Kia Carens (2013 – 2018) Review
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Kia Carens (2013 – 2018) Verdict
Good looking seven-seat people carrier. Comes with seven year warranty. Practical cabin. Easy to drive.
Not as good to drive as a Ford C-MAX.
Find out more about the Kia Carens (2013 – 2018)
Seven-seat MPVs are likely to be bought with the head, rather than the heart – and they don’t come much more sensible than the Kia Carens. The easy-to-drive, comfortable people carrier does everything you could ask of it with consummate ease, making it the ideal choice for a growing family.
It’s larger than its predecessor because it now fills two roles, replacing both the previous generation Carens and the larger Sedona, which is no longer available. It bridges the gap between the two very well. It's comfortable and easy to drive, plus has a sizeable load area, useable extra seats and a good level of standard equipment. Furthermore it should be cheap to run, thanks to frugal engines and an excellent seven-year warranty package.
Kia offers the Carens with a 1.6-litre 135PS petrol engine or a 1.7-litre CRDi diesel with either 115PS or 135PS. Particularly impressive are the diesel engines, which offer a usefully broad spread of torque for easy every driving, coupled with excellent refinement and good economy. Those who need an automatic transmission are restricted to the 135PS diesel engine.
Despite being a tall MPV the Carens rolls very little through corners, yet it is still comfortable over broken surfaces and speed bumps. The cabin is plush, classy and easy to get to grips with while quality is up there with the best – the Carens feels like it’s built to last.
There are other people carriers that offer more space, like the Ford Galaxy or SEAT Alhambra, while the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is more stylish and the Ford C-MAX perhaps is better to drive. However the Carens is a well rounded, easy-to-recommend MPV that offers good value for money.
Reviews for Kia Carens (2013 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Carens (2013 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 GDi to 1.7 CRDi
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 26–57 mpg
There are two engines on offer – a 1.6-litre petrol with 135PS and a 1.7-litre diesel, which is available with either 115PS or 135PS. All cars come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard while a six-speed automatic is available with the 135PS diesel in '2' trim.
The diesel engines are particularly impressive thanks to their ample torque output, which is available over a wide rev-range. The 115PS model develops 260Nm, available from as low down as 1250rpm meaning you don't have to work it hard, even when fully loaded. The 135PS has a greater peak torque figure of 330Nm and feels even stronger as a result.
That said, neither will leave you wanting, with plenty of accessible performance for overtaking or joining motorways. Those who regularly carry a full car might benefit from the larger engine, but for most the 115PS diesel will probably be suitable.
The less powerful diesel manages official economy of 60.1mpg and emissions of 124g/km, while the 135PS version manages a still respectable 56.4mpg and 132g/km. These figures are 46.3mpg and 159g/km if you opt for the smooth automatic transmission.
The 1.6-litre petrol is perfectly decent too, though its lack of torque relative to the diesels might pose problems for people who carry a full complement of passengers most of the time. It’s ideal for town use though, plus it’s reasonably efficient. Official figures are 44.1mpg – not bad for a petrol MPV this size.
The Carens is a very easy car to drive. The seating position is comfortable and commanding, while the main controls are light and accurate. Ride comfort is excellent over all but the harshest lumps and bumps, yet everything remains composed through corners, with little body roll and a feeling of safe stability.
It's not the most enjoyable car to drive, so spirted drivers will be left wanting when they find themselves on an enjoyable stretch of twisting country road. That's more or less to be expected with an MPV, but the Ford C-MAX and Mazda5 both offer fun handling despite being people-carriers.
The steering on the Carens has three weight settings – comfort, normal and sport – but there’s little point in changing out of ‘normal’, which offers enough weight at speed and through corners but is light enough for parking. The sport setting makes everything a little too heavy, while the comfort setting is a bit too light.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 GDi | 46 mpg | 10.9 s | 143–149 g/km |
| 1.7 CRDi | 59–63 mpg | 10.0–11.6 s | 118–127 g/km |
| 1.7 CRDi 114 | 61–63 mpg | 12.6–13.2 s | 109–124 g/km |
| 1.7 CRDi Automatic | 59 mpg | 11.6 s | 127 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Carens (2013 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
74%
Real MPG
26–57 mpg
MPGs submitted
71
Kia Carens (2013 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 492–1650 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4525 mm |
| Width | 1805 mm |
| Height | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
All variants of the Carens come with seven seats, the rearmost pair of which fold out from the boot floor. They’re effortlessly easy to raise or lower and they offer enough space for children, but adults won’t be very comfortable even on short trips. Adults will fit comfortably into the middle row, though, which has three individual seats that recline and slide.
They rear two seats are designed for occasional use, so will spend most of their time folded flat. That leaves a well-sized, flat load deck with a capacity of 492 litres, expandable to a huge 1650 litres with the middle row of seats folded. For a growing family the Carens is ideal – there’s enough space and versatility for trips away.
A 30/30/30 split arrangement in the middle row adds even more practicality. It's possible to carry a pair of back row passengers with enough space left over for long items such as DIY gear or ski equipment. There are also plenty of cubby holes for storing bottles or small objects and, on upper trim levels, picnic tables in the seat backs.
