By MotorOctane | Published May 17, 2025

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis is a premium 7-seater MPV designed to elevate the family car experience, blending comfort, advanced technology, and versatility to rival the Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Kluger, and Hyundai Santa Fe. As a more upscale variant of the Kia Carens, the Clavis introduces ice-cube LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree cameras, and Level 2 ADAS, positioning it as a feature-packed option for Australian families. Priced at an estimated AUD 45,000–47,000 (converted from ~₹24–25 lakh on-road Mumbai, adjusted for Australia), it offers three 1.5L engine options (petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel) and a spacious cabin for seven. After a test drive inspired by a detailed Indian review, we evaluate its design, interior, tech, performance, practicality, safety, and ownership to determine if it’s the best 7-seater for Sydney commuters, Melbourne road-trippers, or Perth families.

Introduction: A Premium Step Up for Families

Since its Australian debut in 2022, the Kia Carens has carved a niche as a practical 7-seater, selling ~2,000 units in 2024. The 2025 Carens Clavis, a premium variant akin to the Maruti Ertiga’s XL6, ups the ante with luxury features and modern styling while retaining the Carens’ family-focused ethos. Priced at ~AUD 45,000–47,000 for the top-spec petrol automatic, it undercuts the Toyota Kluger (~$52,000) and Hyundai Santa Fe (~$49,000), offering ventilated seats, a 12-inch touchscreen, and 17-inch alloys. Built on Kia’s K2 platform, it promises comfort and efficiency for urban and highway use. However, with no official ANCAP safety rating and a manual tailgate, can it compete in Australia’s crowded SUV-heavy market? From Brisbane’s suburbs to Adelaide’s highways, we dive into whether the Clavis is the ultimate family hauler.

Exterior: Bold and Modern with Kia’s Signature Flair

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis sports a striking exterior that blends Kia’s design language with practical MPV proportions. The front features ice-cube LED headlights, a connected LED grille, and no fog lamps, giving it a sleek, futuristic look reminiscent of the Kia Seltos and Sonet. The panoramic sunroof, large roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels with a new design add a premium touch, while the rear spoiler and shark-fin antenna enhance its sporty vibe. The side profile, unchanged from the standard Carens, boasts massive doors that hint at generous interior space, paired with side mirrors housing 360-degree cameras and blind-spot alerts. Available in colours like Imperial Blue and Glacier White Pearl, it stands out in Canberra’s carparks.

However, the regular framed wipers (not frameless) feel dated, and the ground clearance (~190 mm, similar to Carens) is adequate for urban roads but struggles off-road, unlike the Outlander (~210 mm). The rear styling, with connected LED taillights, mirrors Kia’s SUV lineup, ensuring brand recognition. Compared to the Kluger’s muscular stance or Santa Fe’s bold grille, the Clavis is compact (4.54m long) and city-friendly, with a 10.8m turning circle for easy parking in Melbourne’s CBD. It’s not as rugged as an SUV but offers modern flair for Sydney families.

Interior: Spacious and Upscale, but Not Perfect

Inside, the Carens Clavis delivers a premium cabin inspired by the standard Carens but with upmarket touches. The beige and dark blue colour scheme (with other options in lower trims) feels airy, complemented by soft-touch materials and matte finishes that reduce fingerprints. The front seats, wider than the Seltos, are ventilated, supportive, and partially electric (driver’s side), ideal for long drives from Perth to Margaret River. The flat-top, flat-bottom steering wheel, borrowed from the Seltos, includes paddle shifters, audio controls (oddly on the right), and cruise controls. Fit and finish is solid, matching Kia’s reputation for quality.

