Kia Carens Clavis EV Review: A Family-Friendly Electric MPV

Kia has launched its first all-electric MPV in India—the Carens Clavis EV. Priced from ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it promises a range of up to 490 km and comes with two battery options and three trims. While it has many great features, there are a few compromises. Let’s take a closer look at what’s good and what could be better.

Kia Carens Clavis EV: Design

The Clavis EV looks similar to its petrol/diesel version but gets some EV-specific changes. It now has connected LED DRLs, fog lamps, and a closed-off grille with a charging port. The Ivory Silver Matte paint gives it a premium look, and the 17-inch aero-style alloy wheels add a sporty touch. A cool feature is the active cooling flaps—they open when the motor needs cooling and close for better aerodynamics.

However, Kia missed adding dynamic turn indicators, which would have made it look more modern. The rear design is mostly the same, except there’s no tailpipe since it’s an EV.

Kia Carens Clavis EV: Interior & Comfort

Inside, the Clavis EV feels luxurious with a dual-tone theme, leatherette seats, and a minimalist dashboard. The build quality is solid, and there’s plenty of space for passengers.

Pros:

• Front seats are comfortable with good cushioning, even for tall people.

• Second-row seats slide and recline without losing under-thigh support.

• Third-row seats are usable for adults, with decent legroom and reclining function..

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Kia Carens Clavis EV: Features

Kia has packed the Clavis EV with premium features, but some are missing.

Pros:

• Ventilated front seats & power-adjustable driver seat

• Dual 12.25-inch screens (infotainment & digital dials)

• Touch-based climate controls & ambient lighting

• Panoramic sunroof & 8-speaker Bose sound system

• Wireless charger & multiple 12V sockets

• 6 airbags, 360-degree camera, ADAS, tyre pressure monitor

Kia Carens Clavis EV: Battery & Performance

The Clavis EV shares its electric setup with the Hyundai Creta EV.

Pros:

• Two battery options:

  • 42 kWh (135 PS motor)

  • 51.4 kWh (171 PS motor)

• Smooth & silent power delivery—great for city driving

• Claimed range of 490 km, but real-world range is around 360 km (bigger battery)

• Gear selector on steering stalk (saves space)

Kia Carens Clavis EV: Ride Quality

Pros:

• Comfortable suspension—handles bad roads well

• Stable ride even with the extra battery weight

Kia Carens Clavis EV: Rivals

The Clavis EV doesn’t have a direct rival, but it competes with:

• BYD e-Max 7 (another electric MPV)

• Hybrid MPVs like Maruti Invicto & Toyota Innova Hycross

• Electric SUVs like Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra BE6, and the upcoming Maruti e-Vitara 

Should You Buy the Kia Carens Clavis EV?

Buy it if:

 You want a spacious, feature-packed electric family car.
 You mostly drive in the city or on short trips.
You like premium interiors and advanced tech.

Avoid it if:

 You frequently take long highway trips (charging could be an issue).
 You want a budget-friendly MPV (EV versions cost more).