The Kia dilemma: Carens vs Seltos

Have shortlisted and booked two cars - Seltos and Carens. I know both are from different segments, cater to different people, but still I need to choose from either.

BHPian ptaneja recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello Everyone !

Would need some inputs from all of you. Have recently sold off my trusted Ciaz after completing around 70,000 odd kms in 6.5 years. All because of Diesel NGT ruling - but that's a different topic all together.

So, for replacement, have shortlisted and booked two cars - Seltos and Carens. I know both are from different segment, cater to different people, but still I need to choose from either.

I am not a heavy right foot driver - sedate and mileage/safety conscious. So performance as such is not a major point for me. I was able to recollect and jot down the following points only. Please do suggest !

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Really depends on whether you need that 3rd row or not. If it is going to be 4 adults + 1 kid + dog 10 times a year (almost once a month), it is the Carens for you. Even apart from the last row, the Carens has one major advantage for a family car over the Seltos = ride quality. Where the Seltos is firm and bumpy over bad roads, the Caren's soft comfort-oriented suspension is a pleasure on our imperfect roads.

I would personally buy a Seltos because it is the more fun-to-drive. But for your family usage, the Carens will be a better fit. Just be sure to pick the right engine + transmission option.

Here's what BHPian One had to say on the matter:

Your chart mentions human beings and dog in the car for 6-10 times a year which is 6-10 times a year when a Seltos will be cramped whereas the intention would be to travel comfortably (am assuming the price differential is manageable financially, it should be justifiable mentally for sure keeping comfort of all travellers in mind). Also it is fairly carlike to drive with passengers across rows relatively comfortable, I think this is largely due to the tyres it has, they really got the size perfectly matched.

No opinion on the DCT in your chart, am assuming there are good reasons for going for a petrol automatic vs TC gearbox diesel in the same model and an equally good reason you have considered this car over the facelifted 6-7 seaters about to launch from Maruti.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

Also add the point of Carens being a new car, although seems well sorted, the potential for new car issues exists.

From your chart its the Carens that makes more sense with that extra space and the comfy suspension (check our review).

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