Kia Carens Clavis vs Kia Carens: What Is Different?

Kia has officially unveiled the Carens Clavis, a heavily updated version of the existing Kia Carens MPV, ahead of its launch on May 23, 2025. With both models set to be sold alongside each other, the Clavis positions itself as a more premium and technologically advanced alternative to the Carens. While they share a few structural similarities, there are significant differences in design, features, and equipment that set them apart. Here's a comprehensive look at how these two MPVs differ across various aspects.

Exterior

One of the most striking differences between the two MPVs lies in their front-end styling. The Kia Carens Clavis features sharper, more angular design lines that lend it a rugged and modern appearance. It gets distinctive triangular-shaped LED headlamps paired with aggressive inverted-L-shaped DRLs. In contrast, the standard Kia Carens adopts a more conservative, rounded design with horizontally-stacked headlamps and elegant eyebrow-shaped DRLs.

Both models feature a blanked-off grille, though the Carens includes a prominent gloss black trim that connects its DRLs, a styling choice not present on the Clavis. Additionally, while both MPVs get a blacked-out central bumper area, the Clavis uses horizontal air intake elements and a silver skid plate to enhance its rugged persona. The Carens instead employs a honeycomb mesh pattern, chrome accents, and LED fog lamps for a more urban-oriented look.

The side profiles of the two vehicles reveal only minor differences. The Clavis gets larger, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, whereas the Carens is equipped with smaller 16-inch units. Both models feature similar body-coloured door handles, outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), and silver roof rails, maintaining consistency in side aesthetics.

At the rear, the Carens sports inverted L-shaped tail lights connected by a plastic trim, while the Clavis upgrades this to a full-width light bar and sharper tail lamp elements. The Clavis also has a revised bumper design and relocates the reverse lamp to beneath the number plate, offering a cleaner look.

Interior

Stepping inside, the cabins of the Carens and Clavis diverge significantly. The Clavis adopts a more futuristic and premium dashboard design, highlighted by dual 12.3-inch free-standing digital displays and a layered layout with a black central portion. The standard Carens, in comparison, features a more straightforward dashboard design with a gloss black panel housing a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Steering wheel designs also differ: the Clavis borrows the two-spoke unit from the Kia Syros SUV, while the Carens retains a more traditional three-spoke design. Furthermore, the Clavis introduces a touch-enabled control panel with dual-function knobs that can operate either the climate control or the audio system, offering a more tech-forward experience. The Carens relies on physical knobs for separate audio and climate functions.

Cabin Comfort and Seating

Both models offer similar seat layouts and features like leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a 4-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, the Clavis features vertically lined seat designs that appear more premium, whereas the Carens uses wavy patterns for a slightly more casual feel. The centre console in both vehicles is largely identical, housing gear selector stalks, wireless phone chargers, and controls for seat ventilation.

Features and Technology

While many features overlap between the two, the Clavis clearly positions itself a notch above with more advanced technology. It gets dual 12.3-inch screens and a panoramic sunroof—features not offered in the regular Carens. Shared amenities include auto climate control, ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and rear AC vents.

Safety 

Safety equipment in both models includes six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and an electronic parking brake. However, the Clavis further distinguishes itself by offering a Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite and an electronic parking brake with auto hold—features notably absent from the Carens.

Powertrain Options

Both MPVs are powered by the same engine lineup, including the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. 

However, a key difference is that the Clavis gets a 6-speed manual transmission option for the turbo-petrol engine, which is not available with the Carens.

Rivals

The Kia Carens Clavis is expected to launch with prices starting around ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a more premium alternative to the Carens. It will compete directly with rivals like the Maruti Ertiga, Maruti XL6, and Toyota Rumion, while also offering an upgrade path for buyers considering the regular Carens.