2026 Kia Carens: price & specs

Kia has launched  its Indian-built Carens seven-seater crossover SUV, starting from under R400k.

Kia Carens front

Image: Kia

Following the launch of the Tasman in April 2026, Kia’s local arm has introduced the Carens to its model portfolio.  Manufactured at Kia’s Anantapur plant in India, the Carens is positioned as a budget-friendly, three-row crossover SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Suzuki XL6.  The Carens lineup comprises four derivatives, the entry-level LS, mid-tier LX and EX offerings, and the range-topping SX.

As standard, the LS variant ships with automatic headlamps, keyless entry and ignition, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard safety features include front thorax and curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

The LX variant adds 17-inch alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors, roof rails/roof rack, artificial leather seats and console box, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, cruise control and wireless phone charging pad. The EX features LED daytime running lights, a smart key fob with remote start, a larger 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital instrumentation, fore and aft parking distance sensors and single-zone climate control.

The flagship SX grade offers LED headlamps, an electronic parking brake, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, front seat heating, a BOSE sound system, dual 12.3-inch TFT displays for infotainment and instrumentation, and ambient lighting. Additional safety features include smart cruise control, automatic wipers, blind-spot collision avoidance, blind-spot view monitor, and surround view monitor.

The Kia Carens is offered in four colours: Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Grey, Pewter Olive and Ivory Silver.

Across the range, the Carens employs a 1.5-litre, turbodiesel engine, mated with either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. This unit produces 85 kW and 250 N.m of torque; the latter available from 1 500 r/min. Kia claims an average fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100km, offering a total driving range of 850 km when the 45-litre fuel tank is full.

Kia Carens interior

Image: Kia

Kia Carens pricing

The Kia Carens is priced from R399 995 for the entry-level LS model to R599 995 for the range-topping SX derivative. Included in the price are a five-year/unlimited km warranty, three-year/45 000 km service plan and 24/7 roadside assistance.

  • Kia Carens LS – R399 995
  • Kia Carens LX – R459 995
  • Kia Carens EX – R499 995
  • Kia Carens SX – R599 995

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post 2026 Kia Carens: price & specs appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Porsche’s Panamera Goes Bulletproof in SA

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Top 10 Fastest Cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed