South Korean car maker Kia has given its popular 7-seater car, the Kia Carens an update in 2025. However, instead of labelling it as a facelift or an update, Kia has positioned the Carens update as a whole new model called the Carens Clavis. Furthermore, the Kia Carens as we knew it continues to remain on sale, with updates to the powertrain options and variants.
With the popular MPV now getting split into two different models, the Carens Clavis and Carens, which one would work better for you? When choosing between the two, should you opt for the newer Carens Clavis or will the older Carens still work for you? To answer all these questions, we have put together this comparison of the two, highlighting the differences between their dimensions, powertrain, features, safety quotient and price.
Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: Dimensions
| Kia Carens Clavis | Kia Carens | |
| Length | 4550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1708 mm | 1708 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm | 2780 mm |
| Boot space | 216 litres (all three rows up) | 216 litres (all three rows up) |
| Ground clearance | 195 mm | 195 mm |
The Kia Carens Clavis and the Kia Carens are both based on the same platform, and are essentially the same car underneath. It becomes clearer when we compare their dimensions, as both 7-seater MPVs have the same width, height and wheelbase. While the Kia Carens Clavis is 10 mm longer than the Kia Carens, the difference is of a newer bumper shape on the Carens Clavis, and isn’t because of any structural change underneath the body panels.
The story remains the same when we compare the boot space and ground clearance of the Kia Carens Clavis and Kia Carens, as the numbers are the same on both sides. If you are choosing between the two, both cars measure up almost equally. In terms of the footprint, both cars will offer the same experience and will be similar to drive in traffic or when parking them. Internally as well, both the Kia Carens Clavis and Kia Carens will offer a similar amount of interior space and passenger comfort.
Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: Engine & Transmission
| Kia Carens Clavis | Kia Carens | |
| Engine options | 1.5 litre NA petrol engine1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine1.5 litre diesel engine | 1.5 litre NA petrol engine1.5 litre diesel engine |
| Transmission options | 6 speed MT (all engines)6 speed iMT and 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol engine)6 speed AT (diesel engine) | 6 speed MT (both engines) |
| Power | 115 PS (NA petrol engine)160 PS (turbo petrol engine)116 PS (diesel engine) | 115 PS (NA petrol engine)116 PS (diesel engine) |
| Torque | 144 Nm (NA petrol engine)253 Nm (turbo petrol engine)250 Nm (diesel engine) | 144 Nm (NA petrol engine)250 Nm (diesel engine) |
| Mileage | 15.3 km/l (NA petrol engine), 15.95 – 16.66 km/l (turbo petrol engine), 17.5 km/l to 19.54 km/l (diesel engine) | 15.7 km/l (NA petrol engine), 21.3 km/l (diesel engine) |
There is a big difference when we compare the engine and transmissions options of the Kia Carens Clavis and the Kia Carens. As the Carens Clavis is the updated model of the MPV, Kia is offering a whole suite of powertrain options. Buyers can opt for a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a similar displacement turbocharged petrol engine, however, the former is only offered with a manual transmission while the latter is also available with an iMT and a 7 speed DCT. Lastly, there is a diesel engine on offer as well and it is available with a manual or an automatic transmission.
Turning our attention to the regular Kia Carens, the South Korean car maker has now limited the powertrain options with the MPV. While the engine options now available with the Carens Clavis were previously available with the Carens, the choices are now limited to a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5 litre diesel engine, both of which can only be had with a manual transmission.
Kia has created a clear distinction between the two MPVs by offering different powertrain combos. The Kia Carens Clavis offers diversity in choosing the powertrain combo of your choice, including the option of an automatic transmission. Whereas, the regular Carens not only gets the less powerful petrol engine, but it is also devoid of any automatic transmission.
Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: Features & Comfort
| Kia Carens Clavis | Kia Carens | |
| Infotainment system | 12.25 inch HD touchscreen | 8 inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 8 speaker BOSE sound system | 6 speaker sound system |
| Climate control | Auto AC | No |
| Ventilated seats | Yes | No |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt and Telescopic Adjustment | No |
| Drive modes | Yes (DCT/AT only) | No |
| Instrument cluster | 12.25 HD digital cluster | 12.5 inch digital cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | No |
| Adjustable seats | 4 way power adjustable driver seat | Manually adjustable driver seat |
| Rear AC vents | Second and Third Row Vents with speed control | Second and Third Row Vents with speed control |
| 60:40 split rear seat | Yes ( 7 seater) | Yes |
| Cruise control | Adaptive Cruise Control | No |
When we take a look at the features of the Kia Carens Clavis and the Kia Carens, there is a real difference between the both MPVs. The Kia Carens Clavis features a larger touchscreen and also has a better sound system. Furthermore, the Carens Clavis offers features such as Auto AC, ventilated seats, tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, drive modes with the automatic transmissions, panoramic sunroof, power adjustable driver seat and Adaptive Cruise Control, which are not found on the regular Kia Carens.
