Used Kia Carens for sale near Chelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
Average Price: Around £9,000

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 seven-seat people carrier that delivers practical family motoring at an affordable price. This third-generation model boasts a versatile interior with three individual middle-row seats and two folding third-row seats, providing flexibility for various seating configurations. With a 492-litre boot when the rear seats are folded, excellent storage solutions throughout the cabin, and a durable interior design, the Carens prioritises practicality and ease of use over premium finishes. The 2016 facelift brought updated infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a more responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission option.

Kia's market-leading seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty (on original examples) and strong reliability record make the Carens an appealing choice for stress-free ownership. Engine options include a 1.6-litre petrol producing 133bhp and a 1.7-litre diesel available in 114bhp or 134bhp outputs. The more powerful diesel is recommended for its superior mid-range torque and flexibility, though it can sound coarse when worked hard. All engines feature timing chains rather than belts, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Running costs are reasonable, with diesel models achieving 45-50mpg and petrol versions around 35mpg in real-world driving.

Best for: Families prioritising space, flexibility, and reliability; buyers seeking affordable seven-seat motoring; those wanting generous equipment levels and low maintenance costs.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising engaging handling or premium interior finishes; those seeking the smoothest diesel engines; buyers wanting the most modern infotainment systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Carens if: You're a family prioritising space, flexibility, and reliability; seeking affordable seven-seat motoring; or wanting generous equipment levels and low maintenance costs.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging handling, premium interior finishes, the smoothest diesel engines, or the most modern infotainment systems.

Competitive Position: The Kia Carens (2013-2019) is a strong contender in the seven-seat MPV market, offering excellent value and practicality. Whilst it may not match the Volkswagen Touran for premium feel or the Ford Grand C-Max for driving dynamics, its affordability, generous equipment, strong reliability record, and versatile interior make it a highly sensible choice for budget-conscious families. The improved infotainment and transmission options after the 2016 facelift enhance its appeal further, positioning it as an excellent value 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 August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.