For This is as lavish as the Carens gets, with climate control, leather upholstery, reversing sensors and tinted glass.

Against This is the most highly specified Carens, and all that kit makes for a very expensive car from a supposedly budget brand.

Kia Carens MPV

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

The Carens is all about how much you get for how little, so it's impossible to recommend such an expensive version.

What Car? readers say

3.625


Key facts

0–60mph
12.1 secs
Top speed
111 mph
Average mpg
49.6
Tank range
501 miles
See all running costs

View the whole Kia Carens MPV range

Read in full

The full Kia Carens review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Owning a Kia Carens should be a painless experience, thanks to the seven-year warranty that comes with every car. However, the results of the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey show up a number of problems with the old model.

The range is relatively straightforward, with just one petrol and one diesel engine. We’d take the diesel, for its superior economy and stronger performance when fully loaded. That said, the petrol is cheaper to buy and copes well enough around town.

Entry-level 1 trim is five-seat-only and comes with a modest list of standard kit, although at least you do get air-conditioning. It’s only available as a five-seater, whereas the more expensive 2 and 3 models can be bought with seven seats. We’d go for the 2 in preference to the pricier 3 to make the most of the Carens’ fine value for money.

Reader test team says:

Kia Carens MPV 2.0i GS 5st 5dr

6 months ago I started a new job. I was informed a hire car would arrive... My heart sank, not a Passatt, not an Insignia, not even a poxy Astra, but…

FARQUAT URQUART

4 out of 5 stars

Kia Carens MPV 2.0i GS 5st 5dr

We have had our Carens now for 6 months, and couldn’t be happier with it. Despite what some "knowledgable" reviewers may tell you, the ride and…

Mark Stott

5 out of 5 stars

Kia Carens MPV 2.0 CRDi LS 7st 5dr

I have now owned this car for a month, having previously owned an 03 Sedona Auto which we only ever had one problem with in 5 years but we decided the…

Martin Wilson

3 out of 5 stars

Kia Carens MPV 2.0 CRDi GS 7st 5dr

I collected this car new on 26/1/08 and have been completely delighted with it so far. It handles well, has tons of room and many interior extras.…

Paula Bloor

5 out of 5 stars
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