New Models / 5 May 2026 / Warren Hawkins

Kia launches new 7-seater Carens in South Africa – Pricing and features

Korean automaker Kia has unveiled its all-new seven-seat crossover SUV, the Carens, in South Africa.

It arrives with a starting price of R399,995, and no less than four derivatives, positioning the Carens in the mix of South Africa’s existing seven-seater offerings.

Kia South Africa CEO Paul Turnbull said that the brand is excited to add the model to its ever-expanding local product range.

“The Kia Carens offers everything that families could ever want, in a package that is modern, good-looking and powered by our renowned diesel engine, which offers a great balance between performance and efficiency,” he added.

Powertrain

All four variants – the LS, LX, EX and SX – share a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, exclusive to this model, capable of producing 85kW and 250Nm.

This motor is then mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox, with both configurations offering drivers low fuel consumption.

The manual transmission, found only in the entry-level LS, offers drivers a fuel efficiency of 5.0l/100km, while the rest of the derivatives average 5.3l/100km, thanks to their automatic boxes.

Features

In terms of styling, the Carens has been designed with a wide, bold stance in mind, as well as what Kia calls an “aggressive front”.

This includes striking star map-inspired headlights that create a distinctive, signature look at the front. This signature continues at the rear with star map-styled taillights.

On the inside, as a seven-seater, the Carens features a spacious cabin with ample leg- and headroom across all three rows.

In the front, drivers and passengers can expect to find a D-cut multifunction steering wheel, dual panoramic displays comprising an infotainment screen and an integrated digital cluster.

The entry-level LS is fitted with 16-inch styled wheels and partial LED rear combination lamps, cloth and artificial leather upholstery, a centre armrest with integrated storage box, and manual air conditioning.

Tech offerings include an eight-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with voice recognition and a six-speaker sound system, paired with a 4.2-inch LCD driver cluster.

The Carens LX improves on these with 7-inch Crystal Cut dual-tone alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors and roof rails.

The interior is upgraded to include a back-seat panel with a storage pocket, artificial leather upholstery, cruise control, and a wireless charger.

EX models include everything found on the former models, upgrading to LED daytime running lights, a smart key system with push-start, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and front and rear park distance warning.

At the top of the range, the Carens SX introduces electric driver’s seat adjustment with electronic lumbar support, smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, safety control for the driver and passenger windows, as well as front heated seats.

Its tech offerings are also upgraded to include a larger 12-inch integrated LCD driver cluster and a Bose sound system featuring eight speakers.

While all derivatives feature ABS with Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist, and several airbags, the SX adds a comprehensive ADAS suite, including Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance at the rear, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Following Assist.