Carens Clavis vs Carens: Breaking Down the Differences

The new Kia Carens Clavis has just about launched worldwide and mostly, it is a premium version of the Carens which is currently available. The name Clavis comes from ‘Clavis Aurea.’ In Latin, Clavis Aurea means ‘Golden Key’. Kia, in reference to its new vehicle, explains how the car has the key to family happiness.

The Carens Clavis takes Kia’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language, making it look more contemporary and sturdier, something you would see on SUVs. At the front, L-shaped LED daytime running lights are joined by a slim light bar, bookending new ‘Ice Cube’ LED headlights – a design feature found on Kia’s global EV line-up. The two MPVs can become more distinguishable with new front and rear bumpers, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and new ‘Starmap’ connected LED tail-lamps.

The touches are a novel 26.62-inch double-screen configuration that puts a fully-digital driver’s display along with a center-positioned central infotainment touchscreen onto an otherwise smooth-looking panel. Preposterous by your standards rooftop arrangement. A similar sunroof arrangement isn’t even offered with the Carens. Other amenities include ventilated front seats, a built-in air purifier, and an upgraded Bose sound system. The Carens Clavis also adds Kia’s Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology in this segment with more than 20 safety and convenience features.

Underneath the hood, the Clavis has the same engine variants as the Carens: a naturally aspirated petrol engine displacing 1.5-litres, a turbo petrol 1.5-litre and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Carens Clavis prices will be released on June 2, 2025 and there will be seven variants of the Clavis. This broad variant range is anticipated to appeal to a wide cross-section of customer tastes and price points and the new MPV will sit above the existing Kia Carens, which will remain in the line-up.