Kia reveals the future of its interiors with the Concept EV2

Yes, it’s another concept car, but in this case that’s not actually the point. In fact, in this case the car itself isn’t even the point. The Kia EV2 hasn’t arrived yet but the fact its arrival is inevitable at some future date isn't a surprise. When it is launched, the all-electric compact SUV Kia EV2 is intended to slot into the range below the existing EV3. In the meantime, the designers have been let loose to create Kia’s vision for the future of its interiors.

After featuring in Kia’s Transcend Journey exhibit at Milan Design Week 2025, the designers have now revealed new details on the inspiration behind the new interiors.

Inspired by a ‘picnic in the city’ lifestyle concept, the Kia Concept EV2 combines comfort and versatility for a user-focused experience. The concept Kia EV2 features bold interior innovations in terms of design concept and materials, while the cabin combines flexible design and environmentally conscious materials for a truly unique look.

The EV2’s interior has been designed to feel open and seamlessly connected – both inside and out – reflecting Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. It blends compact dimensions with spacious flexibility to create a functional, comfortable space.

The design takes inspiration from the balconies and terraces found in every major city. In the same way that those urban bits of architecture create spaces for relaxation within a busy environment, the Concept EV2’s interior is designed to offer a similar sense of relaxation amidst the bustle of the city.

Kia focused on maximising the front seating arrangement, which is typically the primary space in vehicles of this size. Thanks to the flat-floor layout, the second-row seats can fold up while the front seats can slide back to expand the cabin. Additional side-extendable seat elements expand the cabin even further to support a variety of activities, transforming the interior into a more adaptable, user-friendly space.

Other picnic-based features that could come in useful include portable door speakers, detachable seat cushions, and pop-up luggage dividers – all of which can be used to enhance a city picnic.

Interior features cellulose-based renewable material

Concept vehicles also offer designers the freedom to explore and experiment with innovative materials and new ideas. The Concept EV2’s interior combines innovation and responsible design with the latest advances in environmentally conscious materials.

Dashboard and door panels are made from something called “Simplifyber Fybron”, a next-generation cellulose-based compound made from renewable sources like wood, paper, and recycled textiles. It also enhances the interior with its soft, premium feel and warm, refined texture providing a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Using new materials like this helps reduce reliance on traditional plastics.

Other natural materials also feature around the concept interior.

"AmpliTex”, a bio-based composite material made from flax fibres has been woven into key structural components within the Concept EV2’s cabin, such as the back seat shell and front seat substructures. It offers similar strength and durability to more traditional materials, further improves efficiency due to its lightweight nature, and at the end of the car’s life it can be fully recycled and reused.

Kia has also incorporated biodegradable mycelium components into the Concept EV2’s interior. Mycelium is a renewable, bio-based material with excellent insulation properties and that can be custom-coloured to match Kia’s specific Pantone shades, creating a visually refined interior.

Two distinct types of mycelium materials are used; a mycelium-infused polyurethane (PU) featuring fine brown speckles applied across the light blue interior surfaces to add natural texture and depth; and a volume material offering natural insulating properties that makes it ideal for use in components such as the door armrests.

And in case you’re thinking you’ve heard that word somewhere else...or even if you aren’t.... yes, that versatile and innovative mycelium material really is made from the root system of fungi.

The Concept EV2 all-electric SUV reflects Kia's vision for urban mobility and responsible design, highlighted by the innovative interior and recyclable materials. How much of the concept remains when it finally launches is anyone’s guess, but it’s highly likely that if you end up leasing yourself a Kia EV2 it’ll be a rather good choice.