Kia CarensOverviewManufacturerKiaProduction1999-20192021-presentBody and chassisClassCompact MPVBody style5-door wagonLayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-driveChronologyPredecessorKia Joice
The Kia Carens (Korean: 기아 카렌스) is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured by Kia since 1999, spanning over four generations, and was marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The initial three generations had an MPV body style and were marketed worldwide, with presence in its home country South Korea, in Europe, and North America since the second-generation.[clarification needed] The fourth-generation model took a different approach in terms of design and targeted markets, as it was developed as a “strategic model” for the Indian market.[1] It also adopts a crossover-inspired exterior design.
The name “Carens” derives from the word “car” and “renaissance”, while the name “Rondo” derives from the musical term Rondo.[2][3][4]
First generationOverviewModel codeRS/FJAlso calledKia Euro Carens (Taiwan, facelift)Kia X-Trek (South Korea, diesel facelift)Naza Citra (Malaysia, facelift)ProductionMay 1999 – 2006AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant)Indonesia: Cikarang (2004-2007)[citation needed]Malaysia: Gurun (NAM)Vietnam: Chu Lai (Chu Lai Plant)Body and chassisRelatedKia SephiaPowertrainEngineTransmission5-speed manual4-speed automaticDimensionsWheelbase2,570 mm (101.2 in)LengthWidthHeight
Kia debuted the first generation model of Carens, the RS series in May 1999. It is based on the same platform as the Kia Sephia.[5] A facelift was issued in 2002.
The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for the updated model which was launched in 2002.
The first-generation vehicle was initially sold in Malaysia as the Kia Carens. Since January 2005, the Kia Carens was rebadged as the Naza Citra by Naza.[6] The Naza Citra was updated in June 2009.[7]
Second generationOverviewModel codeUNAlso calledKia Euro Carens (Taiwan)Kia Rondo (North America)Kia Rondo7 (Australia)Naza Citra 2 Rondo (Malaysia)Production2006-2013Model years2007-2010 (USA)2007-2013 (Canada)AssemblySouth Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant)Malaysia: Gurun (NAM)Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)[8]Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia)PowertrainEngineTransmission5-speed manual6-speed manual4-speed automatic5-speed automaticDimensionsWheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)Length4,545 mm (178.9 in)Width1,820 mm (71.7 in)Height1,650-1,720 mm (65.0-67.7 in)Curb weight1,515 kg (3,340.0 lb)
The second generation Carens, known as the UN series, was launched in 2006. The Carens/Rondo followed Kia’s introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show of the Multi-S,[9] essentially the Carens/Rondo in concept form — the S standing for Sporty, Spacious and Smart. The Multi-S differed significantly from the production model, only its inclusion of a dual panel sunroof running the length of the roof.[9] In North America and Australia, the car is called the Rondo and Rondo7 respectively.
The Rondo made its public debut at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show, with the 2007 model’s North American sales debut in December 2006 in Canada and early 2007 in the United States. In Australia, sales commenced April 2008.
In the United States, Kia sold more than 20,000 units in each of the first two model years exceeding internal sales goals. Sales rapidly declined in the 2009 model year and remained low in 2010, its final model year.
Available as a five or optional seven passenger vehicle with either a standard 175 hp 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine or an optional 192 hp 2.7-litre V6 engine in two trim levels. In Australia, it is only available as a seven-passenger vehicle with a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim level. The V6 was Kia’s last engine to use a timing belt instead of a timing chain.
Standard features depending on market include: sixteen inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player/Sirius Satellite Radio/MP3 Capability, iPod auxiliary jack, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, front/side/full length Side curtain airbags, four wheel disc brakes, ABS, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, LATCH, child safety door locks, tilt steering column, front and rear twelve volt outlets, front and rear cup holders.
Options include: moonroof, leather interior, heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry, Infinity ten speaker stereo, automated climate control.
As of August 2010, Kia discontinued the Rondo in the United States and continued to market the 2011 facelifted Carens/Rondo in Canada, adopting Kia’s new grille.
Third generationOverviewModel codeRPAlso calledKia RondoProduction2013-2019 (global)[11]2014-2022[12] (Vietnam)AssemblySouth Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant)Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia)[13]Taiwan: SYM Motors[14]PowertrainEngineTransmission6-speed manual6-speed automatic7-speed DCTDimensionsWheelbase2,750 mm (108.3 in)Length4,525 mm (178.1 in)Width1,805 mm (71.1 in)Height1,610 mm (63.4 in)
Kia debuted the third-generation Carens (codename: RP) in September 2012 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The V6 from the second generation has been dropped, and in its place is the option of a 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder GDI petrol, producing 122 kW (166 PS; 164 hp) and 213 N⋅m (157 lb⋅ft), or a 1.7-litre U2 four-cylinder diesel producing 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft), both paired either with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. A 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine was also available in the UK. The Carens is offered in either 5-seat or 7-seat configurations. Sales began in March 2013 in South Korea.