The second row, available as captain seats or a bench, slides and reclines for flexibility, offering ample legroom when pushed back, rivaling a 5-seater SUV. Sun blinds, roof-mounted AC vents, and Type-C ports enhance comfort, but tall passengers (6 ft) may find knee room tight at maximum recline due to the seatback angle. The third row is a standout, accommodating 6 ft adults with decent headroom and reclinable seats, a rarity in MPVs. AC vents, Type-C ports, and grab handles make third-row access and comfort practical, though a sun blind would’ve been nice. Compared to the Santa Fe’s plush interior or Outlander’s minimalist cabin, the Clavis feels spacious but less luxurious, with hard plastics on upper surfaces. It’s ideal for Brisbane families but trails the Kluger’s refinement.

Technology: Feature-Packed with Minor Misses

The Carens Clavis boasts a 12-inch touchscreen, seamlessly integrated with a customisable digital instrument cluster, offering a premium tech experience. Supporting wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (no wireless, a letdown), it’s responsive with a simplistic UI similar to the Seltos. The 360-degree camera delivers crisp visuals, aiding parking in Sydney’s tight streets, while a 6-speaker audio system provides clear sound. Touch-sensitive climate controls toggle between audio and AC settings, but the matte panel attracts dust and risks scratches. Ventilated seats, wireless charging, Type-C/USB ports, and a cooled cupholder add convenience, though only one cupholder cools.

The instrument cluster, upgraded from the Sonet’s, offers flexible layouts but lacks navigation integration. Auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry with a smart key (lock, unlock, boot, remote start) are standard. Compared to the Kluger’s 8-inch screen or Santa Fe’s 10.25-inch display, the Clavis’s 12-inch unit feels cutting-edge, but the MG HS’s wireless connectivity edges it out. For tech-savvy Adelaide buyers, the Clavis’s user-friendly tech shines, though wireless CarPlay would’ve sealed the deal.

Performance and Driving Experience: Comfort Over Thrills

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis offers three 1.5L engine options: a non-turbo petrol (85 kW, 144 Nm), turbo-petrol (118 kW, 253 Nm), and diesel (85 kW, 260 Nm), all paired with a 7-speed DCT (automatic tested). The turbo-petrol, tested here, delivers linear acceleration, hitting 0–100 km/h in ~9.5 seconds, ideal for overtaking on Adelaide’s highways. It’s less sporty than the Seltos but smoother for family comfort, avoiding abrupt surges. The non-turbo petrol suits city driving (up to 85 km/h) but struggles above 90 km/h when loaded, while the diesel balances torque and efficiency, though it lags in quick overtakes.

Fuel economy varies: turbo-petrol (~8.5 km/L city, ~12–13 km/L highway), non-turbo petrol (~9 km/L city, ~13 km/L highway), and diesel (~12 km/L city, ~14–15 km/L highway), translating to ~11.8 L/100 km, ~11.1 L/100 km, and ~8.3 L/100 km, respectively. At $1.80/L, expect ~$2,800/year for 15,000 km (turbo-petrol). The soft suspension absorbs bumps well but causes third-row bounce over speed humps, unlike the Outlander’s firmer setup. Handling is competent for an MPV, with a low centre of gravity boosting confidence, but it’s no match for the Santa Fe’s agility. The steering is light and comfort-focused, perfect for Melbourne’s traffic but less precise than a sedan. For Perth families, the Clavis is a relaxed mile-muncher, ideal for long drives.

Practicality: A Family Hauler’s Dream

The Carens Clavis excels in practicality, with a 4.54m length and 2.78m wheelbase ensuring a spacious cabin. The boot, with the third row up, holds ~200L (two medium suitcases or three carry-ons), expanding to ~600L with the third row folded and ~1,200L with the second row down, rivaling the Kluger (~241L/552L/1,150L). The manual tailgate is a cost-saving compromise, but 60/40 split seats and a low load lip ease loading. Captain seats (optional) and tumbling second-row seats simplify third-row access, a boon for Sydney parents.

Cabin storage is generous: a deep armrest console, door bins, cupholders, and a rear table with tablet holders cater to families. Type-C ports, cooled storage, and AC controls in all rows enhance usability. However, the third row lacks a sun blind, and ground clearance (~190 mm) limits off-road use compared to the Outlander (~210 mm). For Brisbane road trips or Darwin errands, the Clavis’s versatility shines, though it trails the Santa Fe’s larger boot.

