Kia just dropped its newest ride, the Kia Carnival Clavis, a super cool and loaded SUV made for family trips that mix style, comfort, and all the latest tech. It boasts impressive features, a striking design, and ample space inside, so the Clavis aims to outdo its older sibling, the Kia Carens, with a more dynamic vibe and enhanced functionality. Let’s check out what makes the Kia Carnes Clavis such a standout in its class.
Sleek Exterior Appearance
The Kia Carens Clavis has a robust and upright stance, a departure from the Carens’ sloping bonnet. There is a subtle lighting arrangement in the front silhouette, featuring tri-LED headlamps—two low beams and all three high beams—along with dual-function Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that also serve as indicators. The Kia badge is prominently placed on the bonnet, and a 360-degree camera system, with the front camera unit tastefully integrated, adds to the visibility. The front bumper, mostly black with a silver trim that seems dull chrome, has a premium look in sunlight. So, the Clavis is about the same size as the Carens but feels bigger ’cause it’s got that SUV stance. It comes on 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (215/55R17 tyres) on the top spec, and they’ve got this cool diamond-cut finish and a good look. The rounded claddings and silver trim give it a touch of rugged cool, and you’ve got these electronically foldable and adjustable ORVMs with turn signals and side cameras to top it all. At the back, it’s got this connected tail lamp cluster, a shark fin antenna, a high-mounted stop lamp, and a rear wiper, washer, and defogger. It’s got four rear parking sensors and a rear radar for safety, but yeah, no electronic tailgate is a bit disappointing.
Luxurious and Spacious Interior
You step inside, and the Kia Carnes Clavis gives you a nice cabin vibe with this cool black and beige colour scheme, plus some metallic grey and blue touches. The driver’s side door feels super soft with that beige finish, has ambient lighting, and all four power window controls that work automatically. The two-spoke steering wheel, with its beige stitching, lets you tilt and adjust it telescopically, plus it has cruise control, ADAS controls, and infotainment controls, making it super easy to handle. The cabin is dominated by twin 12.5-inch screens—one for the all-digital instrument cluster and the other for the touch-based infotainment system. The instrument cluster shows important data such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), and the infotainment system has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (though wired, a minor disappointment in 2025). Touch response is superb, and Kia Connect enables remote control of functions such as AC on/off and lock/unlock using a smartphone or smartwatch. Comfort is completely the name of the game here, with these ventilated front seats, an electronically adjustable four-way driver’s seat, and a spacious second row with captain’s chairs, tons of legroom, and a huge panoramic sunroof for that open feel. The second row has a nifty air purifier with a screen, cooled cup holders, and a tray to simplify life. And the third row, which folds up with one touch, actually provides good comfort for a person who’s 5’8″, with adjustable headrests, AC vents, Type-C charging outlets, and LED lights in the cabin, so it’s ideal for six. The boot provides 216 litres of room, which can be increased by folding the third row, and is equipped with a halogen luggage lamp. Storage features such as bottle holders, a mini dustbin, and a wireless charger add to convenience.
Advanced Features and Technology
The Kia Carnes Clavis is loaded with amazing features:
- Front and rear cooled cup holders for cold beverages.
- Bose 8-speaker system for superior sound.
- It is equipped with Level 2 ADAS with front and rear collision warning, braking, blind-spot detection, and lane-keep assist to keep you safe.
- Four front/rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera for easy manoeuvring.
- Paddle shifters and an auto-hold electronic parking brake for a thrilling drive.
- 64-colour ambient illumination for a personalised cabin atmosphere.
A specialised dual-function control panel makes simple AC and infotainment control switching with the press of one button, although its glossy finish is prone to fingerprinting. The lack of wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and an electronic tailgate are minor negatives in an otherwise generously equipped package.
Handling and Performance
The Clavis has three engine choices, all 1.5 litres: a regular petrol, a turbo petrol, and a diesel. The high-end model comes with that cool 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, pumping out a solid 157 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, and it’s got a 7-speed DCT for those smooth shifts. This engine packs a punch, even when you’re loaded up, and it tackles hills like a champ. The diesel and the regular petrol are in the lower trims, but honestly, the naturally aspirated petrol feels kinda weak if you’ve got a full load. Suspension is well-balanced between firm and comfort, absorbing bumps easily, and all four disc brakes provide confident stopping power. Steering is light in city use but becomes more positive at speeds, with good control but some body roll. NVH is superior to the Carens, with a quiet and smooth cabin environment.
Safety First
Safety is a top priority for the Clavis, with a 5-star crash rating (same as Kia’s current safety features) and plenty of features. Level 2 ADAS has your back with front and rear collision braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keep assist, but just a warning: don’t get too comfortable with that last one. And the 360-degree camera, a plethora of airbags, and sturdy build quality mean the Clavis is a smart choice for families.
Verdict
The Kia Carens Clavis is a pretty cool upgrade from the Carens. It’s got a bold look, a cabin loaded with tech, and a strong turbocharged engine. The inside is super spacious, plus it has fancy features like ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, along with some solid safety systems that make it a strong pick in the family SUV game. Yeah, it’s missing wireless connectivity and an electronic tailgate, but honestly, the Clavis gives you great bang for your buck if you want comfort, style, and performance. Visit Kia’s website for all the price and availability details. And be sure to watch our full video review of the Clavis.