Kia Carens MPV (2013-2019) - Practicality & boot space
Seven seats come as standard with the Kia Carens
The new Kia Carens is shorter, narrower and lower than the model it replaces, but it’s actually more spacious inside than the old car thanks to having a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). Its new length is 4.5m – the same as a Ford Grand C-MAX and slightly longer than a VW Touran.
The new car’s more compact dimensions mean it’s much easier to thread through tight spaces than the old one. Parking is also made easier by parking sensors on the SR7 and 2 trim levels, and a full reversing camera system on the 3 and 4 cars.
Kia Carens interior space and storage
The passenger seat’s backrest folds forwards so you can carry long items, while the three seats in the second row all slide and fold individually. The third row of seats is quite small – with limited head and legroom – but it does fold flat into the floor of the boot. The second row of seats, meanwhile, can slide forwards and backwards, as well as being able to recline. Headroom and legroom here is very good.
There are lots of storage areas sprinkled around the cabin, including two under the footwells of the second row of seats and a large centre cubby space between the two front seats. The front seats have storage trays underneath and map pockets on their backs. The glovebox is a good size and will easily swallow a large bottle of water and more.
Add to all of this a boot light that can be removed for use as a torch, plus a 12v power socket, and the Carens can definitely be considered a very practical car. The plastics all seem durable, too, so they should last as your family grows up.
Boot space
With all the seats up, boot space in the Carens is very small, at 100 litres, but with just five seats in use, luggage capacity is a hefty 492 litres. The boot has a false floor that lifts up to reveal a secret storage compartment and stowaway parcel shelf. Each of the three seats in the second fold and there’s a handy pair of cup holders in the back of the middle seat - ideal for long journeys with two passengers in the back.
Towing
The petrol engine allows the Kia Carens to tow up to 1,300kg, while choosing either of the diesel engines sees this rise to 1,500kg.
