Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: Exterior And Interior Design Differences Explained

The Kia Clavis is basically a heavily updated version of the Carens with more premium design touches and a new interior

The Kia Carens Clavis was recently revealed ahead of its expected launch in June. It’s a heavily refreshed version of the Carens. Although the Korean carmaker has confirmed that both MPV versions will be on sale together, there are plenty of design differences that set both models apart. Let us take a look at these differences in 15 images:

Front

The front design of the Kia Carens Clavis is very different from the Kia Carens MPV. While the Kia Clavis boasts sharper lines, the Carens has softer lines and a rounded approach to its look.

The Clavis gets a triangular-shaped LED headlight design with inverted-L-shaped LED DRLs that looks aggressive. In comparison, the Carens has horizontally-stacked headlights with eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs that give it an elegant look. 

The grille on both the cars are blanked off. However, the Carens gets a prominent gloss black plastic trim connecting the DRLs. .

While both MPVs get a blacked-out centre portion on their front bumpers, the Kia Clavis has horizontal elements on the air intake channels and features a silver skid plate that makes it look rugged. The Carens, on the other hand, has a honeycomb mesh design with chrome surrounds and LED fog lamps. 

Side

In profile, the only major difference is the inclusion of larger 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels in the Kia Clavis. The Carens gets smaller 16-inch units.

Other than this, everything else, including the body coloured door handles and outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and silver roof rails are the same for both MPVs.

Rear

The rear design of the Carens features inverted L-shaped tail lights that are connected via a plastic trim. This trim is replaced by a light bar in the Carens Clavis, which also gets sharper looking tail lamps. The bumper design of both MPV siblings are also different. Keen eyed viewers will also notice that the reverse lamp now takes place below the number plate.

Also See: Check Out The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis 8 Colour Options In Images

Interior, Features And Safety

The cabin of both MPVs are very different. The dashboard design, especially, is distinct for both the Carens’ iterations.

The Kia Carens has a more straight forward dashboard design with a gloss black trim on the centre that houses the 10.25-inch touchscreen and spans from one door to another. On the other hand, the Clavis also gets a layered design with a black centre portion, but it gets dual free-standing 12.3-inch displays.

The Clavis borrows the Syros’ 2-spoke steering wheel, while the Carens features a 3-spoke unit. The Clavis also gets a more sophisticated touch-enabled panel with dual knobs under the touchscreen, which can control either the AC or the audio of the MPV. Such a touch-enabled panel is missing on the Carens, but it still gets dedicated physical knobs for both the infotainment and climate control.

The centre console design of both the Carens and Clavis are similar with a gear selector stalk, buttons for ventilated seats, cupholders and a wireless phone charger.

Moreover, the seating layout is also similar for both MPV versions with leatherette upholstery on the seats. However, the Kia Carens Clavis gets vertical line design on the seats, which look more premium than the Carens’ wavy seat upholstery design.

In terms of features, the Clavis gets dual 12.3-inch screens and a panoramic sunroof over the Kia Carens. Other features are similar and include ventilated front seats, 4-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, auto AC, ambient lighting and a 8-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety features on both MPVs include 6 airbags (as standard), 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake and front and rear parking sensors. The Clavis also gets a level-2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite and electronic parking brake with auto hold, both of which are not offered with the Carens.

Powertrain Options

The Kia Carens Clavis comes with three engine options, the details of which are as follows:

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

The Kia Carens also gets the same engine options, the only difference is that it does not get the 6-speed MT that is offered with the Clavis’ turbo-petrol engine. 

Expected Price And Rivals

The Kia Carens Clavis is expected to be launched in June 2025 with prices likely to start from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, it will rival the popular Maruti Ertiga, Maruti XL6 and Toyota Rumion, while being a premium option to the Kia Carens.

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