KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Carens offers better value with lower pricing.
- Innova Crysta has fewer modern features and amenities.
- Carens provides multiple engine options, including automatic transmissions.
- Kia Carens has advanced safety features over Crysta.
- Innova Crysta's premium pricing lacks justified feature set.
The Toyota Innova has been an unrivalled nameplate in India. When we talk about premium MPVs, the first name that hits in mind of most of us is the Innova Crysta. The major reason behind this unparalleled popularity is the reliability and trustworthiness that the brand holds. However, the case is no longer the same because now the Indian market has become much more dynamic, leaving no product unrivalled. The same goes with the Innova Crysta as this MPV now faces stiff competition from rivals such as the Kia Carens which provide better value for money at a lower price tag. In this article, we will be comparing the Innova Crysta and the Kia Carens in a detailed manner. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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Innova Crysta Vs Kia Carens: Price
Talking about the pricing, the Kia Carens comes with a starting price tag of Rs. 12.24 lakh, going up to Rs. 23 lakh (On-road, Delhi). With this price range, the Kia Carens leads the affordability factor when compared to the Toyota Innova Crysta.
In comparison, Toyota's premium MPV starts at Rs. 23.83 lakh and goes up to Rs. 31.50 lakh (On-road, Delhi). For some paying this much premium is not an issue because of Toyota's strong brand reputation and unparalleled build quality.
Engine and Driving Ease
The Innova Crysta derives its power from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 150 bhp and 343 Nm of torque. The powerhouse comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There is no automatic transmission on offer with the Innova Crysta. However, even with the manual transmission Innova Crysta provides a convenient driving experience in stop-and-go because of its short gear lever.
On the other hand, the Kia Carens gets three engine options- a 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. For transmission, you get a six-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and a DCT unit. Please note that the six-speed manual is limited with the diesel trim. The Kia Carens seems to be a more practical car when it comes to driving ease because of the availability of automatic transmissions.
Features and Technology
The Innova Crysta misses out on a modern cabin because of the lack of features and amenities while the affordable Kia Carens offers some of the segment-leading features. Particulary, the Innova Crysta gets features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, an 8-way powered driver's seat and ambient lighting. The set of features on offer with the Innova Crysta seems very basic when we look at its price tag.
In comparison, the affordable Kia Carens offers more advanced features such as a 10.25 touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver's display, multi-function steering and an eight-speaker Bose sound system, electronically foldable second-row seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging and 64 colours ambient lighting.
Toyota Innova Crysta Vs Kia Carens: Safety Suite
The Toyota Innova Crysta offers safety features such as seven airbags, hill-start assist, vehicle stability control, brake assist and front and rear parking sensors. Except for the seven airbags, all the safety features on offer with the Innova Crysta are now commonly offered even with mid-budget cars. According to the price range, this MPV should offer advanced safety features such as a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite.
The Kia Carens features six airbags, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system. Apart from this, you get a dual dash-cam and all-wheel disc brakes. In a nutshell, you get a better safety suite when compared to the Innova Crysta.
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Verdict
The Toyota Innova Crysta, while reliable and robust, seems outdated compared to the Kia Carens. The Carens offers more value with its lower price, advanced features, multiple engine options, and better safety suite. The Innova Crysta's premium pricing and basic features make it less competitive in a dynamic market where the Carens stands out as the smarter choice.
