding more trims in the future.”

All of Kia’s current electric GT models are equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. Since the EV2 is based on a modified version of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, it would likely be offered only with front-wheel drive (FWD), which would mean less power.

With a combined 215 kW (288 hp), the AWD EV3 GT (pictured on the left) and EV4 GT (pictured on the right) are not exactly considered powerful sports cars, but Kia claims its GT models are not all about just power, but rather “everyday performance.”

The exclusive GT badging, fine-tuned suspension, and other upgrades to improve handling, along with added fun features (like a Virtual Gear Shifter), are what Kia is focused on.

The Kia EV2 GT could go head-to-head with other entry-level electric hot hatches set to hit the market, like the Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI.

While the EV2 GT may be in the works, don’t get your hopes up to see it launch in the US. Kia is not expected to bring the EV2 or any of its new electric GT (EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT) to the States.

Would you buy the EV2 GT as an electric hot hatch? Even if it was only offered in FWD? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.