Kia Carens 2013–2019 car dimensions: 4525 mm long, 1805 mm wide and 1610 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,458 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin offers space for five or seven with sliding and folding second-row seats plus a fold-flat front passenger seat for long items. Air conditioning is standard with dual-zone climate on mid and higher grades. Cruise control with speed limiter is standard. A touchscreen appears on higher trims, starting at 4.3 inches and rising to 7 or 8 inches after the 2016 update, when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also arrive on those grades. Reversing sensors and camera are trim-dependent, as are blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning.
Boot space measures 536 litres with rear seats up on five-seat models or 492 litres on seven-seat versions with the third row folded. Maximum volume reaches 1694 litres with seats down on five-seaters and 1650 litres on seven-seaters. An under-floor tray stores the load cover.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1300 kg on petrol models and 1500 kg on diesels. Unbraked figures are 730 kg petrol and 750 kg diesel. Payload sits around 530 to 660 kg depending on engine and seating.
The cabin feels spacious and family-friendly with soft-touch materials, generous head and legroom across three rows, and flexible individual sliding second-row seats. Higher grades add dual-zone climate control with ioniser, rear air vents, a cooled glovebox, 10-way power driver seat with lumbar and cushion extension, heated front seats, and optional ventilated fronts plus heated outer second-row seats. A panoramic sunroof on top trims floods the space with light, while storage cubbies and folding tables keep it practical for daily use.
Euro NCAP 5-star rating with best-in-class status in 2013
Standard six airbags, ESC, VSM, ABS, brake assist and hill-start assist
Service intervals every 12 months or 20,000 miles
7-year/100,000-mile warranty transferable with regular maintenance
Competitive fuel economy with CO2 from 124 g/km on diesels and ISG stop-start on manuals
Engines deliver solid efficiency for a seven-seater. Petrol 1.6 GDi returns around 44 mpg combined with 149 g/km CO2, while 1.7 diesels achieve up to 61 mpg and as low as 118-124 g/km CO2 depending on power and gearbox. ISG stop-start is standard on manuals to cut urban use further.
Servicing follows a straightforward schedule of 12 months or 20,000 miles, alternating minor and major checks. Affordable fixed-price plans cover the first three or five services. Both petrol and diesel units use timing chains, removing belt replacement costs.
Safety is a strong point with a full five-star Euro NCAP score, including high adult and child protection marks. Six airbags, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring on later cars, lane departure warning and smart parking assist are available. High-strength steel body structure underpins the rating.
Living with the Carens is straightforward thanks to the long warranty and versatile interior that folds flat for large loads. Regular oil changes keep the engines reliable, and residual values hold up well for the class. Higher trims add convenience like heated seats and a panoramic roof that make family trips easier.
Length 4525 mm, Width 1805 mm, Height 1610 mm, Wheelbase 2750 mm (Carens 2013–2019)
Sources: manufacturer data, Kia Geneva Motor Show 2013 press kit, Kia PH/SG/Malta brochures 2015-2017, auto-data.net and UK press.