Safety: Advanced but Unrated

The Carens Clavis introduces Level 2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts, supported by front/rear radars and 360-degree cameras. Six airbags, electronic parking brake with auto hold, four parking sensors (front/rear), and one-touch windows (all doors) are standard, a rarity at this price. The blind-view monitor in the side mirrors enhances safety in Canberra’s busy streets.

However, no ANCAP safety rating is available, and the video suggests the build quality may not match rivals like the Safari or XUV700. The standard Carens scored 3 stars in Global NCAP (2022), raising concerns for the Clavis. Compared to the Kluger’s 5-star ANCAP or Santa Fe’s robust build, the Clavis’s unrated status is a drawback for safety-conscious Perth buyers. Still, its comprehensive ADAS suits urban families, though crash test data is needed.

Ownership: Competitive but Not Class-Leading

Kia’s 7-year/unlimited-km warranty is a highlight, matching Toyota and outpacing Mitsubishi’s 5-year offer (extendable to 10 with servicing). Capped-price servicing (~$500/year, 12 months/15,000 km) is reasonable, slightly above the Outlander (~$450/year). With ~250 Kia dealers across Australia, from Hobart to Darwin, support is accessible. Fuel costs (~$2,800/year for turbo-petrol, 15,000 km) are competitive, especially for the diesel (~$2,000/year). Reliability aligns with Kia’s strong CarsGuide ratings, with no issues reported in the test.

Resale value is solid, with the standard Carens retaining ~65% after 3 years, per Drive.com.au. For Adelaide buyers, the Clavis’s ownership costs are attractive, though MG HS’s 10-year warranty appeals to budget shoppers. EMI estimates (~$700–800/month for 5 years, $10,000 down) make it affordable for Melbourne families.

Comparison: How It Stacks Up

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis competes in Australia’s 7-seater segment. The Mitsubishi Outlander (~$47,000) offers 5-star ANCAP safety and 210 mm clearance but a smaller 8-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Kluger (~$52,000) boasts premium refinement and hybrid efficiency (~5.6 L/100 km) but higher costs. The Hyundai Santa Fe (~$49,000) delivers luxury and a larger boot (~571L) but pricier servicing. The MG HS (~$44,000) matches the Clavis’s price with a 10-year warranty but less space.

At ~AUD 45,000, the Clavis’s 12-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and Level 2 ADAS outshine the Outlander’s tech, while its 7-seater versatility rivals the Santa Fe at a lower price. However, safety concerns and manual tailgate lag behind the Kluger’s polish. For Sydney families seeking value, the Clavis is a strong contender.

Verdict: A Practical, Premium Family MPV

The 2025 Kia Carens Clavis is a feature-rich 7-seater that blends premium styling, spacious interiors, and advanced tech for Australian families. Priced at ~AUD 45,000–47,000, its 12-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, and versatile seating make it a compelling alternative to the Outlander, Kluger, and Santa Fe. The turbo-petrol engine delivers linear power, while the soft suspension ensures comfort on Brisbane’s highways or Perth’s suburbs. Practicality, with a flexible boot and family-friendly features, is a highlight, though the manual tailgate and limited third-row legroom for tall passengers are drawbacks.

The unrated safety and questionable build quality are concerns, especially against 5-star rivals, making it less ideal for safety-focused Canberra buyers. For budget-conscious families in Melbourne or young parents in Adelaide, the Clavis offers value, comfort, and modernity that’s hard to beat. Test drive it at a Kia dealer to see if its practical charm wins you over.

Ready for a family adventure? Share your thoughts below!

Sources:

• YouTube: Kia Carens Clavis – Best 7 Seater?
• Kia.com.au
• CarsGuide
• Drive.com.au
• CarExpert
• WhichCar
• X posts: June 15, 2024; September 10, 2024 (excitement for Clavis’s features and pricing)