Kia Carens Long Term Review, May 2025 Report

In March, bereft of a car for everyday use, I found myself wondering how I was going to manage my daily commute. So, when Kia India called to ask if I’d like to re-experience the Carens since I hadn’t driven it in a few years, I jumped at the opportunity! The Carens is one of the few affordable three-row people movers in the Indian market, and it’s done well in terms of sales. While the facelifted version is just around the corner, this was a great chance to see how the current model has aged in the years since its launch.

Developed specifically for the Indian market, the Carens offers a compelling package, combining practicality with a usable size. If you’re looking for a diesel vehicle with three rows of seating, this is one of the few options available. Powered by the now-familiar 1.5-litre diesel engine, the automatic transmission-equipped Carens was quite interesting to drive. First and foremost, the efficiency of the engine and gearbox combo was outstanding. Although I didn’t get a chance for a long-distance drive, even during city crawling (let’s face it, none of our cities let you drive freely anymore), I averaged a fantastic 16km/l, making running costs incredibly affordable.

The suspension was also well-tuned, offering great ride quality, and the seats were exceptionally comfortable. I personally preferred driving in sport mode, as the gearbox held onto gears longer and the acceleration felt quicker. With summer almost here in Delhi, the air-conditioning was put to the test. I must say that it performed admirably well, keeping the car cool effortlessly during my drives.

Since 99% of my driving is solo, I didn’t get a chance to fully test the third row, but I did make use of the boot on several occasions. With the third row folded down, the boot space is massive and incredibly useful. Overall, as a package, there’s little to criticize about the Carens – it drives well, offers massive practicality, and is reasonably priced. The only thing I wish for is that it could be a bit more fun to drive. But then again, considering this is a family-oriented car, I might be asking for too much.

Also Read: Kia Carens Clavis First Drive Review, The Perfect Family Car?

Also Read: Kia Carens 1.5 T-GDi 1000+ Km Road Trip Review: Full Family Fulfillment