In North America, the third generation Kia Rondo was only available in Canada, due to slow sales in the United States.[15] Sales in Canada ended after the 2017 model year.
In September 2016, the Carens was given a minor facelift with redesigned fascias, wheels and lights, as well as an enlarged “Tiger Nose” grille. The 1.7-litre diesel was retuned for a slight output increase and produced 104 kW (141 PS; 139 hp) and 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft), while its 6-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In March 2013, Kia Motors collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to cross promote the Carens with the film The Croods.[16]
Fourth generationOverviewModel codeKY[19]ProductionDecember 2021 – presentAssemblyDesignerJochen Paesen (Interior)Taek-Gyun Kim (Exterior)Body and chassisPlatformHyundai-Kia K2RelatedPowertrainEngineTransmissionDimensionsWheelbase2,780 mm (109.4 in)Length4,540 mm (178.7 in)Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)Height1,700-1,708 mm (66.9-67.2 in)
The fourth-generation Carens was revealed in India on 16 December 2021.[22] It was developed under the codename “KY”.[23] Based on a stretched Seltos/Hyundai Creta platform, it is mainly marketed for India and other emerging markets as opposed to previous generations.[24] Instead of the previous generations’ compact MPV configuration, the fourth-generation model is configured as a compact crossover. It is marketed by Kia as a “recreational vehicle” (RV) with 6-seater and 7-seater configurations offered and was developed with an emphasis on space for third-row seat occupants.[25][26]
The model shared the same powertrain and gearbox options as the Indian-made Seltos, consisting of two petrol engines and one diesel engine. The petrol engines are 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that makes 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) paired with six-speed manual transmission or CVT, and a 1.4-litre Smartstream turbocharged engine that produces 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) paired with six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre U-Line unit that produces 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) paired with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed torque-converter automatic.[27]
In May 2025, Kia India introduced the Carens Clavis, a premium variant of the existing MPV lineup. The Clavis incorporates notable design and feature enhancements and is positioned as a more upmarket alternative within the Carens range.[28][29]
The Clavis features a redesigned exterior with a revised front and rear fascia, LED headlamps, and connected LED tail lamps. The interior includes dual 12.25-inch displays—one for the infotainment system and another as a digital instrument cluster. Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a 4-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Safety upgrades on the Clavis variant include Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and six airbags.[30][31]
The Carens Clavis is offered with three engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT), and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).[32][33]
The Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia’s first electric vehicle manufactured in India, was launched on 15 July 2025, with bookings commencing on 22 July 2025. It is available in Standard Range and Long Range models, featuring battery options of 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh, which offer a claimed range of up to 490 km (as per ARAI standards). The electric motor delivers 169 PS (124 kW; 167 hp) and 295 N⋅m (218 lb⋅ft) of torque, paired with a single-speed automatic transmission. Its dimensions are 4,550 mm (179 in) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9 in) in width, 1,730 mm (68.1 in) in height, and a wheelbase of 2,780 mm (109 in). Features include ADAS Level 2 with 20 autonomous functions, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, paddle shifters for regenerative braking, and six standard airbags (dual front, front side, and curtains for the first and second rows).[34][35]
The fourth-generation Carens was launched in India on 15 February 2022, with five trim levels: Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury and Luxury Plus. All trims comes standard as a 7-seater configuration, while the 6-seater configuration with captain seats is available for the Luxury Plus trim. The 1.5-litre petrol engine (6-speed manual) was available for the Premium and Prestige trims, while the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol (6-speed manual/7-speed DCT) and 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel (6-speed manual/6-speed automatic) engines were available for all trims.[36]
The facelifted Carens Clavis was launched in India on 23 May 2025, with seven trim levels: HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK Plus, HTK Plus (O), HTX and HTX Plus. All trims comes standard as a 7-seater configuration, while the 6-seater configuration with captain seats is available for the HTX Plus trim. The 1.5-litre petrol engine (6-speed manual) was available for the HTE, HTE (O) and HTK trims, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (6-speed manual transmission/6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT)/7-speed DCT) was available for all trims except for the HTE, and the 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine (6-speed manual/6-speed automatic) was available for all trims except for the HTX Plus.[37] Since the launch of Kia Carens Clavis, the pre-facelift Carens is available in the single 7-seater, Premium (O) trim.[38]
In India, the Carens Clavis EV was available with three trim levels: HTK (Standard Range), HTX (Standard Range/Long Range) and HTX+ (Long Range).[39]
