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Toyota Yaris Cross vs Kia EV2 comparison

Compare performance (130 HP vs 147 HP), boot space and price (23,700 £ vs 22,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Toyota Yaris Cross or Kia EV2?

Toyota Yaris Cross vs Kia EV2: Key differences

Toyota Yaris Cross

4.1 (16 Reviews)
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  • visibly lighter
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Kia EV2

3.8 (1 Reviews)
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  • barely cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Yaris Cross

Head-to-head: Toyota Yaris Cross VS Kia EV2 — what to expect

Toyota Yaris Cross VS Kia EV2 pits a frugal, proven hybrid crossover against a quietly confident electric compact SUV, and the clash is more about philosophy than size. The Toyota Yaris Cross sells itself on low running costs, simple operation and the option of extra traction for winter, while the Kia EV2 trades combustion practicality for outright refinement, interior space cleverness and electric convenience. Readers should expect the Yaris Cross to feel like a no-nonsense everyday workhorse and the Kia EV2 to feel like a modern, comfort-first small EV. This comparison highlights how those choices play out in daily life — not just in spec sheets, but in how the cars behave on the commute, at the supermarket and on longer trips.

EV2

Character and driving feel

The Kia EV2 presents itself as calm, composed and almost chauffeur-like: quiet propulsion, smooth acceleration and chassis tuning that prioritises comfort over corner-carving. The Toyota Yaris Cross feels more workmanlike and communicative in town — the hybrid system keeps fuel consumption low and the car often moves in electric-assisted phases, but the powertrain can become vocal under harder acceleration. If you want brisk, silent launches and a relaxed cruise the EV2 leans clearly that way, whereas the Yaris Cross rewards economical driving and offers the security of an optional all-wheel-drive setup for tricky conditions. Both are easy to live with, but they reward different driving styles: the EV2 for relaxed refinement, the Yaris Cross for efficiency and practical reassurance.

Yaris Cross

Comfort and cabin feel

On long stints the Kia EV2 feels bigger than its footprint suggests — low noise, supple damping and a cabin that encourages relaxed driving make it the nicer car for motorway miles. The Toyota Yaris Cross is comfortable up front and ergonomically straightforward, yet road and engine noise become more noticeable when you ask for performance, and firmer suspension choices can make it feel choppier on poor surfaces. Materials and layout underline the contrast: the EV2's interior reads as modern and deliberately user-friendly, while the Yaris Cross trades flair for durable, practical finishes that age predictably. Rear seat experience is a clear split too — the EV2 offers more room and flexibility, while the Yaris Cross’s back bench is visibly tighter for tall passengers.

Practicality and everyday usability

Both cars are cleverly packaged, but they take different approaches to usefulness: the Toyota Yaris Cross delivers a very usable cargo area with a variable load floor and sensible storage, though that advantage shrinks if you pick the all-wheel-drive version. The Kia EV2 makes the cabin feel more versatile with optional sliding rear seats and clever stowage, plus the occasional advantage of a front luggage compartment on certain trims, but its boot access can be hampered by a higher lip. In tight urban settings the Yaris Cross’s compact exterior and forgiving automatic hybrid drive make parking and short trips effortless, while the EV2’s short turning circle and one-pedal driving make stop-start traffic even more relaxing. Practically speaking, choose the Yaris Cross when you prioritise predictable luggage capacity and optional winter traction, and the EV2 when you want interior adaptability and electric-only day-to-day convenience.

City manners versus long-distance behavior

In the city the Toyota Yaris Cross shines by default: the hybrid powertrain is optimised for stop‑and‑go efficiency and the cabin layout keeps things simple and intuitive for daily errands. The Kia EV2, however, transforms urban driving into a quieter, smoother experience with regenerative braking and near-silent acceleration that reduce fatigue over repeated short journeys. On the motorway the roles shift: the EV2's superior NVH and relaxed ride make high-speed cruising less tiring, but that advantage requires attention to battery range and access to chargers on the route. The Yaris Cross remains an uncomplicated choice for long trips — no charging stops to plan — but expect more in-cabin noise and a less plush ride at sustained high speeds.

Which buyer fits which car?

If your priority is effortless silence, modern cabin space and the feel of a grown-up compact EV, the Kia EV2 is the better match: it suits comfort-oriented commuters and small families who value refinement and don’t want sporty handling. If you prize everyday efficiency, predictable long-distance range without charging logistics, and the option of added traction for winter roads, the Toyota Yaris Cross fits a pragmatic buyer who prefers low running costs and simple usability. Budget and option choices matter with both — the EV2 can be very competitive as a base electric package but gets pricier with range and charging upgrades, while the Yaris Cross keeps ownership simple but can feel less refined at highway speeds. Use these buyer cues to decide which character and set of trade-offs you want to explore in the technical comparison that follows.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Yaris Cross

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia EV2 is barely cheaper – starting at 22,800 £ , while the Toyota Yaris Cross costs 23,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 891 £.

EV2

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia EV2 offers somewhat more power – delivering 147 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 17 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia EV2 is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.7 s, while the Toyota Yaris Cross takes 10.7 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

Yaris Cross

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Toyota Yaris Cross is visibly lighter – 1,180 kg compared to 1,620 kg. The difference is around 440 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota Yaris Cross carries only slightly more – 510 kg compared to 475 kg. That’s a difference of about 35 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia EV2 is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £22,800
EV2

Kia EV2

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 135 - 147 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.1 - 16.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 317 - 453 km
Toyota Yaris Cross
Kia EV2

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota Yaris Cross blends the maneuverability of a small hatch with the higher driving position and practicality of a crossover, wrapped in Toyota's dependable build quality. It suits urban buyers who need easy parking, flexible cargo space and a comfortable, economical daily driver.

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Kia EV2

The Kia EV2 is a compact electric crossover aimed at buyers who want a practical, affordable EV with a modern, well-appointed cabin. It combines comfortable, predictable handling with straightforward tech and efficient everyday usability, making it a sensible choice for daily driving.

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Toyota Yaris Cross
Kia EV2

Costs and Consumption

Price
23,700 - 34,300 £
Price
22,800 - 31,600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.1 - 16.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
317 - 453 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
101 - 108 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,180 - 1,290 kg
Curb weight
1,620 - 1,625 kg
Trunk capacity
320 - 397 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,765 mm
Width
1,800 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 510 kg
Payload
400 - 475 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 130 HP
Power HP
135 - 147 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.7 - 11.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 96 kW
Power kW
100 - 108 kW
Engine capacity
1,490 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Toyota
Brand
Kia
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.