If you assumed Kia’s subcompact EV3 would be its smallest foray into the electric SUV segment, think again. These spy shots reveal that the Korean automaker is cooking up an even smaller EV, the Kia EV2, set for a 2026 release. This sub-compact contender is designed with the European market in mind, where space—and price—are at a premium.

Though Kia has teased details about its forthcoming model lineup, this is our first glimpse of the EV2 in the metal. The heavily camouflaged prototype could be easily mistaken for a Kia EV3 if it wasn’t for the redesigned greenhouse and the slightly smaller footprint.

More: Kia Wants A Picanto-Sized EV And Electric Stinger Successor

The EV2 manages to pull off a mini-SUV stance, thanks to its upright nose, near-vertical windshield, and boxy silhouette, capped off with roof rails that give it a touch of ruggedness. Familiar styling cues, like the vertically stacked LED headlights and blacked-out pillars, link it to the larger EV siblings—the EV3, EV5, and EV9. Interestingly, the taillights sit lower than you’d expect, though these might just be placeholder units. The prototype also rolls on smart-looking alloy wheels with a machined finish.

Inside, the modern headrests on the seats are similar to the EV3, while we can see what appears to be a digital instrument cluster. While the rest of the dashboard remains covered, a separate infotainment display seems to protrude from the center—a shift from Kia’s usual single-panel screen setup.

The Kia EV2 is expected to measure around 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) in length. That makes it longer than its Hyundai sibling, the Inster, which measures 3,825 mm (150.6 inches) and competes in the A-SUV category. However, it’s still shorter than the MINI Aceman at 4,079 mm (160.6 inches) and the Jeep Avenger at 4,084 mm (160.8 inches), both on the smaller end of the B-SUV segment. For reference, the Kia EV3 is significantly larger at 4,300 mm (169.3 inches), putting it at the upper end of the same category.

Underpinning the EV2 could be a shorter version of Kia’s E-GMP platform. Chances are that the model will be available with a single electric motor and a smaller battery pack, as it is aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers who want electric without breaking the bank.

Kia’s CEO, Song Hu-sung, has indicated that the EV2 will aim for a price between €25,000 and €30,000 (around $27,000 to $33,000 at current exchange rates). Production is scheduled to begin in Slovakia, with the car expected in showrooms by 2026.

And the EV2 might not be the last of Kia’s mini EVs. The Korean brand is already contemplating an even tinier and cheaper EV1, which could eventually replace the Picanto as Kia’s smallest offering in Europe.

SH Proshots