The Kia Carens Clavis 2025, launched in India on May 23, 2025, is a premium mid-size MPV built on the K2 platform, offering a blend of futuristic design, advanced technology, and versatile powertrain options. Priced from ₹11.50 lakh to ₹24.49 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes with the Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Innova Hycross, and Mahindra Marazzo, while its electric variant challenges the BYD e6. Targeting families and urban commuters, it offers 6- and 7-seater configurations. Here’s a detailed review of its price, specifications, features, and performance in India as of August 30, 2025.
Bold Design and Dimensions
The Carens Clavis 2025 boasts a futuristic SUV-inspired design with a Kia Digital Tiger Face, Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, Star Map LED connected tail lamps, and R17 Crystal Cut dual-tone alloy wheels (43.66 cm). Available in eight colors—Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Ivory Silver Gloss, Pewter Olive, Aurora Black Pearl, Imperial Blue, Gravity Gray, and Matte Gray—it measures 4550 mm (L) x 1800 mm (W) x 1708 mm (H) for ICE variants and 4550 x 1800 x 1730 mm for the EV, with a 2780 mm wheelbase and 195 mm ground clearance. The 45-litre fuel tank (ICE) and 25-litre frunk (EV) enhance practicality, though the glossy exterior may attract scratches.
The robust skid plates with satin chrome finish and IP54 splash resistance ensure durability, but the lack of a higher IP rating limits water-wading capability compared to rivals like the Toyota Innova Crysta.
Feature-Rich Cabin
The interior features a 67.62 cm (26.62”) Dual Panoramic Display (12.3-inch infotainment + 12.3-inch digital cluster) with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and 8-speaker Bose audio (HTX+). Other highlights include 4-way power driver seat, front ventilated seats, smart air purifier with AQI display, climate-infotainment swap switch, rear AC vents, foldable trays, sun blinds, and dual-pane panoramic sunroof (HTX+). The 6- or 7-seater layout (6-seater with captain chairs in HTX+) offers generous space, though third-row legroom is tighter than the Innova Hycross. The 216-litre boot expands with folded seats, but it’s smaller than the Marazzo’s 625 litres.
The beige and navy leatherette upholstery (HTX+) adds a premium feel, but lower trims use a simpler black-beige theme with fabric seats, which may feel less luxurious.
Versatile Powertrains
The Carens Clavis 2025 offers three ICE engines and an EV option:
- 1.5L Smartstream G1.5 Petrol (1497cc, 113.18 bhp @ 6300 rpm, 143.8 Nm @ 4500 rpm): 6-speed MT, 15.95-16.66 kmpl.
- 1.5L Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi Turbo Petrol (1482cc, 157.57 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 253 Nm @ 3500 rpm): 6MT, 6iMT, or 7DCT, 15.34-16.66 kmpl.
- 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel (1493cc, 113.42 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm): 6MT or 6AT, 17.5-19.54 kmpl.
- EV: 42 kWh (404 km range) or 51.4 kWh (490 km) battery, 169 bhp, 255 Nm, single-speed AT, 4-4.75 hr charge (11kW AC).
The petrol variants reach a top speed of ~180 kmph (turbo) and 0-100 kmph in ~10-12 seconds, while the diesel offers strong low-end torque for highway cruising. The EV achieves ~160 kmph and 0-100 kmph in ~8.5 seconds, with V2L/V2V charging capabilities. Real-world mileage is ~14-15 kmpl (petrol), ~16-18 kmpl (diesel), and ~350-450 km range (EV). The MacPherson strut front and coupled torsion beam rear suspension ensure a smooth ride, though the EV’s added weight may feel less agile.
Advanced Safety
The Carens Clavis 2025 includes 18 standard safety features, such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and all-wheel disc brakes. The Level 2 ADAS (20 features) includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and High Beam Assist (HBA). The EV adds Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Aiming for a 4-5 star Bharat NCAP rating, it ensures robust protection, though it lacks the 360-degree camera found in rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar.
Pricing and Availability
Prices range from ₹11.50 lakh (HTE Petrol MT) to ₹21.50 lakh (HTX+ Turbo Petrol DCT) for ICE and ₹17.99 lakh to ₹24.49 lakh for the EV (ex-showroom). On-road prices in Delhi are ₹13.2-24.7 lakh (ICE) and ₹18.92-26 lakh (EV), including RTO (₹1.46-2.93 lakh) and insurance (₹54,851-1.02 lakh). Available at Kia India dealerships, CarWale, CarDekho, and Bajaj Finserv outlets, bookings opened on May 9, 2025, with a ₹25,000 token amount. Offers include ₹50,000-60,989 discounts, ₹20,000-50,000 exchange bonuses, and EMI from ₹23,316/month (11.6% interest, 48 months). Maintenance costs are ₹7,214/5 years (ICE) and lower for the EV, with Kia’s 500+ service centers ensuring support. Delivery wait times are 1-2 months, with high demand for HTX+ and EV variants.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Users praise the spacious cabin, feature-rich interior, ADAS Level 2, fuel efficiency (up to 19.54 kmpl diesel, 490 km EV range), and modern styling, with the Bose audio and panoramic sunroof enhancing appeal. The EV’s V2L capability and K-Charge network (11,000+ stations) are highlights. Drawbacks include:
- Tight third-row space, less practical for adults.
- High price for top trims, overlapping with Innova Hycross.
- No wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay on 12.3-inch display.
- Limited boot space (216 litres), trailing rivals.
- Dealership issues, with some reporting poor pre-delivery inspections.
Comparison with Competitors
The Kia Carens Clavis 2025 competes with:
- Maruti Ertiga (₹8.69 lakh, 1.5L petrol, 102 bhp): Cheaper, but less feature-rich and no EV option.
- Toyota Innova Hycross (₹19.77 lakh, 2.0L hybrid, 183 bhp): More spacious and efficient, but pricier.
- BYD e6 (₹29.15 lakh, 71.7 kWh, 520 km range): Superior EV range, but higher cost and less premium interior.
The Carens Clavis excels with its versatile powertrains, ADAS, and premium features, but its boot space and third-row comfort lag behind competitors.
Final Thoughts
The Kia Carens Clavis 2025, launched on May 23, 2025, is a premium MPV with petrol, diesel, and EV options, delivering up to 157.57 bhp (ICE) or 169 bhp (EV), Level 2 ADAS, and a 26.62” dual panoramic display. Its bold design, 6/7-seater flexibility, and 490 km EV range suit families and urban commuters. Priced from ₹11.50-24.49 lakh, it offers strong value, though limited boot space and tight third-row seating are drawbacks. Backed by Kia’s growing service network, it’s a compelling choice in India’s mid-size MPV segment.
