Kia Carens, Carens Clavis And Toyota Innova Crysta: Who Should Buy What?

The South Korean automotive giant Kia India has finally and officially commenced the bookings of its latest MPV, the Carens Clavis, in India. This new luxury MPV will sit alongside the already popular Carens in India. Now, recently we had a thought that these two MPVs from Kia, although they compete with each other, also rival the mighty Toyota Innova Crysta as well. So, if you are someone who is confused between these three MPVs, then we are here to help you out.
First off, let's start with the already on-sale Kia Carens. This MPV, since its launch, has been the crowd favorite. It starts at Rs 10.6 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 19.7 lakh. On the outside, it gets a simple yet bold split LED headlights design, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a decent-looking rear-end design.
Meanwhile, on the inside, it gets a touchscreen, standard safety tech, and others. Powertrain options of the standard Carens include a 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. It comes with transmission options of a 6-speed manual, iMT, DCT, and torque converter automatic.
Now, if you are in the market today for a reliable, value-packed 6–7 seater MPV which is frill-free and can perform daily driver duties, then look no further and get the Kia Carens. It offers budget-conscious buyers who want affordable luxury without gimmicky features a value-for-money experience. It is ideal for families which generally do not care a lot about high-tech features and need a comfortable driving experience.
The newly unveiled Kia Carens Clavis, on the other hand, is the opposite of the standard Carens. This new luxury MPV is expected to start at Rs 11.59 lakh and go up to Rs 21 lakh. As for the engine and transmission options, they will remain the same as the standard Carens.
Now, coming to the difference, the new Carens Clavis will get Kia’s new “Opposites United” SUV design language. It also gets bigger 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, ICE LED headlights, LED light bar, and connected LED taillights at the rear. Overall, the Kia Carens Clavis looks a lot more modern and futuristic.
As for the interior, the Kia Carens Clavis gets a new 26.62-inch panoramic display, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, front ventilated seats, in-built navigation, Bose audio system, etc. It also comes with a Boss Mode. Apart from these, the MPV also gets ADAS Level 2, a 360 camera, and multiple airbags.
Now, coming to the buyer profile of the Kia Carens Clavis. If you are a younger family buyer who does not mind spending extra for the latest tech features and want an SUV-like-looking practical MPV, then the Kia Carens Clavis is the one for you. This MPV is also ideal if you want advanced safety features and cutting-edge tech in your vehicle.
When it comes to MPVs, the Toyota Innova Crysta is one of the most popular models in the country. Despite the launch of the new and more modern Innova Hycross, the Crysta has a cult-like following. It starts at Rs 19.99 lakh and is offered with a 2.4-litre diesel engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It makes 148 bhp and 343 Nm of torque.
The Innova Crysta offers a traditional MPV design with lots of chrome on the outside. It has a very practical yet bold appearance, and it has been built for long-term durability. On the inside, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable leather seats, cruise control, automatic climate control, and safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, and rear camera.
Now, coming to the ideal buyer of the Toyota Innova Crysta. It is an MPV for those who have to travel on highways for long distances. Also, it is for those buyers who prioritize reliability, ride comfort, and ruggedness over features. An added benefit of the Innova Crysta is that buyers will enjoy high resale values.