Kia Carens has already crossed the remarkable milestone of two lakh units sold in just three years since its India debut, a figure that speaks volumes about its increasing popularity. Now, as many of the early models enter the used car market, the Carens is becoming one of the most sought-after options in the used Kia Carens market. But as the trims differ in features and equipment, it is worth knowing what to focus on.
This guide covers what to look for when choosing a used Kia Carens to get the best of comfort, safety and long-term value.
Must-have features to look for in used Kia Carens:
1. Safety Equipment
Kia did not compromise on safety with the Carens. All models, irrespective of trim, are equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. Although these features come as standard, ensure they are all working properly when inspecting a used example, watch out for warning lights, error codes or deactivated sensors.
2. Engines and Gearboxes
The Carens was sold with three proven engines and each engine had a defined purpose. It is important to know which one fits your lifestyle so that you can pick the right car.
- 1.5-litre petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm)
- 1.4-litre turbo-petrol (140 PS, 242 Nm) Note that this engine was replaced by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol in 2023 and as of 2025, turbo options are now discontinued.
- 1.5-litre diesel (115 PS, 250 Nm)
The Kia Carens now also comes in a CNG option, but it was just launched in October 2025, so it will not be available in the used car market. You can opt for the 1.5 L NA if your lifestyle is more about day-to-day city driving, the diesel if you drive on highways more and the turbo if you are after something with a punch. Transmission options include 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT, and 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
3. Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology was a big selling point for the Carens and that is one of the reasons why even a 3-year-old unit still feels new. Always take a minute to check the infotainment system and other connected features before finalising.
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- The Kia Connect suite for remote locking, vehicle tracking, and service alerts
- A Bose 8-speaker sound system on higher trims
- A digital driver display and wireless charging pad
Ensure that the touchscreen responds quickly and the Kia Connect system is active or can be transferred to your name.
4. Cabin Comfort
The Carens is also known for its cabin comfort; it is among the few MPVs that are airy and premium even on initial models. Key comfort features to look for in used Kia Carens:
- Ventilated front seats for hot climates
- Roof-mounted AC vents covering all three rows
- Sliding and reclining second-row seats with a one-touch tumble for easy third-row access
- Built-in air purifier (standard on most variants)
5. Everyday Convenience Features
Higher Carens trims are where convenience comes alive. Before sealing the deal, make sure that the following features are available and functional:
- Smart key with push-button start
- Cruise control for effortless highway runs
- Rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines
- Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers
- Multiple USB-C ports across all three rows
All these little details contribute to a significantly better experience of ownership, and they are worth the higher price in the used market.
Variants Worth Considering
Although the 2025 Carens is available in the Premium variant only, the Carens range was wide, yet not all the versions had the same equipment. The following is a quick guide to help you shortlist your next Used Kia Carens:
Premium / Prestige (base to mid):
Simple yet convenient, featuring essentials such as all row AC vents and the one-touch tumble seat. Good for budget-conscious buyers who are after something minimalistic.
Luxury / Luxury Plus (best overall value):
Includes automatic climate control, 10.25-inch touchscreen, connected car technology, keyless entry, cruise control, ventilated seats, and rear-view camera. These models deliver the best value in the used car market.
X-Line (2023 onward):
This is the flagship trim with a Matte Graphite finish and special interior theme, as well as, on certain models, a new 10.1-inch infotainment screen. This model can be interesting in case you want something unique and completely loaded.
Summary
The Kia Carens is an all-round family car that is safe, spacious, and packed with features that are useful in everyday life that age well. You get multiple engine and transmission options to choose from and everyday convenience is top tier. If you are in the market for a used Kia Caren, prioritise higher trims to enjoy the best long-term value.
