The 2022 Kia Carens has been unveiled in India as a 7-seater crossover

After releasing a teaser video along with a couple of design images for the all-new Kia Carens, the automaker has finally unveiled the new vehicle as a crossover. Despite the design shift, the new vehicle still comes with three-row seating and more that still keep it tied to its original MPV looks.

Starting with the exterior of the Carens, it comes with the brand’s latest design language called Opposites United which gives the vehicle similar design qualities as its crossover counterpart the new Kia Sportage. Aside from this, the crossover also gets a new set of bumper-mounted headlights that are paired with LED daytime running lights and a new grille design. The new Carens also gets a couple of kinks in the fender line that helps give the vehicle a sportier and wider stance.

At the rear, the 2022 Kia Carens now come with sharp LEDs that help give it a distinct look if viewed from the back. These lights are further complemented by unique bumper accents and reflectors. Finishing the new look are a set of 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that give the crossover a more modern appearance. 

With the new look of the Kia Carens, its size has also grown substantially. It is now 15mm longer, 5mm narrower, and 90mm taller than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also been adjusted making the new vehicle now 30mm longer than before. Kia did not release its ground clearance specifications but from the looks of it, the vehicle’s distance from the ground has been raised slightly. The automaker did clarify that it does have a ground clearance that is “optimal for a recreational vehicle.” 

On the inside, the all-new Kia Carens comes with a more minimalistic interior compared to its predecessor. It features a large 10.25-inch infotainment system that is surrounded by a high-gloss black panel. Next to it are the air conditioning controls along with LED strips for a 64 color LED ambient lighting system. Aside from this, the crossover also comes with retractable seatback tables which further adds to its utility. Other features for the Carens includes ventilated seats, a full-leather interior, wireless phone charging, 5 USB-C charging ports, paddle shifters, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors for the front and rear. 

Under the hood, the Kia Carens is powered by three engine options. The first is a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 113hp and 144 Nm of torque. The other option is a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline motor that pushes out 138hp and 242 Nm of torque. Finally, a 1.5-liter turbo-diesel powerplant is also available for the vehicle that makes 113hp and 250 Nm of torque. Transmission options for the vehicle include a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a 6-speed automatic for the turbo diesel engine.

There is no word yet as to when Kia Philippines will bring in the new Carens, however, the vehicle will first go on sale in India starting Q1 of 2022. From there it could soon be sold in other markets such as the Philippines in the coming months after its initial release.