The Kia Carens is a three-row MPV-style family vehicle that was first launched in India in February 2022. It received a significant update in January 2024, bringing cosmetic changes, variant rebranding, and feature additions to keep the model competitive in the compact three-row segment. Developed for global markets with a strong focus on India, the Carens blends the practicality of an MPV with the styling and features typically found in compact SUVs. It is offered in a seven-seater variant and continues to cater to large families looking for an affordable yet feature-rich people mover.
As of now, the Carens is available in a single Premium (O) variant following the discontinuation of all other trims after the launch of the more upmarket Kia Carens Clavis. Despite this narrowing of the variant lineup, the Carens continues to perform strongly in the market, aided by its value-for-money proposition and generous equipment list.
The Carens remains a practical and spacious MPV, boasting features such as multiple powertrain options, a 216-litre boot (expandable to 645 litres), a high ground clearance of 195 mm, and SUV-inspired styling elements. It caters especially well to buyers seeking a capable and comfortable three-row vehicle for urban and intercity usage.
The Carens is offered in a single seven-seater Premium (O) variant, priced at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with features such as an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen display, a rear view camera, keyless entry, semi-leatherette seats, and electrically-adjustable ORVMs, among others.
The Carens offers a refined selection of two robust BS6 Phase 2 compliant engines, ensuring a mix of performance and fuel efficiency across its manual, iMT, DCT, and automatic transmission options.
| Engine Type | Displacement | Power Output | Torque Output | Transmission Options |
| Smartstream G 1.5L T-GDi | 1482 cc (Turbo Petrol) | 158 bhp | 253 Nm | 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5L CRDi VGT | 1493 cc (Turbo Diesel) | 114 bhp | 250 Nm | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed AT |
The Kia Carens delivers competitive fuel efficiency figures, which vary based on the powertrain and transmission:
The Carens is defined by its spaciousness and the generous equipment list, often exceeding expectations for its segment.
| Key Dimension | Measurement | Utility |
| Length | 4540 mm | Ensures adequate cabin space for three rows. |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm | Segment-leading wheelbase contributes to stability and legroom. |
| Ground Clearance | 195 mm | SUV-like clearance for navigating rough Indian roads. |
| Boot Space | 216 Litres | Usable space with all three rows in place, expandable to 645 litres. |
The higher-end Carens variants are loaded with comfort and technology, making it a truly premium offering:
Safety is a cornerstone of the Kia Carens' design, providing reassurance for family travel.
The Kia Carens sits in a highly competitive space, challenging both traditional MPVs and compact three-row SUVs. It competes directly with models like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti XL6, and cross-shops with the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, and Toyota Rumion. Its blend of features, space, and multiple powertrain options allows it to maintain a strong sales performance in the segment.
The Kia Carens is primarily a 7-seater vehicle, offered either with captain seats in the middle row (6-seater configuration) or a bench seat (7-seater configuration). It is a three-row MUV.
Yes. The Kia Carens is significantly longer (4540 mm vs Ertiga's 4395 mm), wider, and taller than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It also has a larger wheelbase and a slightly larger boot space (216 litres vs XL6's 209 litres with all rows up).
No. The Kia Carens is a compact MUV, while the Toyota Innova (both Crysta and Hycross) belongs to the larger, premium MUV segment. The Innova models are considerably longer and more spacious.
The Kia Carens is generally considered better for features, engine options, and ride quality. It offers a powerful 1.5L Turbo-Petrol engine (158 bhp), 6 airbags as standard (3-star Global NCAP), and premium features like ventilated seats. The Maruti Ertiga is better for fuel efficiency (especially CNG/Hybrid) and lower running costs.
The main disadvantages are:
The ARAI-claimed mileage for the Carens Petrol variants ranges from approximately 15 to 16 kmpl. Real-world city mileage, especially for the Turbo-Petrol, is typically closer to 10–12 kmpl.
The Kia Seltos is a 5-seater SUV better for driving performance and has a stronger road presence. The Kia Carens is a 6/7-seater MUV better suited for family comfort, space, and practicality (carrying multiple passengers or a lot of luggage).