Not only is the Carens practical but it’s also well-finished. The plastics on the dashboard and doors feel durable and plush, with classy gloss black details. The infotainment system isn’t the most modern and flash, but it does everything you’d need it to and is about as intuitive as they come.
There’s a good level of equipment too. All models have automatic headlights, air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, all-round electric windows, cruise control and a USB connection. Moving up to higher trim levels adds alloy wheels, parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.
Standard equipment:
1 is the entry trim and comes with 16-inch steel wheels, tinted glass, automatic headlights, black cloth seats, a leather-trimmed wheel, leather-trimmed gear lever, air conditioning, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, speed limiter, stop/start, USB-connection, aux-in, twin 12v sockets and remote central locking.
2 adds 16-inch alloy wheels, gloss black details, roof rails, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, electrically folding door mirrors with puddle lights, faux-leather door trim, dual-zone climate control, front seatback picnic trays, a luggage area 12v output, a luggage net and reversing sensors.
3 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sun roof, ‘aeroblade’ windscreen wipers with de-icers, 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, second row window blinds, 4.3-inch touch-screen audio system and a reversing camera.
Kia Carens (2013 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4525 mm |
| Width | 1805 mm |
| Height | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1483–1706 kg |
| Boot Space | 492–1650 L |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,195–£28,445 |
| Insurance Groups | 12–17 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–F |
| Official MPG | 45.6–62.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2019
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp 1 ISG 5dr | £19,505 | 45.6 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp 2 ISG 5dr | £20,905 | 45.6 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 114hp 2 ISG 5dr | £22,405 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 2 ISG Auto 5dr | £23,945 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 3 ISG 5dr | £24,955 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 3 ISG Auto 5dr | £26,455 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 4 ISG 5dr | £26,945 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 4 ISG Auto 5dr | £28,445 | 58.9 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2017
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp 1 ISG 5dr | £18,995 | 45.6 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp 2 ISG 5dr | £20,395 | 45.6 mpg | - |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp SR7 ISG 5dr | £19,295 | 45.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 114hp 2 ISG 5dr | £21,790 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 114hp SR7 ISG 5dr | £20,690 | 62.8 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 2 ISG Auto 5dr | £23,290 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 3 ISG 5dr | £24,300 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 3 ISG Auto 5dr | £25,800 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 4 ISG 5dr | £26,290 | 62.8 mpg | - |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 4 ISG Auto 5dr | £27,790 | 58.9 mpg | - |
On sale until March 2017
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp 1 ISG 5dr | £18,195 | 45.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.6 GDI 133hp 2 ISG 5dr | £19,600 | 45.6 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 114hp 2 ISG 5dr | £20,995 | 62.8 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 2 ISG Auto 5dr | £22,495 | 58.9 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 3 ISG 5dr | £24,300 | 62.8 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 3 ISG Auto 5dr | £25,800 | 58.9 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 4 ISG 5dr | £25,650 | 62.8 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.7 CRDi 139hp 4 ISG Auto 5dr | £27,150 | 58.9 mpg | 11.6 s |
On sale until October 2015
| MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 1.7 CRDi 114 ISG 5dr | £19,590 | 61.4 mpg | 12.6 s |
Model History
September 2012
New Kia Carens unveiled
Completely new from the ground up, the new Carens is designed and engineered to meet the needs of modern families. Built on an all-new platform, it delivers stylish, spacious practicality, with sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, long wheelbase and up to seven seats. 4,525mm long x 1,805mm wide (exc mirrors) x 1,610mm high (exc roof rails)
Appealing to families with an active lifestyle who don't want to compromise between style and practicality, Kia is confident that the all-new third-generation Carens will attract a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms around the world.
Four engines on offer: the chain cam 1.7-litre diesel engine seen on the Sportage and Optima, with either 115PSor 135PS, plus a 135PS 1.6 GDI petrol engine. A 178PS 2.0 GDI engine will be offered in Europe., but is Six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter auto.
While the Carens shares the floorpan of the cee'd, multi link rear suspension has been abandoned in favour of a less sophisticated, but more space efficient torsion-beam, which goves mpre room for rearmost passengers.Rear load cover blind stows nearly under rear floor when not in use. Has a proper space-saver spare wheel.
April 2013
UK prices and specifications confirmed from £17,895 on-the-road from 1 May. The seven-seater is available in the UK with three engines – one petrol and two turbodiesels – two transmissions and three trim and equipment packages.
UK equipment levels are high. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob with chrome surround are standard across the range. The two upper trim grades add black high-gloss panels with a grille pattern in the dash, upper centre console, doors and steering wheel spokes, and all models have metallic finish door handles and chrome accents within the cabin. The front seat backs also have fold-up tables with cupholders in most versions, and there are cupholders in the second and third rows. The middle-row centre seat folds to create a table.
The UK engine line-up comprises of the 1.6-litre Gamma GDi direct-injection with 135PS and 165Nm; the European-designed 1.7-litre CRDi manual transmission turbodiesel engine, developing either 115PS and 260Nm or 135PS and 330Nm. The standard version delivers maximum torque from 1250-2750rpm and 0-60mph acceleration in 12.6 seconds with a 112mph top speed. The more powerful engine option develops its 330Nm between 2000-2500rpm, which delivers 0-60mph time of 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 119mph.
