Kia Carens Clavis EV long term review | 5,200km report

The Kia Carens Clavis EV continues to impress with its spacious cabin, premium interiors, seamless technology and effortless performance, making it a compelling seven-seat electric family car.

Model: HTX+ER

Test started: April 2026/ 8,444km
Current ODO reading: 13,612km
Mileage this month: 279km
Efficiency this month: 305km/charge

Most cars are designed to serve a set of purposes that define its key pillars, and when a car excels in certain departments, it compromises on others. But it has been very difficult to find a chink in the armour of the Clavis EV, because it has been so well engineered. The initial ICE version, the Carens won the ICOTY award in 2023, and for all the right reasons, the subsequent Carens Clavis is even better and the electric powertrain makes it an absolute gem. While its looks are something that still feel a bit odd at times, one has to settle with it because a lot of it is due to the function of a large, spacious seven-seater. Inside too, the interiors are top-notch, not just the way its designed, but the quality of every single bit. The steering shape is strange, but it works well with the size of the car. The displays and the tech are all flawless, and work properly every single time, and that is one of the other reasons to choose the Clavis EV – the peace of mind this car brings. The performance is well beyond what anyone would ever use, it can decimate ICE vehicles with ease, honestly Kia should have kept it a bit slower because the acceleration and the body roll feels a bit out of control at times and is a bit scary. Having said that, the wired smartphone pairing for Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is really the only flaw otherwise in a fabulous package.

Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine

- Ends