In India, buying a car is usually a family affair. People consider only the best, or top family cars when deciding on which one to buy. Let’s compare the top-end variants of Kia Carens and entry-level variants of Toyota Innova Hycross to help you figure out which of these variants will be the best for you.
In this article, we will share
- What family-focused buyers look for in a car
- Kia Carens vs Toyota Innova Hycross – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
Are these family-friendly car models in India? Are these perfect cars for a small family, or can they accommodate large families, too? And which of these is the right car for a family man? Read on.
What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car
Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:
- Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
- Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
- Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good so that journeys are not only smooth, but also less tiresome
Family-focused car buyers prioritize safety, comfort, and practicality when choosing a vehicle. They look for cars with ample seating space, a spacious boot for luggage, and a smooth ride quality. Safety features like airbags, ABS, and stability control are crucial. Comfort features such as rear AC vents, a premium audio system, and a user-friendly infotainment system are also important.
Family-focused buyers prefer cars with good fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. They value reliability and a strong brand reputation. Ultimately, they seek a car that offers a balance of safety, comfort, and value for their family’s needs.
Why Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Hycross are popular
The Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Hycross have gained popularity among family-focused car buyers due to their impressive blend of safety, comfort, and practicality. Both MPVs offer spacious cabins with ample legroom and headroom, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. The Carens and Hycross also boast a large boot capacity, making them ideal for family trips and grocery runs.
Safety is a top priority for both MPVs. The Hycross has a 5-star GNCAP rating, while the Carens has a 3-star rating. Both vehicles come equipped with essential safety features like airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control (ESC). The Carens and Hycross also offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in higher variants, providing added peace of mind for family-focused buyers.
In terms of comfort, both MPVs offer a smooth and stable ride, thanks to their well-tuned suspension systems. The Carens and Hycross feature rear AC vents, ensuring that all passengers stay comfortable even on long journeys. The Carens’ higher variants come with a premium Bose audio system, while the Hycross offers a user-friendly infotainment system with navigation in select variants.
Family-focused buyers also appreciate the fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs of these MPVs. The Carens offers a range of petrol and diesel engine options, while the Hycross comes with a hybrid powertrain, ensuring excellent fuel efficiency. Both Kia and Toyota have a strong brand reputation and extensive service networks, providing peace of mind for family-focused buyers.
Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Hycross variants shortlist
For Toyota Innova Hycross, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| G 8STR | ₹1,897,000 |
| GX 7STR | ₹1,977,000 |
| GX 8STR | ₹1,982,000 |
For Kia Carens, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Luxury Plus Diesel iMT 6 STR | ₹1,815,000 |
| Luxury Plus DCT | ₹1,860,000 |
| Luxury Plus Diesel AT | ₹1,895,000 |
Toyota Hycross G 8STR
This entry-level variant offers a spacious 8-seater configuration at an attractive price point. It comes with essential features like power windows, rear AC vents, and LED headlights. The 1.9L petrol engine delivers a smooth and efficient performance, making it a practical choice for family-focused buyers.
Toyota Innova Hycross GX 7STR
The GX 7STR variant offers a more premium 7-seater configuration with captain seats in the second row. It comes with additional features like a rear parking camera, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and alloy wheels. The spacious and comfortable cabin, along with the efficient petrol engine, makes it an attractive option for families. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the Hycross with Maruti Suzuki Invicto.
Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR
This variant combines the spaciousness of an 8-seater configuration with the premium features of the GX trim. It offers synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and voice-activated controls. The GX 8STR is an excellent choice for larger families who prioritize comfort and convenience. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Hycross with Tata Safari 2023.
Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel iMT 6 STR
The Carens Luxury Plus Diesel iMT 6 STR is a feature-packed variant that offers a 6-seater configuration with captain seats in the second row. It comes with a 1.5L diesel engine, paired with an intelligent manual transmission (iMT) for a smooth and efficient drive. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and ventilated seats add to the overall comfort and convenience. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Carens with Toyota Rumion.
Kia Carens Luxury Plus DCT
Powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine and a 7-speed DCT transmission, this variant offers a perfect blend of performance and comfort. The Bose audio system, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and ventilated seats create a premium and enjoyable in-cabin experience for the family.
Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT
This variant combines the efficiency of a 1.5L diesel engine with the convenience of a 6-speed automatic transmission. It offers a range of premium features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose audio system, and ventilated seats. The Luxury Plus Diesel AT is an excellent choice for families who prioritize comfort and fuel efficiency.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Hycross for Family-focused car buyers
After carefully analyzing the shortlisted variants, we recommend the Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT as the best option for family-focused car buyers. This variant offers an excellent balance of comfort, safety, and features, making it an ideal choice for families.
The Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that delivers a healthy 114.41 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. The engine’s linear power delivery and minimal turbo lag ensure a smooth and effortless driving experience. The 6-speed automatic transmission offers seamless gear changes, making it easy to navigate city traffic and tackle highway cruising with ease.
In terms of comfort, the Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT excels with its spacious and well-appointed cabin. The MPV offers ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The rear AC vents and automatic climate control further enhance the cabin’s comfort. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a Bose audio system keeps the family entertained and engaged during trips.
Safety is a top priority for family-focused buyers, and the Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT delivers in this aspect. It comes equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a host of other safety features. The MPV’s stable high-speed performance and moderate body roll instill confidence in the driver and ensure a safe ride for the family.
The Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT also offers a range of premium features that elevate the overall ownership experience. The wireless charging, ventilated seats, and panoramic sunroof add convenience and luxury to the cabin. The MPV’s striking and futuristic design, combined with its metallic paint finish and good fit and finish, make it a stylish choice for modern families.
Considering its comprehensive package of comfort, safety, and features, the Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT emerges as the best variant among the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Hycross for family-focused car buyers.
The Top 3 choices
- Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT
- Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR
- Kia Carens Luxury Plus DCT
| Attributes | Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT | Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR | Kia Carens Luxury Plus DCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Knee/curtain airbags | Yes | No | Yes |
| Glove box cooling | No | No | No |
| Internet Connectivity | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 360-degree Camera | No | No | No |
| Ventilated seats | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rain sensing wiper | Yes | No | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT stands out for its spacious and comfortable cabin, offering ample room for families. The 1.5L diesel engine delivers a smooth and efficient performance, while the 6-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless gear changes. The MPV’s premium features, such as the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose audio system, and ventilated seats, provide a luxurious and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
- The Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR is a close second, with its spacious 8-seater configuration and premium features. The efficient petrol engine, combined with the smooth CVT transmission, offers a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride. The GX 8STR’s synthetic leather upholstery, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and voice-activated controls make it an attractive choice for family-focused buyers.
- The Kia Carens Luxury Plus DCT is another excellent option, powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine and a 7-speed DCT transmission. The MPV’s quick acceleration and smooth gear changes provide an engaging driving experience. The Carens Luxury Plus DCT offers a range of premium features, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose audio system, and ventilated seats, ensuring a comfortable and entertaining ride for the family.
All three variants offer a comprehensive package of safety features, including ABS, ESC, and parking assistance. They also provide a range of comfort and convenience features, such as rear AC vents, touchscreen infotainment systems, and automatic climate control. The final decision will depend on the specific needs and priorities of the individual family, but these three variants offer a compelling blend of comfort, safety, and features that cater to the needs of family-focused car buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.