KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Carens Clavis introduced as a premium alternative to the Carens
- Rivals the Hyundai Alcazar directly in the MPV space
- The Hyundai Alcazar offers extra features including both functional and premium ones
Whether it is a Hyundai or a Kia, it is assured that the models from both the sister brands will be a high-tech affair. Just recently, Kia Carens Clavis has been given the Syros treatment where it sits above the Kia Carens as a premium second option. But even after being a tech-ridden cabin, the Hyundai Alcazar, its one of the tough rivals, offers some extra features that the Clavis misses out on, where some are quirky and functional, while others, being a surprising miss on the Carens Clavis. Read on to find out what al it gets, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.
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Second Row Seat Ventilation
While the Kia Carens Clavis is a feature-loaded vehicle and offers seat ventilation for from row passengers, the Hyundai Alcazar adds another layer to the upmarket cabin experience with the second row seat ventilation, which the Kia Carens Clavis misses out on. Notably, the second row seater ventilation is only available with the 6-seater version in the top-spec Signature trim, whereas the front seat ventilation is available with the 7-seater version as well.
Dual-Zone Climate Control
The Hyundai Alcazar takes the in-cabin experience a notch above the Carens Clavis with the introduction of a dual-zone climate control, making the front seat passenger more comfortable with their respective temperature settings. This should have been offered on the Clavis, given its placement above Carens, as a premium replacement for it.
8-way Power Driver & Passenger Seat
The Hyundai Alcazar offers a more convenient experience with 8-way electric seat adjustment, not just for the driver, but for the co-passenger seats as well. This is a big uptick from the Kia Carens Clavis, which offers just a 4-way electric seat adjust, which is limited to the driver's seat whereas the co-passenger seat still offers a manual adjustment.
Electric Boss Mode
When its a Hyundai, expect a lot of electronically moving parts which is also somewhat true for Kia as well, but not this time. The Hyundai Alcazar offers Boss mode for the second row occupants if they are being chauffer driven, where with just a touch of a button, the front co-passenger seat goes all the way forward making ample of room for the second row occupant. So bossy that you'll love it!
Second Row Wireless Charger
Another nifty and very practical addition is the second row wireless charger which adds a whole another level of functionality for the rear seat peeps. Given a closed encasing where you can simply drop in your phone for rest and the bundled wireless charging base starts juicing up your phone. Its a great combination for storage and charging, making it a clever add-on.
Wireless Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay
One thing that I felt a big miss with the Carens Clavis is the omission of a wireless Android Auto/ Apple Carplay, which in 2025 comes with the smaller hatchbacks as well. I would like to mention this a miss for the Clavis rather than a hit for the Alcazar, which for obvious reasons, offers this now basic feature. It is also ironic on the part of the Carens that is being marketed as a premium alternative to the standard Carens.
Verdict
The Hyundai ALcazar is a premium offering in the MPV segment, where it punches way abpve its weight with its SUVish looks and the set of tech offering it provides. No doubt that the Clavis comes close to the Alcazar, the miss-outs, when compared side by side feels a bit lacking on the part of Clavis. However, it will be an intersting sight if Kia decides to bridge the gap in its future updates.
