5 Things We Learnt After Driving The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis

While the new exterior and interior design makes it look more attractive than before, the cabin still lacks the quality found in the Seltos and Sonet

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis was unveiled recently, and Kia has packed it with a more aggressive-looking design and several features that were missing in the Carens. We recently got our hands on the upcoming Kia MPV and after spending some quality time with it, here are 5 standout things we found about it:

More SUV-like Styling Touches

When the Kia Carens debuted back in 2021, it stood out in its segment with its quirky design. Despite the uniqueness, the Carens still looked like an MPV. In contrast, the recently unveiled Kia Carens Clavis has a SUV-like design that makes it look more aggressive. 

The fascia is now more upright and gets much sharper styling, thanks to the 3-pod LED headlights with inverted V-shaped LED DRLs. The front bumper features a rugged black cladding, which continues over the wheel arches and lower door panels, giving it a bold and muscular stance. At the rear, the Clavis is equipped with modern connected LED tail lamps and a black bumper that also houses a faux silver skid plate.

All of this looks more premium and aggressive than the MPV design of the Kia Carens. 

Continues To Offer A Practical And Comfortable Cabin

The Kia Carens has always been a practical MPV and the Clavis is no different. It remains one of the few mass-market MPVs that can genuinely seat six or seven adults in comfort with enough space for some luggage. Even in the third row, average-sized adults can feel comfortable with enough knee and shoulder room, though headroom can be tight for taller occupants.

Moreover, accessing the 3rd row is also fairly easy as the 2nd row seats get a one-touch tumble function. If you pick the top-spec HTX Plus variant, you also get the option of captain seats in the second row that will provide you a lot more comfort than the already cushy bench seats. 

The Carens Clavis also get a lot of practical storage spaces including foldable trays, cooled can holders in the rear, and dedicated cup and phone holders not only for the front two rows, but even for third-row passengers.

Even with all this, the Carens Clavis packs in a usable boot space that can store some luggage with all three rows up. And  if you fold both the second and third rows, you get a large area that’s perfect for shifting homes. 

New Features Are Welcome, But Interior Quality Could Be Improved

Although the dashboard looks pretty modern and upmarket with fabric inserts and silver accents the quality of the plastics could have been better. The finish, especially, is not as nice as what you get in other Kia models like the Seltos or Sonet and even the Kia Syros.

The top variants come with a navy-blue and beige cabin theme. This may not appeal to everyone. The lower variants have a black and beige interior, which looks more neutral and premium.

However, the Clavis now comes with many new features. The main highlight is the twin-screen setup on the dashboard. It has two 12.3-inch screens (one for the infotainment system and another for the instrumentation). While the larger infotainment screen is welcome, it still lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, considering its premium nature, ventilated second row seats and a powered co-driver’s seat could have also been present.

Nevertheless, the Clavis makes up with more nicer amenities such as a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold, all of which make the car feel more modern and safer to drive.

There is also a new touch-based control panel, which can switch between climate and media controls at a tap. However, basic functions like volume and temperature are still controlled via physical knobs, which are easier to use.

Also Check Out: 2025 Kia Carens Clavis Mid-spec HTK Plus Variant Explained In 20 Images

Easy To Drive

Like the Carens, the Clavis is also easy to drive even though it is a large MPV. Finding a good driving position in the Clavis is simple. All variants come with seat height adjustment for the driver's seat and tilt-adjustable steering. The higher variants also offer telescopic adjustment for the steering, which helps you fine-tune your driving position.

The Clavis feels easy to drive around town. The steering is light and predictable, and the ride is comfortable. On highways, the car feels stable and secure. When fully loaded, the rear suspension can feel slightly bouncy, but it still remains comfortable.

Handling is tuned for comfort rather than agility, and there is some body roll when the Clavis is pushed into corners, but this is at par with its mass-market MPV rivals.

Also Read: Buy Or Hold: Wait For The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis Or Pick Its Rivals

Lack Of Powertrain Options In Higher Variants

Let us first take a look at all the powertrain options available with the Kia Carens Clavis: 

*DCT = Dual-clutch automatic transmission, iMT = Clutchless manual transmission, AT = Torque converter automatic transmission

The Carens Clavis offers three engine options, but the variant-wise distribution is strange. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine gets only a manual gearbox. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) option would have been useful for buyers who want a smoother and easier drive.

Moreover, the diesel engine is also not available with the top-spec HTX Plus variant. This means buyers of the diesel variants will miss out on features like ADAS and a 360-degree camera. Moreover, the diesel automatic is only offered in the mid-spec HTK Plus variant. Also, diesel variants get only a single-pane sunroof, as the panoramic one is limited to the turbo-petrol.

This limits flexibility for buyers. Those who want certain features with a specific engine or gearbox may have to settle for a lower variant or compromise on features.

What do you think about the Kia Carens Clavis? Would you pick it up over the standard Carens or its rivals? Let us know in the comments.

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