New Hyundai Alcazar vs Kia Carens – Which One To Buy?

The new Hyundai Alcazar has finally been launched in India and we compare it to the 7-seat offering from Kia, the Carens

This comparison between the new Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens is quite interesting. Both these are quite unique offerings from the Korean giants. Hyundai is the second largest carmaker in the country. It has held that position for a long time now. In fact, it offers products in all major segments in India. On the other hand, Kia is among the most successful foreign car marques in India ever. It recently breached the 1 million (10 lakh) sales milestone in our market within a record 59 month-time period. That is a testament to the appreciation Indians have showered on Kia. For now, let us delve deep into the specifics of this comparison between the two 7-seaters from the Korean cousins.

New Hyundai Alcazar vs Kia Carens – Price

The newly launched Hyundai Alcazar ranges from an attractive Rs 14.99 lakh for the petrol and Rs 15.99 lakh, ex-showroom for the diesel. The top variant retails for Rs 21.40 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Kia Carens retails between Rs 10.52 lakh and Rs 19.94 lakh, ex-showroom.

New Hyundai Alcazar vs Kia Carens – Specs and Mileage

The new Hyundai Alcazar comes with two powertrain options. There is the potent 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine which makes 160 PS and 253 Nm and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which generates a familiar 116 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The mileage figures are 17.5 km/l (Petrol manual), 18 km/l (Petrol DCT), 20.4 km/l (Diesel manual) and 18.1 km/l (Diesel automatic). Therefore, the buyers will have the option of choosing between petrol and diesel mills with manual and automatic transmission options.

On the other hand, the Kia Carens also presents potential buyers with multiple powertrain options. In essence, it borrows the engine and transmission options from the Kia Seltos, which in turn gets it from the Hyundai Creta. Hence, the Carens is available with either a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine which generates a familiar 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol mill which churns out an impressive 160 PS and 253 Nm or a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which produces a healthy 116 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. A key advantage of the Carens is the availability of all sorts of transmission options to suit the needs of all kinds of buyers.

This includes a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT, a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 7-speed DCT automatic. I must mention that driving the iMT is quite unique in the sense that the driver is able to have full control over the gearshifts without having to hassle with pressing the clutch. This is of immense value in start-stop or bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions. This transmission strikes a great balance between affordability and convenience. Therefore, the customers don’t have to compromise to get their desired engine-transmission combination.

Also Read: New Hyundai Alcazar vs Mahindra XUV700 – What to Buy?

New Hyundai Alcazar vs Kia Carens – Design and Dimensions

The new Hyundai Alcazar certainly boasts tons of modern amenities. Also, I appreciate the fact that the Korean auto giant has made conscious efforts to have a different design language than the Creta. At the front, the new Alcazar gets H-shaped LED DRLs which are connected via an LED light strip. However, the area beneath the LED strip is rugged and contains a sturdy radiator grille section which covers the entire front profile. I also like the rugged skid plate section in the lower part of the bumper. On the extreme edges of the bumper, you would find the LED headlamps. In line with the latest design philosophy, the front portion also gets sequential turn indicators. The side section contains diamond-cut alloy wheels, sturdy roof rails and a floating roof effect. There are 8 monotone and 1 dual-tone colour options. Finally, the tail section contains a chunky LED light bar which connects the LED taillamps. Just like at the front, the rear bumper also contains a rather loud skid plate element which elevates the sporty character of the SUV.

On the contrary, the Kia Carens have been around for a while now. Hence, we can consider its appearance a bit familiar. That is not necessarily a bad thing. The most striking element at the front is the sleek LED DRL unit on the bonnet with the main LED headlamp cluster on the bumper below. The bonnet area is relatively devoid of too many creases and the grille section is located towards the lower end. That is where the sporty bumper is seen along with auxiliary LED lights and chrome frame to induce a feeling of premium fascia. On the sides, there are rugged side body claddings with elegant 18-inch alloy wheels. In addition, the roof rails and black side pillars elevate the sporty demeanour of the SUV. At the rear, one gets greeted by the shark fin antenna and a prominent connected LED taillamp cluster, a component common in modern Kia and Hyundai cars. Down below, there is a chrome belt which highlights the bumper and gets curved towards the extreme edges of the bumper. Finally, the roof-mounted spoiler looks rugged too.

New Hyundai Alcazar vs Kia Carens – Features

Both these products boast tons of modern-day amenities. Interestingly, these carmakers have a reputation for offering the latest tech, connectivity, convenience and safety in all their vehicles. These two are no different. Firstly, let us start with the new Hyundai Alcazar. Its top highlights include:

• 19 ADAS Level 2 Features (Hyundai SmartSense)
• 70+ Total Safety Features including 40 Standard Safety Features
• Bluelink Connected Car Tech with 70+ Features
• OTA Map Updates
• Multi-LED Lighting and Ambience
• Front and Second Row Ventilated Seats
• 8-way Powered Front Seats
• Driver Seat Memory Function
• Thigh Cushion Extension
• Second-row Wireless Charger
• Rear Window Sunshade
• Second-row Sliding and Reclining Function
• Digital Key with upto 3 User Profiles
• Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
• Electro Chromic IRVM
• Wireless Charging
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Surround View Monitor Display
• 8-speaker BOSE Premium Sound System
• 270+ Embedded Voice Commands
• Driver Modes and Terrains Modes with Paddle Shifters (AT)
• Hill Descent and Hill Start Assist Control

On the other hand, the Kia Carens is also feature-rich. The salient features incorporate:

• 10.1-inch Rear Seat Entertainment
• Dashcam with Dual Camera
• Premium Leatherette Seats
• BOSE Premium Sound System with 8-Speakers
• Smartphone Wireless Charger with Cooling Function
• Paddle Shifters (DCT/AT)
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Walkin-Lever for 1st Row Passenger Seat Sliding Function
• Rear Door Spot Lamps with Kia Logo Projection
• 64-Colour Ambient Lighting with Multi Drive Modes – Normal, Eco and Sport
• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Display
• Navigation with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Next Generation Kia Connect
• OTA Map and System Updates
• Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection
• 10.25-inch Full Digital Colour Instrument Cluster
• Auto Anti-Glare IRVM
• Retractable Seat Back Table with Cup Holder and Gadget Mount
• All Windows Safety Auto Up/Down with Voice Command
• Leather-wrapped D-Cu Steering Wheel with Controls
• Sky Light Sunroof
• Front Parking Sensors
• Fully Automatic Air Conditioner
• 5 USB Type C Ports
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Solar Glass – UV Cut (All Doors’ Windows)
• Amazon Alexa Connectivity
• 6 Airbags
• ESC, VSM, BAS, ABS
• Hill Assist Control
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• All Wheel Disc Brakes

Our View

Now, choosing between these two can be quite hard. Both of them have their appeal. Therefore, I believe it is a matter of preference. Apart from that, the prices of the Alcazar are certainly significantly higher than the Carens. In short, if you are someone who gets fascinated by the latest tech and convenience amenities, the new Alcazar should definitely be on your radar. Simply by virtue of being the latest model, it offers tons of more equipment in comparison to the Carens. Still, opting for the Carens can’t possibly be wrong either. Therefore, I would suggest you visit your nearest showroom and experience these in the flesh.

Also Read: New Hyundai Alcazar Launched – More Features, Safety, Equipment