Kia Carens review (2013-2019)

Driving position

Along with its elevated driving position, the Carens offers a manually adjusting seat and a height and reach adjustable steering wheel as standard, so getting comfortable isn’t a problem.

As is often the case with MPVs, large rear pillars obstruct the view backwards.

A rear-view camera and parking sensors – standard on the car’s 2 trim spec – pretty much eradicate that problem.

Tech and features

Higher spec 4 trim cars come with front parking sensors too, as well as a neat self-parking system that does all the work for you. 

The Kia Carens’ trim levels couldn’t be simpler.

The entry-level 1 model comes with cruise control, Bluetooth and a USB socket, while level 2 and 3 versions add a seven-inch colour touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a rear-view camera and built-in sat nav. 

Top-of-the-range cars with trim 4 get a larger touchscreen and a panoramic sunroof. 

The inside of the Carens’ is well put together, although not offering quite the same level of quality as you’ll get from rivals like the Volkswagen Touran. 

Cabin materials are good quality and switchgear is solid, with the gloss black trim found on level 2 cars and above lending a premium touch to the Carens’ somewhat sombre interior. 

As it’s an MPV, the Carens has the pleasingly high driving position shared by many in its class.

Thanks to slim front pillars, the elevated helm gives you a good view out the front.

Handling and ride comfort

Handling is decent, if not class-leading, with minimal body roll and plenty of grip helping out on curvy B-roads.  

The Carens isn’t really about back road thrills – it is, after all, a seven-seat MPV – so Kia has focussed more on comfort than agility with this car, resulting in a pleasant, surprisingly refined ride and quiet interior. Well, quiet if the kids are absent.  

Engines and power

Acceleration is in line with the competition, with the pair of available diesel engines (there’s a petrol one as well) giving the punchiest performance lower down the rev range – just what you want for fast overtaking manoeuvres.

\When it comes to motorway cruising, both the diesel and petrol units do a good job of spiriting the Carens along.   

When it comes to interior space, the Carens easily gives the competition a run for its money.

Rear seats

There’s plenty of head and leg room up front, while the car’s trio of middle seats will take three adults in comfort on shorter journeys.

These seats also slide forwards and backwards and fold individually so you can tailor the rear load area for whatever you need to carry.  

Boot space

The Carens’ boot space isn’t class-leading. With the third-row seats folded flat, there’s still an ample amount of room in the back for a car of this size.

It’s also an easy space to get stuff into, thanks to its square layout and lack of a loading lip – just lift and slide those heavy objects.

The 50:50 split second-row seats can also be folded down to create an even bigger boot space if required. 

The Kia Carens is good value compared to its rivals.

Fuel economy

It’s well-equipped across its various trim levels and boasts reasonable running costs for its class, with its lower-powered 1.7-litre diesel engine returning more than 67mpg.  

The higher-powered version boasts a still impressive 63mpg, while both have low CO2 emission figures in line with the competition.

The 1.6-litre petrol-powered Carens lags some way behind, delivering 44mpg.

For some drivers, the smoothness of this engine will make up for it.