Kia Carens vs Hyundai Verna: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 16-18 Lakh For Family-focused Car Buyers

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: January 5, 2024 at 12:45 AMUpdated: Updated: January 5, 2024 at 12:45 AM
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As a family man, you consider only the best, or top family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Kia Carens and Hyundai Verna, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.

In this article, we will share

  • What family-focused buyers look for in a car
  • Kia Carens vs Hyundai Verna – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
  • How to pick the right car for you

So, are these perfect cars for a small family, or can they accommodate large families, too? And which of these is the right car for a family man? Read on.

What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car

Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:

  • Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
  • Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
  • Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good

A family-focused car buyer prioritizes safety, space, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Key features include ample cabin and boot space for children and luggage, high safety ratings, and reliable performance.

Fuel efficiency, comfortable seating with good legroom and headroom, and child-friendly features like rear AC vents and entertainment systems are also crucial. The ideal family car should balance these practical needs with a reasonable price, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience for the whole family.

Why Kia Carens and Hyundai Verna are Popular

Kia Carens and Hyundai Verna have become popular choices for family-focused car buyers due to their blend of space, safety, and value.

The Kia Carens stands out with its spacious interior, offering ample legroom, headroom, and boot capacity, which are essential for families. Its safety features, like a high GNCAP rating and multiple airbags, ensure passenger protection.

Hyundai Verna, with its impressive fuel efficiency and high-speed stability, appeals to families looking for an economical yet safe vehicle.

Both models offer modern infotainment features, including touchscreen navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing the driving experience. Their balanced approach to performance, safety, and comfort, at a competitive price point, makes them favorable for families.

Kia Carens and Hyundai Verna Variants Shortlist in Rs 16-18 Lakh Range

For Hyundai Verna, we have:

VariantPrice (INR) as on 1 January 2024
SX Turbo DCT₹1,608,000
SX Opt Turbo DCT₹1,738,000
SX Opt Turbo DCT DT₹1,738,000

For Kia Carens, we have:

VariantPrice (INR) as on 1 January 2024
Luxury iMT₹1,635,000
Luxury Opt DCT₹1,715,000
Luxury Opt Diesel AT₹1,785,000

Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DCT

Ideal for families seeking a balance of power and safety. Its turbocharged engine offers quick acceleration, essential for city driving. The 6 airbags and a 5-star GNCAP rating ensure safety, while features like rear AC vents and a spacious boot make it practical for family use. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Verna with Honda City.

Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT

Builds on the SX Turbo DCT, adding premium features like a Bose audio system and additional speakers, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience for families. The same safety and performance features are retained, making it a great option for those who value additional comfort and tech.

Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT DT

Similar to the SX Opt Turbo DCT, this variant offers all the family-friendly features with the addition of dual-tone color options, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics along with functionality. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Verna with Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus.

Kia Carens Luxury iMT

Stands out with its moderate body roll and futuristic dashboard design, providing a comfortable and engaging drive. Its spacious interior, including significant legroom and headroom, makes it ideal for families, especially on long journeys.

Kia Carens Luxury Opt DCT

Offers enhanced features over the Luxury iMT, like a Bose audio system and additional airbags for knee/curtain protection. This variant is a top choice for families prioritizing advanced safety and luxury within a reasonable price range. If you’re safety-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

Kia Carens Luxury Opt Diesel AT

This variant’s diesel engine provides better fuel efficiency, making it suitable for families who travel frequently. The combination of safety, comfort, and economy makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Kia Carens and Hyundai Verna for Family-focused Car Buyers

Considering the needs of a family-focused car buyer, the Kia Carens Luxury Opt Diesel AT emerges as the best variant. Priced at INR 1,785,000, it offers a balance of luxury, safety, and economy. The diesel engine ensures fuel efficiency, which is crucial for families who travel frequently.

Safety is paramount in this variant, with 6 airbags, a high GNCAP rating, and additional knee/curtain airbags. The spacious interior with ample legroom, headroom, and boot capacity, along with child-friendly features like rear AC vents and a well-designed ergonomic interior, cater to the comfort of all family members. \

The Bose audio system and touchscreen infotainment provide entertainment and convenience, making long journeys enjoyable. Its moderate body roll and stable high-speed performance ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience. All these features combined make the Kia Carens Luxury Opt Diesel AT an ideal choice for family-focused car buyers.

The Top 3 Choices

  1. Kia Carens Luxury Opt Diesel AT
  2. Kia Carens Luxury Opt DCT
  3. Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT
AttributeKia Carens Luxury Opt Diesel ATKia Carens Luxury Opt DCTHyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT
High-Speed StabilityYesYesYes
Airbags (number)666
Ground Clearance (mm)195195165
Boot Capacity (liters)216216528
Rear Parking CameraYesYesYes
Power SteeringYesYesYes
Knee/Curtain AirbagsYesYesNo
Audio System (Brand)BoseBoseBose
Engine – Fuel TypeDieselPetrolPetrol
Transmission – Auto TypeTorque ConverterDCTDCT

How to Pick the Right Car for You

  • The Kia Carens variants excel in safety, comfort, and space, making them ideal for families.
  • The Hyundai Verna variant, while smaller in boot capacity, offers excellent high-speed stability and fuel efficiency.

All three variants provide high safety standards, with the Kia variants offering additional knee/curtain airbags. The presence of premium audio systems and advanced transmission types in these variants further enhances the driving experience.

Overall, these three choices cater excellently to the needs of a family-focused car buyer, offering a blend of safety, comfort, and performance.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.