Both 1.7 CRDi power outputs score well on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions: 60.1mpg combined and 124g/km and 56.4mpg and 132g/km respectively, and a diesel particulate filter is fitted as standard. Kia’s Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop-start system is standard on all manual-gearbox models.
The three trim levels are unimaginatively named ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’. Standard features include seven seats, projection headlights with cornering lamps, LED daytime running lamps, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, cruise control with a speed limiter, remote central locking, a six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming. Trim grades ‘1’ and ‘2’ also have a rear conversation mirror, which is replaced by the controls for the panoramic sunroof on trim grade ‘3’.
| Pricing & Running Costs | MPG (Comb.) |
CO 2 | Ins. Group |
OTR |
| ‘1' 1.6 GDi 133bhp 6-speed manual ISG 7-seat | 44.1 | 149 | 13 | £17,895 |
| '1' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp 6-speed manual ISG 7-seat | 60.1 | 124 | 12 | £19,295 |
| ‘2' 1.6 GDi 133bhp 6-speed manual ISG 7-seat | 44.1 | 149 | 13 | £19,195 |
| '2' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp 6-speed manual ISG 7-seat | 60.1 | 124 | 12 | £20,595 |
| '2' 1.7 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed automatic 7-seat | 46.3 | 159 | 16 | £21,995 |
| '3' 1.7 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual ISG 7-seat | 56.4 | 132 | 16 | £23,895 |
October 2013
New top spec ‘3 Sat Nav' model added to range at £24,845 with 7" satnav screen and enhanced speaker system. Adds seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system to '3' spec of leather seats, dual zone climate control, full length panoramic sunroof and safety features such as recently announced Euro NCAP five-star ratings, six airbags and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and all-round three-point seatbelts all fitted as standard.
Has 1.7 CRDi: 134bhp engine with 6-speed manual transmission. It comes equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with European mapping and Traffic Management Channel (TMC) a handy feature that alerts the driver to heavy traffic ahead and then adjusts the route accordingly ensuring that the driver and passengers have a less stressful journey.
Also added to the model is an upgraded audio system that benefits from seven-speakers which also includes an eight-channel external amplifier and sub-woofer so that all seven occupants get great sound on their journey. AUX, USB and iPod connectivity are also fitted as standard in the Carens.
January 2014
SR7 versions of KIA Carens announced, together with a new top of the range grade '4' of the Carens.
Every SR7 has a higher specification than the 2014 VR7 special-edition models. LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, front foglights, automatic headlight control, privacy glass, UV-reducing solar glass, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and roof rails are the highlights of the equipment additions, depending on model. There are also new alloy wheels and colour options.
The all new Carens SR7 offers buyers the choice of two direct-injection engines - the 1.6-litre GDi petrol unit or the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel. Both are fitted with ISG to maximise fuel economy and minimise CO 2 emissions. This brings the CO 2 output of the SR7 1.6 GDi down to 120g/km - the lowest in the Carens range.
Standard premium features include LED daytime running lights, front foglights, automatic headlight control, 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, premium cloth seats, reversing sensors, dual automatic air conditioning and roof rails.
Meanwhile the new grade ‘4' version of the Carens, powered by the 134bhp 1.7-litre CRDi engine paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, has been added at the top of the range to replace the former ‘3 Sat Nav' model. The manual is fitted with ISG. The extensive specification of the ‘3 Sat Nav' has been supplemented with Parallel Park Assist, a 7-inch TFT supervision cluster and black headlining to create a genuinely luxurious top-of-the-range model.
All SR7 models are identified by sporty model designation logos on the lower half of each front door. The SR7 models are available exclusively to retail customers as 7 th January 2015.
Carens SR7 - pricing and insurance groups
|
Model |
OTR price |
Insurance group |
|
1.6 133bhp petrol 6-speed manual ISG |
£19,295 |
13 |
|
1.7 113bhp diesel 6-speed manual ISG |
£20,690 |
12 |
Carens 4 - pricing and insurance groups
|
Model |
OTR price |
Insurance group |
|
1.7 113bhp diesel 6-speed manual ISG |
£25,650 |
17 |
|
1.7 113bhp diesel 6-speed automatic |
£27,055 |
17 |
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What to watch out for
Numerous unspecified problems reported with new, 2014, KIA Carens, back to the dealer for repair for 2 months of the 6 months owned.
17-01-2019:Report of 2016 KIA Carens needing new front brake discs at 29,000 miles.
21-05-2019:report of 2016 KIA Carens intermittently, but repeatedly, draining its battery overnigh. KIA dealer has been unable to pinpoint the reason. We suspect the interior light 'see you home' dimmer switch. Experience on other cars has shown that these can unpredictably remain live after the light goes out, draining the battery overnight. Our advice is to switch the inteior light off completely so it does not come on when you open a door. If you have no more trouble, that isolates the cause as the interior light 'see you home' switch.
