Kia has recently opened bookings for the Carens Clavis, with the reservation amount set at Rs 25,000. The model is scheduled to launch on May 23.
By Reetika Bhatt
India’s growing demand for three-row vehicles has brought models like the Kia Carens Clavis and Hyundai Alcazar into the spotlight. Designed with family needs in mind, both offer roomy cabins, modern amenities, and flexible seating layouts. The newly introduced Carens Clavis stands out with its upmarket styling, Level 2 ADAS capabilities, and a range of powertrains, positioning itself between a traditional MPV and an SUV. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Alcazar blends comfort and performance, offering premium touches such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine. While they share comparable dimensions and tech features, differences emerge in safety equipment, powertrain choices, and overall value. This comparison explores how each vehicle stacks up on paper to help prospective buyers weigh their options effectively.
Kia has recently opened reservations for the Clavis, with the booking fee set at Rs 25,000. Positioned as a more refined and tech-enhanced iteration of the original Carens, the Clavis will be launched in seven trims: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, and HTX+. It is expected to be priced from Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a value-packed offering with several segment-first features.
Also Read: Kia Carens Clavis to Launch in India on May 23; Bookings Open
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Alcazar targets a more premium segment and is available in four distinct variants – Executive, Prestige, Platinum, and Signature. Prices range from Rs 17.22 lakh to Rs 21.74 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting its more upscale positioning and extended equipment list.
On the exterior, the Carens Clavis debuts Kia’s next-gen ‘Digital Tiger Face’ design, characterised by a distinctive split-headlamp arrangement and a modern, cohesive look. The SUV features satin chrome skid plates at both ends, Starmap LED tail lights connected by a light strip, metal-painted side garnishes, and bold 17-inch dual-tone crystal-cut alloy wheels. It comes in a vibrant palette that includes shades like Aurora Black Pearl, Clear White, Sparkling Silver, Imperial Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Pewter Olive, Gravity Grey, and Ivory Silver Gloss.
By contrast, the updated Hyundai Alcazar adopts a more aggressive design language. Up front, it wears a wider grille with horizontal slats, flanked by revised dual-chamber LED headlights. Additional styling updates include newly styled roof rails, faux skid plates, reshaped front and rear bumpers, and H-shaped LED daytime running lights joined by a central LED light bar. At the back, the tail lamps mirror the front’s H-signature, while a silver bumper insert adds contrast. It rides on dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and offers a broad color lineup, including hues like Fiery Red, Ranger Khaki, Abyss Black Pearl, Starry Night, and Atlas White, along with matte-finish choices such as Titan Grey Matte and Robust Emerald Matte. A dual-tone Atlas White variant with a black roof is also available.
The Kia Carens Clavis continues to use the same engine lineup as the standard Carens, offering three powertrain choices: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission options remain extensive, including a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual), 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, providing configurations suited to both comfort-focused and performance-oriented drivers.
Also Read: Hyundai Alcazar SUV Prices Increased in India; Check Details Here
In contrast, the latest Hyundai Alcazar is equipped with a pair of engine options: a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. The turbo-petrol engine produces 157.8 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. The diesel variant delivers 114.4 bhp and 250 Nm, paired with a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Kia Carens Clavis is offered in both six- and seven-seat arrangements, with the six-seater featuring a second-row bench setup. It distinguishes itself with a more upmarket cabin experience, styled in a dual-tone Triton Navy and Beige combination, paired with high-quality leatherette upholstery in matching tones. The Clavis also brings a wealth of premium equipment to the table, including a dual-camera dash cam with smartphone integration, a Bose surround sound system, a sweeping 26.62-inch dual-display interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, built-in navigation, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof with dual panes. A notable highlight is the Boss Mode function, which allows rear passengers to electronically reposition the front passenger seat to gain more legroom.
Hyundai’s Alcazar also provides both six- and seven-seater layouts, though the six-seat version opts for captain chairs in the second row, offering ventilation and extendable thigh support for extra comfort. The interior follows a rich brown and deep blue dual-tone palette and includes updated elements like sleeker AC vents, dual integrated displays, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control. Premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, Boss Mode, leatherette seats, and Hyundai’s connected car tech come as standard.