The fourth-generation Carens was first introduced in Indonesia at the 2022 Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week on 12 March 2022,[40] and was launched at the 29th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 August 2022. At launch, it was available in the sole Premiere trim, powered by either a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a IVT or a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT. The former variant has a 7-seater configuration, while the latter variant has a 6-seater configuration with captain seats.[41] In May 2023, the Premium trim equipped with the 1.5-litre petrol engine was made available as a 6-seater configuration with captain seats.[42]
The facelifted Carens was launched in Indonesia at the 33rd Indonesia International Motor Show on 5 February 2026, with three trim levels: Trendy, Motion and Signature, all variants powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a IVT. All trims are available with either 7-seater and 6-seater configurations.[43]
The fourth-generation Carens was launched in South Africa on 6 May 2026, with four trim levels: LS, LX, EX and SX, all variants powered by the 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.[44]
The fourth-generation Carens was launched in Vietnam on 11 November 2022, with four trim levels: Deluxe (6-speed manual and IVT), Luxury (IVT), Premium (7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic) and Signature (7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic). The Vietnamese-market Carens is available with three engines: The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine for the Deluxe and Luxury trims, the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine which is available on both Premium and Signature trims. The Carens is assembled locally at THACO Kia manufacturing facility in Chu Lai Province for the Vietnamese market.[45][46]
Carens (KY) engine options Petrol engines Model Engine Power Torque Transmissions Smartstream G1.4 T-GDi 1,353 cc (82.6 cu in) turbocharged I4 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 24.7 kg⋅m (242 N⋅m; 179 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500-3,200 rpm 6-speed manual7-speed DCT Smartstream G1.5 MPi 1,497 cc (91.4 cu in) I4 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 14.7 kg⋅m (144 N⋅m; 106 lb⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm 6-speed manualCVT Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi 1,482 cc (90.4 cu in) turbocharged I4 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @ 5,500 rpm 25.8 kg⋅m (253 N⋅m; 187 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500-3,500 rpm 6-speed manual7-speed DCT Diesel engine Model Engine Power Torque Transmissions 1.5 L U II CRDi VGT 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) turbocharged I4 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 4,000 rpm 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500-2,750 rpm 6-speed manual6-speed automatic
The fourth-generation Carens for the Indian market is equipped as standard with two frontal airbags, two front-seat side body airbags, two head-protecting curtain airbags covering the first two rows, antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, hill-hold and a tyre pressure monitor.[26]
Kia sponsored Global NCAP crashworthiness assessment for the Carens in March 2022 with results published in late June. The Carens was the last model to be assessed against the 2017-22 Global NCAP 1.0 protocols. In the frontal offset test, front occupant head and neck protection was good and airbag contact was stable.[48] Dummy readings showed some limited chest compression and chest protection was further downrated to ‘marginal’ because the passenger compartment became unstable, load path failures indicating poor reproducibility of structural measurements. Pedal movement was high, which was the major reason for the low score.[49]
Kia also sponsored a regulatory side impact test according to the ECE Regulation 95 protocols and the Carens passed, but this could not be used in the assessment because the Carens did not reach the minimum points in the frontal impact for a five star result.
In a bid to improve the Carens’ star rating, Kia made changes to the structure of the Carens for Indian units produced from 2 May 2023, also adding three-point seatbelts to all seats and compatibility with i-Size child restraints.[50] This updated version was retested by Global NCAP and assessed against updated evaluation criteria. In the first retest, the pedals still intruded excessively and the passenger compartment became unstable again. Moreover, the driver’s airbag was still inflating as the dummy’s head made contact, resulting in dummy values showing an unacceptably high risk of serious or fatal neck injury, enough for Global NCAP to immediately award the Carens zero stars based on this alone. Child occupants were better protected than earlier because Kia selected new child restraints facing backwards.[51]
With unspecified changes to the restraint systems for units produced from 11 December 2023, dummy values in a subsequent retest indicated risk of serious or fatal neck injury, while other problems persisted. This version was awarded three stars for adult protection by Global NCAP.[53]
Year South Korea India Europe[54] US[55] Canada[56] Vietnam[57] Indonesia[58] 2000 1,523 661 2001 5,761 1,411 2002 7,498 900 2003 19,252 1,450 2004 16,139 1,596 2005 15,946 971 2006 14,489 594 85 787 2007 19,843 26,020 7,682 553 2008 15,482 28,645 9,905 6 2009 11,766 14,206 9,835 —N/a[a] 2010 3,502 3,588 6,307 2011 1,348 47 6,154 2012 685 6,316 2013 14,330 6,154 266 2014 4,090[61] 22,307 5,432 150 2015 3,647[62] 21,967 3,543 25 2016 3,245[63] 20,381 1,963 —N/a[a] 2017 2,805[64] 19,192 1,178 2018 1,712[65] 19,382 135 2019 844 1,033[66] 2020 1 324[67] 2022 62,756 174 2023 330 2024 234 2025 10
- Official website (India)
- Kia Carens Clavis (India)
- Kia Carens Clavis EV (India)