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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Carens is a compact MPV that’s about the same size as the Ford C-Max or Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer. With three rows of seats, it’s a practical family car that fits five adults comfortably in rows one and two. Row two has three individual seats with Isofix mounting points and three small child seats will fit side-by-side. The third-row seats are fine for children but taller adults might find them a bit cramped. The boot is large with the third-row seats folded down and all five back seats fold down individually so you can accommodate a mix of people and luggage.
The Carens is similar in length to the Ceed Sportswagon – the estate version of Kia’s mid-size family hatchback. The Carens is taller and has a classic MPV shape, as well as two extra seats. Kia’s only other seven-seater is the Sorento, which is much larger than the Carens and costs more to buy and run.
The Carens scored a maximum five stars when tested by safety organisation Euro NCAP in 2013. It doesn’t have advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, however, which is standard for many newer rivals.
The Carens isn’t available with hybrid or electric power – the engine options are a 1.6-litre petrol or a choice of two 1.7-litre diesels.
Kia Carens
2008 (08) - 2.0 GS CRDI 5STR 5d 139 BHP 5-Door
Kia Carens
2018 (18) - 1.7 CRDi 3 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Kia Carens
2017 - 1.7 CRDi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Kia Carens
2017 (17) - 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 5dr ++ SAT NAV / CAMERA / ULEZ / 20 TAX / 7 SEATS ++
Kia Carens
2018 (18) - 1.6 GDi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Kia Carens
2018 (18) - 1.6 GDi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Kia Carens
2014 (14) - 3 SAT NAV ECODYNAMICS CRDI 5-Door
Kia Carens
2014 (64) - 1.7 CRDi [134] 2 5dr Auto
Kia Carens
2018 (18) - 1.7 CRDi 4 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Kia Carens
2015 - 1.7 CRDi 3 5dr
Kia Carens
2016 - 1.7 CRDi SR7 5dr
Kia Carens
2018 - 1.7 CRDi 3 5-Door
Kia Carens
2007 - GS CRDI AUTO *** LOW MILLAGE *** RAC APPROVED *** 5-Door
Kia Carens
2018 - 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 5dr