The Kia Carens got a minor update in March 2023. The 2023 model got a new engine, gearbox and minor updates to the equipment list. The significant update of the Carens is a new 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, turbo petrol engine which puts out 160hp of power and 253Nm of torque. This engine replaces the older 1.4-litre, 4-cyl, turbo petrol engine.
Other two engine options include a 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, NA Petrol engine and a 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, turbo diesel engine. Gearbox options include a 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
In terms of features, the MPV gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, keyless go, cruise control, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, rear-view camera, single pane sunroof and more. Safety features include six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill start and descent control and TPMS.
As mentioned previously, the Carens is offered in Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, Luxury (O) and Luxury Plus variants. The top-spec Luxury Plus is the only variant available with both 6- and 7-seater guise, while all other trims are available in 7-seating.
The Kia Carens competes with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra Marazzo and Citroen C3 Aircross.
