KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Carens: Spacious cabin with ample third-row roominess.
- Loaded with advanced features and technology.
- Multiple engine and transmission options are available.
- 1.5 litre NA petrol unit lacks the required grunt.
- Check out the detailed pros and cons of the MPV below.
Kia Carens is one of the most affordable seven-seater MPVs available in India. The unique selling point of the Carens is the level of practicality and value it offers to its buyers. However, as we all know every coin has two aspects, the same goes with the Kia Carens. Despite being one of the best products in the segment, the Kia Carens has its own advantages and disadvantages. So if you are planning to buy a Kia Carens, this article is for you. Here, we will be talking about its pros and cons in a details manner. Before moving ahead, don't forget to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
Read More: Top 5 Mahindra Thar Alternatives You Can Consider at the Same Price
Kia Carens Pros
Spacious Cabin
One of the biggest advantages of buying Kia Carens is the practicality and space it offers inside the cabin. It is available in both 6-seater and 7-seater options in India. This MPV has the qualities to become a family car. I must mention that there is no lack of space and roominess even in the third row which makes Carens a genuine three-row MPV.
Competition check: In comparison to its rivals like Maruti Ertiga and XL6, the Kia Carens offers better space and roominess. If you are the one who prioritises space, this MPV is for you.
Features and Tech
The Kia Carens comes loaded with features and tech that help it give a run to its competitors. The premium MPV gets features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, multi-function steering, digital driver's display, eight-speaker Bose sound system, 64 colours ambient lighting, electronically foldable middle row seats (for higher trims), ventilated front seats and a sunroof. These features make Kia Carens a real MPV that caters to diverse family needs.
Competition check: On the feature front too, the Kia Carens is much better than its rivals because this MPV offers offer a decent set of features from even the second-base variants. I must say that the Kia has done a great job in the variant distribution.
Multiple-Engine Options
Kia Carens is offered with various engine options which include a 1.5 litre NA petrol, 1.5 litre turbo petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel unit. For transmission, there is a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, six-speed automatic and a seven-speed DCT transmission. So, you can choose from a wide array of powertrain options offered with the premium MPV.
Competition check: Having multiple engine and transmission options is a genuine advantage of buying Kia Carens. This is because most of its rivals like Ertiga, Carens and even the Innova Crysta have limited powertrain options.
Design
The Kia Carens doesn't get the traditional MPV design offered by most of the brands in India. Despite being an MPV, the Carens offers you a higher stance while driving. Apart from this, the design elements like a bold-looking grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels go with the MPV. So, if design matters to you, the Kia Carens is for you.
Competition check: Unlike its rivals which offer a traditional design language, Kia Carens is way better in terms of design aesthetics. I must mention that some of its rivals such as the Maruti XL6 and Innova Crysta match the level of bodywork on the Carens. So, here individual preferences play a big role.
Reasonably Priced
The Kia Carens starts at Rs. 10.52 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs. 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. This price tag is really reasonable for a six or seven-seater MPV like Carens. However, the base variant doesn't get some crucial features, it is still worth buying.
Competition check: In comparison, rivals such as the Maruti XL6 and Innova Crysta start at higher price tags. So, if you want an affordable 7-seater car with premium features, you should opt for the Carens.
Kia Carens Cons
Engine Feels Underpowered
Everything remains satisfactory until you drive in the city, but you'll miss the required grunt while driving the Carens on highways, especially with the 1.5 NA Petrol engine. Things can go worse if you are carrying a full load. While you can go with the 1.5-litre turbo or 1.5-litre diesel variants if you want a peppy engine.
Competition check: Caren's rivals like the XL6 and Ertiga get a single powertrain option which also misses out on the peppy performance. However, having a CNG version becomes an advantage for them.
Ride Quality
If you are expecting a superior level of comfort from the Kia Carens, this MPV is going to disappoint you a little bit. I'm saying this because sometimes its suspension doesn't behave well and thereby ride becomes bumpier on the rough patches of the roads. Especially on the full load, the suspension on offer can hamper the comfort of third-row passengers.
Competition check: Maruti XL6 is a much better option when it comes to ride quality. But if you usually drive in the city and rough roads are not part of your daily routine, you can also opt for the Kia Carens.
Higher Trims Feel Overpriced
However, the Kia Carens comes with an aggressive starting price, the higher trims are quite overpriced. The top-end trims like the Carens luxury Plus, X-line and X-Line diesel AT (19.94 lakh ex-showroom) come with an expensive price tag when compared with the rivals.
Competition check: In comparison with the Maruti XL6 and Ertiga which have their top-end variants priced at Rs. 14.77 lakh and 13.03 respectively. You can't ignore the fact that the Carens offers better quality, features and mechanical supremacy than all its rivals.
Read More: Tata Altroz Key Features to Know Before Buying
Verdict
The Kia Carens stands out in the six and seven seater MPV segment with its spacious cabin, extensive features, and multiple engine options, making it a practical and value-packed choice. However, its 1.5 NA petrol engine can feel underpowered on highways, and the ride quality might disappoint on rough patches. Overall, the Carens is a solid option for those prioritizing space and features, but consider higher trims cautiously.
