Thinking of buying a Kia Carens?
Why buy a Kia Carens?
The Kia Carens is a compact seven-seat MPV that was sold new until 2019. It’s relatively small but it has a wide, tall body designed to create as much interior space as possible. It’s good value, giving you a lot of interior space for not a lot of money.
Kia Carens range and updates
The Kia Carens range is easy to understand, with trim levels named 1, 2, 3 and 4. The higher the number, the more equipment you get as standard.
While the 1 trim is quite basic, it does include air conditioning and cruise control. Alloy wheels and parking sensors are standard on the 2 trim and above, while the 3 and 4 models have an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and leather upholstery. There’s also a special-edition SR7 model that sits between the 2 and 3 models in terms of standard features.
The range was updated in 2017 with design upgrades including new-look bumpers and a larger front grille.
Kia Carens tech and features
While it can’t match rivals such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer or Volkswagen Touran for high-tech features, the Carens has a few useful bits of equipment. Every version has a USB input and Bluetooth connectivity, while the 2 models and above have a touchscreen infotainment system. High-spec models have a reversing camera and a panoramic roof that fills the interior with light.
Kia Carens running costs and value
The seven-seat Carens costs less to buy than some five-seat MPVs. The generous standard equipment on high-spec models makes these particularly good value. Diesel models have an official average fuel economy as high as 67mpg, with automatic versions giving around 58mpg. Petrol-powered models give 45mpg. No Carens has a higher insurance rating than group 18, so premiums should be low.
Kia Carens vs rivals
The Carens’ main rivals are the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso/Spacetourer, Ford Grand C-Max, Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and Volkswagen Touran. Those cars are a bit more spacious, but the Carens generally costs less to buy and has more equipment as standard.