While these features were previously found on the Carens MPV, they were lost because of the discontinuation of its premium variants. The Carens still offers all the basic features such as a detailed instrument cluster, an 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 6 speaker sound system, but its no longer as lavishly equipped as the Carens Clavis. Ultimately, if you are seeking a premium ownership experience with all the bells and whistles, you will find the Carens Clavis to be the better option, however, if a no frills option with all the basic amenities is something that you require, then the Carens can also be a great option.
Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: Safety Features
| Kia Carens Clavis | Kia Carens | |
| GNCAP safety rating | Not Tested | 3 stars |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 6 airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Yes | No |
On the safety front, things are pretty much squared off between the Kia Carens Clavis and the regular Carens. Starting with their safety rating, the regular Kia Carens has a 3 star crash test rating from Global NCAP. In contrast, the Carens Clavis is yet to be tested. However, as both cars use the same platform, and are pretty much the same underneath the body panels, we expect even the Carens Clavis to achieve a similar rating when it is tested.
As far as the safety tech goes, most of it is standard on all variants of the Carens Clavis. This is also the case with the regular Carens. As such, both cars are equipped with 6 airbags, ESP, hill hold assist, hill descent control and ISOFIX mounting points, among other features. However, the Carens Clavis does pull ahead as it packs in a Level 2 ADAS suite which is not found on the Kia Carens.
In comparison, the regular Carens does well to keep pace with the Carens Clavis in the safety department, as almost all features are standard between the two MPVs. However, for those who place the highest importance on safety, the Carens Clavis with its ADAS feature will be the better option.
Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: Price Comparison
| Kia Carens Clavis | Kia Carens | |
| Base Variant | Rs. 11.50 lakh to Rs. 14.55 lakh | Rs. 11.41 lakh to Rs. 13.16 lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 13.50 lakh to Rs. 18 lakh | NA |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 18.40 lakh to Rs. Rs. 19.50 lakh | NA |
| Top Variant | Rs. 19.40 lakh to Rs. 21.50 lakh | NA |
Comparing the price of the Kia Carens Clavis and the regular Kia Carens can be a little confusing. After all, the latter is only available in one variant. However, when comparing the base variants of the two, the Carens Clavis is slightly more expensive. This is largely because while both cars are offered with the same features, the Carens Clavis features a redesigned exterior and interior.
If cost is the ultimate parameter for you, then the regular Kia Carens is the better option. However, if you are looking at mid or top level variants, then the Carens Clavis is the only option.
Summary
Comparing the two cars makes it clear that the Carens Clavis is essentially a facelift to the original Kia Carens. So, if you are looking to buy the Carens before, and are now confused by the introduction of the Carens Clavis, you can simply opt for the latter as it is a fresher model. As for why Kia continues to sell the regular Carens, not that the Carens Clavis is on sale, our best guess is that the lower variants of the Carens are popular among fleet operators, and the Korean car maker has kept it around to cater to them. Thus, by introducing the Carens Clavis, they have also differentiated between the two models.
FAQs about Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens
Q. What is the difference between the Kia Carens and Kia Carens Clavis?
The Kia Carens and Kia Carens Clavis are being sold as two different models by the Korean car maker. However, Kia only sells one variant of the Carens to cater to budget conscious buyers or fleet operators, whereas the Carens Clavis is an updated version of the regular Carens, available across a spread of variants.
Q. Which engine and transmission are available with the Kia Carens?
After the launch of the Kia Carens Clavis, the Korean car maker has reduced the powertrain combinations available with the Kia Carens. Now, it’s only offered with a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. Both engines are only available with a 6 speed manual.
Q. Is the Kia Carens Clavis bigger than the Kia Carens?
Technically, the Carens Clavis is 10 mm longer than the regular Carens, but that is because of a new bumper design and not because of any structural changes underneath the body of the car. Both MPVs measure the same on all other fronts, including width, height, wheelbase and ground clearance.
Q. Why is Kia still selling the old Carens model?
The older Kia Carens is still on sale, albeit only in one variant. Kia has kept the model around to cater to budget conscious buyers. Furthermore, the Carens has been quite popular among fleet operators and this model will also cater to their demands.
Q. Is the Kia Carens Clavis safer than the Kia Carens?
When it comes to structural safety, both cars have the same underpinnings, and thus their structures are equally rigid and will perform similarly in an accident. As far as features are concerned, both cars get 6 airbags, ESP, hill hold assist, hill descent control, ISOFIX mounting points among other safety features. However, the Kia Carens Clavis also features an ADAS system which is not found on the Kia Carens.
Q. Is the Kia Carens available with an automatic transmission?
The Kia Carens is only available with a manual transmission and that too in one lower variant. Higher variants of the Carens were discontinued along with the option of a turbocharged petrol engine after the launch of the Kia Carens Clavis. Family buyers looking for an automatic transmission MPV will have to look towards the new Carens Clavis.