12 Sept 202510 May 20258 May 2025Kia Carens | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
₹10.99 Lakhs* | ₹9.12 Lakhs* | ₹10.55 Lakhs* | ₹10.54 Lakhs* | ₹11.94 Lakhs* | ₹7.95 Lakhs* |
User Rating 493 Reviews | User Rating 355 Reviews | User Rating - | User Rating 17 Reviews | User Rating 11 Reviews | User Rating - |
Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 4 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 |
Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - |
Power 113 bhp | Power 102 bhp | Power 118 bhp | Power 102 bhp | Power 99 bhp | Power 109 bhp |
Torque 250 Nm | Torque 136.8 Nm | Torque 172 Nm | Torque 136.8 Nm | Torque 136 Nm | Torque 205 Nm |
Length 4540 mm | Length 4395 mm | Length 3995 mm | Length 4420 mm | Length 4445 mm | Length 4352 mm |
Height 1708 mm | Height 1690 mm | Height 1665 mm | Height 1690 mm | Height 1755 mm | Height 1593 mm |
Width 1800 mm | Width 1735 mm | Width 1800 mm | Width 1735 mm | Width 1775 mm | Width 1765 mm |
Turning Radius - | Turning Radius 5.2 metres | Turning Radius - | Turning Radius 5.2 metres | Turning Radius 5.2 metres | Turning Radius - |
Boot Space 216 litres | Boot Space - | Boot Space 375 litres | Boot Space - | Boot Space 209 litres | Boot Space 470 litres |
Body Type MUV | Body Type MUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type MUV | Body Type MUV | Body Type SUV |
Transmission Manual | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic |
| Currently viewing | Carens vs Ertiga | Carens vs Venue N Line | Carens vs Rumion | Carens vs XL6 | Carens vs Basalt X |
MPVs are often ignored by people when they are out in the market to buy a new car. Yes, MPVs do make a lot of sense for Indian families, they are spacious, and practical and would fulfil most of the household needs. However, not everyone prefers their design or wants to be seen in them. This is where the Carens from Kia changed the game. It is an MPV that takes design inspiration from SUVs.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine gets a direct injection. It produces 158 bhp of max power and 253 Nm of peak torque. That is a bump of 20 bhp and 11 Nm over the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The engine pulls quite hard and there is plenty of torque available for quick overtakes. The power is delivered in a linear manner and there is torque available throughout the rev range. The engine is very smooth and refined too which helps in keeping the cabin quiet. There are three driving modes on offer - Eco, Normal and Sport. The Eco mode is plenty to drive in the city and the Normal mode is suited for driving on the highways. The Sport mode is where things get a bit serious as the engine gets more responsive, the transmission holds on to the gear and shifting gears can be a bit jerky.
Speaking of transmission, it is very seamless in Eco and Normal mode, most of the time the gearshifts are not even noticeable. It tries to hold on to the second gear in traffic which can make the driver feel a bit of lag. However, there are paddle shifters using which the driver can take manual control of the gearbox and they respond fairly quickly.
In terms of ride quality, the Carens is quite comfortable. The suspension does a good job of ironing out bumps and potholes. The steering is light which makes it quite easy to drive in cities. However, as soon as you show Carens some corners, you are immediately reminded that it is an MPV because of the body roll.
In the city, we managed to get a fuel efficiency figure of just under 10 kmpl whereas out on the highways, the fuel efficiency climbed up to 17 kmpl.
If you are looking for a people mover that does not look like a typical MPV, then you can take a look at the Carens. It comes packed with features, has an up-market interior and a powerful engine. So, it can serve as a family vehicle with a hint of enthusiasm because of that turbo engine.
Kia Carens is available in the 6 Colours in India.
| Rear AC Vents | Yes |
| Body Type | MUV |
| Airbags | Yes |
| Max Torque | 144-250 Nm |
| Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Mileage | 12.6 kmpl |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Engine | 1493-1497 cc |
| Fuel Type | Petrol,Diesel |
| Sunroof | Yes |
Kia Carens in India is available in Petrol & Diesel variants. Average mileage of Kia Carens's petrol variant is 12.6 kmpl (As claimed by the brand in ideal road conditions). Kia Carens Premium (O) 1.5 Petrol 7 STR comes with a 45 litres fuel tank.
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