KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Sharper front fascia with Starmap LED lighting design.
- Panoramic sunroof and 30-inch Trinity panoramic display.
- ADAS features including adaptive cruise and lane assist.
- Retains three engine choices with minor refinements.
- Expected price hike due to premium features.
Kia Carens Facelift: Kia India is gearing up to introduce the much-anticipated facelift of its popular MPV, the Carens, by mid-2025. Spotted testing both in India and overseas, the refreshed model is expected to bring a host of design updates, feature additions, and enhanced safety technology to keep up with evolving market demands. With a strong presence in the MPV segment, the Carens facelift will further reinforce Kia's dominance by offering a more premium and high-tech package. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay up-to-date with the latest automotive news.
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Kia Carens Facelift Exterior Highlights
The Kia Carens facelift is set to receive a design overhaul while maintaining its MPV practicality. Spy images show a sharper front fascia with a new headlamp setup, possibly featuring Kia's signature Starmap LED lighting design. A connected LED light bar is expected to join the headlamp clusters and this will give the Carens' latest iteration a better appeal, in line with Kia's latest design philosophy seen on models like the Seltos and Sonet facelifts.
Further down the profile, the facelifted Carens will get new alloy wheel designs. The rear end is also expected to see significant styling tweaks, including a revamped LED tail-light cluster with a C-shaped signature and redesigned bumpers. These updates will give the MPV a more modern look,
Kia Carens Facelift Interior and Features
Inside, the Carens facelift is expected to receive a comprehensive feature upgrade. One of the biggest highlights could be the introduction of a panoramic sunroof, (only for top-spec trims), while the lower variants might continue with a single-pane sunroof. Additionally, Kia could incorporate a new 30-inch Trinity panoramic display. This will probably incorporate two 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and driver instrumentation.
Other potential interior updates include a 5-inch touchscreen for climate control, ventilated front and rear seats, a 360-degree camera and a built-in dashcam. All these additions would provide the premium feel of the Carens that will maintain its competence in the segment.
ADAS Expected
A major talking point is the expected inclusion of an ADAS suite. Spy images suggest the presence of sensor modules on the windshield. The sensor modules hint at safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. If introduced, the Carens facelift would be the only one to offer an ADAS suite in its segment.
Kia Carens Facelift Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the facelifted Carens is likely to retain its existing powertrain lineup, comprising three engine choices:
| 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (115hp) |
| 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160hp) |
| 1.5-litre diesel engine (116hp) |
Transmission options will likely remain unchanged, with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox continuing to serve different variants. While no major mechanical changes are expected, the brand is expected to make minor refinements to improve fuel efficiency and driving experience.
Kia Carens Facelift Expected Price and Competition
The current Kia Carens is priced between Rs 10.52 lakh and Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom). While the base and mid-level trims will expectedly get a slight price revision, the top-end ones are expected to get a significant price increase because of the ADAS and other segment topping features on offer.
Despite the hike, the Carens facelift will continue to be positioned against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, XL6, and rebadged version of the Ertiga, the Toyota Rumion.
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Verdict
The Kia Carens facelift is set to shake up the MPV segment with its bold design, high-tech cabin and segment-first ADAS features. While prices will rise, the added safety, convenience and premium appeal make it worth the premium. With its feature-rich package, the Carens facelift could set a new benchmark, leaving rivals struggling to keep up.
