CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
Average Price: Around £8,500

Kia Carens (2013-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Practical seven-seat interior	Dull to drive compared with a Ford Grand C-Max
Lots of standard equipment	Not as well finished as a Volkswagen Touran
Improved infotainment after 2016 facelift	Lacklustre petrol engine

Quick Summary

The Kia Carens (2013-2019) is a practical seven-seat people carrier that competes with the Ford Grand C-Max, Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, and Volkswagen Touran. Sold in the UK between 2013 and 2019, it came with Kia's market-leading seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, far exceeding the industry-standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. The third-generation model features a sleeker exterior than its predecessor and boasts a strong reputation for reliability, making it an appealing choice for stress-free family ownership at a lower cost than equivalent rivals.

The Carens excels in versatility with three individual middle-row seats that tilt and slide, two individually folding third-row seats, and a 492-litre boot. All engines feature a steel timing chain designed to last the car's lifetime, eliminating costly timing belt replacements. The 1.6-litre petrol produces 133bhp, whilst the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel offers 114bhp or 134bhp options. The 2016 facelift introduced a snappier seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and improved infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Running costs are reasonable, with diesel models achieving 45-50mpg and petrol around 35mpg.

Best for: Families prioritising safety, flexibility, equipment, and reliability; those seeking affordable seven-seat motoring; and buyers wanting a practical, stress-free ownership experience.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking engaging handling or premium interior finishes; those wanting a petrol engine with strong performance; or buyers prioritising driving dynamics over practicality.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Carens if: You're a family prioritising safety, flexibility, equipment, and reliability; seeking affordable seven-seat motoring; or wanting a practical, stress-free ownership experience.

Consider alternatives if: You seek engaging handling, premium interior finishes, strong petrol performance, or prioritise driving dynamics over practicality.

Competitive Position: The Kia Carens (2013-2019) is an excellent value seven-seat MPV that delivers on practicality, reliability, and equipment. Whilst it doesn't match the Volkswagen Touran for premium feel or the Ford Grand C-Max for driving engagement, its lower purchase price, generous standard equipment, and proven reliability make it a highly sensible choice for budget-conscious families. The improved infotainment and transmission after the 2016 facelift further enhance its appeal, positioning it as a compelling alternative to pricier rivals.

Read our full Kia Carens Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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