Yes, both vehicles are segments apart. The Kia Seltos belongs to the compact SUV segment, while the Kia Carens belongs to the MUV segment. The reason they are being compared is because of the pricing and their nearly identical powertrains. In addition, they are based on the same platform, which is known as the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform. Further, the Kia Carens price commands less premium than what the Kia Seltos does.
As mentioned in the beginning, both vehicles are from different segments. Given the shape and size of the Kia Seltos, this compact SUV directly rivals the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta and Toyota Hyryder, to name a few.
In contrast, the Kia Carens’ direct rivals are the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga. The premium alternatives include the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, Toyota Innova HyCross and Toyota Innova Crysta.
So, let’s see how the Kia Carens squares off against the Kia Seltos. Let’s read on.
Specifications
For starters, you should know that the Kia Carens is based on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform that also underpins other Kia and Hyundai cars, such as the Seltos, Sonet, Alcazar, Venue, i20, and the fifth-generation Verna.
Apart from that, both vehicles have a three-star safety rating, awarded by the Global NCAP. For your reference, a three-star safety rating is a moderate rating.
However, both vehicles are available in petrol and diesel. They also have the same powertrains. All the available engines powering these two vehicles are 1.5 litres.
In petrol, you get a naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine option, while the diesel version uses a turbocharged engine only.
As for the petrol version, the G1.5 MPi, naturally-aspirated engine, is tuned to churn out 113 bhp at 6300 rpm and 144 Nm of peak torque at 4500 rpm. Another option includes a G1.5 T-GDI, turbocharged, petrol engine, which pumps out 158 bhp at 5500 rpm and 253 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. For your reference,
Finally, comes the diesel version that generates power from a 1.5 CRDi VGT, turbocharged engine, which has an output of 114 bhp at 4000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque at 2750 rpm.
Most internal combustion engine Kia cars have the same powertrain options.
As for the 2023 Kia Seltos, its transmission options include a six-speed manual, a six-speed iMT, a six-speed torque converter, a seven-speed DCT, and a CVT. Similarly, the 2023 Kia Carens can be had with an iMT, a seven-speed DCT and a six-speed torque converter.
Fuel Economy
As far as fuel economy is concerned, the Kia Seltos mileage ranges between 17 km/l and 20.7 km/l. On the other hand, the Kia Carens’ mileage is between 16 km/l and 19 km/l. All are ARAI-certified figures. Please note that the real-world mileage figures vary with the engine and transmission combination, local traffic conditions and individuals’ driving styles.
Suspension, Brakes and Tyres
Let’s begin with the suspension setup of the Kia Carens. It stands on a widely used McPherson Strut with a coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) with a coil spring at the rear. Interestingly, the same suspension setup can be had in the Kia Seltos.
The Seltos was Kia India’s first iteration that proved the capability of the current suspension setup on Indian roads, which is why probably the Kia Carens has the same setup. As per this Kia Carens review, it indicates that the said MUV can soak the bumps from potholes with ease. It is also worth mentioning that most of the locally-produced vehicles in India are designed by keeping the conditions of Indian roads in mind.
That said, the Kia Seltos can also offer a comfort-oriented ride quality. However, it is recommended to take a test drive to get a better understanding.
Check out the 2023 Seltos review here.
Apart from that, the Kia Carens is equipped with all-disc brakes, which is standard. The same brake configuration can be found in the Kia Seltos. In addition, some variants of the Kia Seltos and Carens run on steel rims, while their higher variants run on alloys.
Features
Kia cars are known for boasting a long list of features. The most distinctive offering, making it exclusive to the Seltos is the Level-2 ADAS. The ADAS suite comprises features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, blind-spot detection, lane departure prevention, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Other exclusive features of the Seltos include a 360-degree camera, a leatherette upholstery, one-touch (down and up) windows (all), a rear windshield blind, a heads-up display (HUD), etc. Last, but not least, it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both wired), an electrically adjustable driver seat, and a panoramic sunroof. Given the Seltos price, it has segment-leading features.
In contrast, the exclusive offerings of the Kia Carens include 64-colour ambient lighting, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both wireless), a single-pane sunroof, manually adjustable seats (all), and leather upholstery. Further, it has 12V sockets, a reverse camera with guidance, etc.
The common offerings include a fully digital instrument cluster, auto HVAC, auto headlamps, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, voice command, a wireless charger, and USB ports. Other shared features comprise a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, a headlight height adjuster, LED exterior lights (front and rear), and rain-sensing wipers.
You can check out the Carens’ price here.
On the safety front, both have ABS with EBD, six airbags, traction control, auto-dimming IRVM, brake assist, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, tyre pressure monitor, and speed-sensing door lock. Both vehicles are also equipped with connected car technology. This feature lets the owner access the vehicle details, such as the live location, last parked area, geo-fencing, live speed, maintenance information, and other relevant readings.
Prices and Variants
The Korean carmaker offers the Seltos facelift (2023) in three broad trims: HT Line, GT Line and X-Line. These trims make a total of twenty-two variants. As for the Kia Seltos price, it starts at Rs 10.90 lakh for the base variant, the HTE Petrol MT, and goes up to Rs 20 lakh for the top variant, the X-Line Diesel AT.
On the flip side, the Kia Carens has six trims: Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, Luxury (O) and Luxury Plus. It has a total of twenty-three variants. It is available in six- and seven-seat configurations.
The Kia Carens price starts at Rs 10.45 lakh for the base variant, the Premium Petrol MT, and goes up to Rs 19.45 lakh for the top variant, the X-Line Diesel 6 STR.
All are ex-showroom prices in Delhi, as of October 2023. Please note that these prices are subject to change without any prior notice to the customer. You can, however, visit the autoX website to access the latest location-based price list for your dream vehicle. For more, visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. So, stay tuned!