Shared platforms, but with very different ideas. Which seven-seater offers a more comprehensive experience?
Experiencing the modern Alcazar and the new Kia Carens reaffirms a simple idea: similar ingredients can lead to a unique experience. On paper, there are too many things in common – the foundation, the engine, and their core premise: a feel-good 7-seater for the family. However, their fundamental differences appear in the real world almost immediately.
What makes an SUV?
When Kia claimed that the Carens were not SUVs, many raised their eyebrows. This seems almost illogical, considering that even small hatchbacks ride the SUV trend to get extra attention. Carens can also be disguised as an SUV with a confident stance, 195mm ground clearance and size. In fact, in any measurable way, Carens is bigger than Alcazar.
While Alcazar chose to extend the concept of Creta (literally), Carens effortlessly hides its Seltos roots. Kia also cleverly leveraged the core aspects of the design— a lower nose, a larger glass chamber, a smaller 16-inch alloy wheel — to give carens a role they didn't want to be an SUV. It seems more purposeful and desirable than regular MPVs like Ertiga or Marazzo.
Alcazar may be more appealing to those who want to approach traditional SUV designs. The straighter lines, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and square hood mean that Alcazar's design is not as acquired as Carens. Both have caught people's attention, and at first it seems equally polarized—Kia, a little more than in modern times.
Tail box space test
The difference on paper seems insignificant: the Carens are 216 litres, while the Alcazar is 180 litres, and all three rows are in place.
Hyundai can comfortably swallow two small tie rod bags or a small tie rod bag and a duffel bag. While that's not enough for a weekend trip for seven passengers, it should be enough for a quick day trip.
Kia has room for a medium trolley bag and a small trolley bag/duffel bag. If you want to tuck in some water bottles or shoes, there's more space on the edges.
Both cars offer storage space under the floor. Here, too, Kia was more generous.
Folding the third row of seats down, Carens gives you 645 litres of space compared to 579 litres in the Alcazar. You can move the house by folding the second row, 1164 liters for kia and 1051 liters for hyundai.
Third row of space and experience
Both the Alcazar and Carens have larger rear doors compared to the 5-seater models. While both doors opened nicely and wide, Carens won the in/out game. You get a greater width and height, allowing you to comfortably head to the third row.
Both cars offer a one-touch rollover function for the second row. Kia boosts the performance of modern cars by offering an electric release feature, which is especially useful when you want to exit the third row.
In terms of space, Carens beat Alcazar very convincingly. More knee space, sub-thigh support and head space are provided here. A medium-sized adult should have no problem here, even if it's an intercity trip. A larger quarter of glass means you won't feel boxed.
The third row of the Alcazar is suitable for adults to squeeze, but suitable for children. You're surrounded by a lot of black, which can make the space look smaller than it actually is.
Blower speed control is provided for passengers in the third row of the Alcazar, but the air conditioning vents are located at chest level. They're not as cool as Carens' overhead air conditioning vents.
There was plenty of room for cups and knick-knacks. Carens has a USB-C charger, while the Alcazar has a USB A output.
Second row of spaces and experiences
The second row in and out of Carens and Alcazar was effortless. Even the elderly will not have any problems.
Kia offers a better experience in key areas.
It offers more knee space (although there is a sizable air purifier on the right side) and better headroom as there is no panoramic sunroof. The seat base reclines upwards to better support the thighs.
Passengers in the second row can control the flow of the second and third rows through fan speed control. Overhead air-conditioned vents and no large glass overhead mean Carens can cool the cabin faster.
The captain's seat seems to have better support, and the absence of a central tower like the Alcázar means passengers can "move around" between rows.
In contrast, modern seats are slightly flatter. The space is adequate, but in any way it doesn't seem like a luxury.
Both can have three seats side by side; the widths seem to be more or less similar. However, if the occupants are large, it's a bit crowded.
A common complaint about both: the height of the seat backrests is restricted to ensure that passengers in the third row get good frontal visibility. Sadly, this takes away the shoulder support of 6 feet.
Alcazar offered two tray tables; Cullens had one. On the storage side, Kia offers more space available in the door pads and cooling bottle holders, while the 6-seat version of the Alcazar comes with a central armrest and some extra storage.
The first row of spaces and experiences
In between, the Alcazar offers a more upright and commanding driving position. The seats are set higher and the flat and upright hood means you can see the edges of the hood. The seat support is sufficient and the space is ergonomic.
Kia tried to squeeze more space out of the cabin, which led them to push the dashboard towards the windshield. The wrap-around effect on the slightly higher dashboard gives you the typical MPV driving position.
The slim dashboard on Kia also means that front-row occupants need some critical few inches of space. This also provides more space for passengers in the second and third rows, as the space can be adjusted by sliding seats.
In terms of storage space, Alcazar offers a small room under the armrests, a refrigerated glove box, and plenty of storage space in the doormats.
Carens improves this with pop-up tickets/card holders, pop-up cup holders, refrigerated cup holders in the middle, and more storage space in the doormats, including umbrella racks. There is also a storage compartment under the passenger seat.
Cabin quality and features
For the most part, the cabin quality seems to be comparable. However, we prefer the quality and texture of the Carens dashboard to the Alcazar. Keep in mind that glossy black panels are considered dust magnets and will eventually produce a lot of scratches as well.
That's not to say carens don't have cheap stuff. It can be used with better quality wipers/headlamps and better quality buttons for ventilated seats, driving modes, etc.
In terms of functionality, Alcazar fixed Carens. Hyundai's unique feel-good features such as an electric driver's seat, 360° camera, 10.25-inch full digital instrument panel and panoramic sunroof. Alcazar also equips the second row passengers with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and an additional wireless charger.
Carens doesn't have any function, while the Alcazar doesn't, except for the power seat release. The following is a common list:
Keyless entry
Ventilated seats in the front
64-color ambient lighting
button to start
10.25 inch touch screen
Automatic climate control
Tilt/telescopic steering adjustment
Bose sound system
Cruise control
Ride comfortably
Thanks to healthy ground clearance, both cars are adept at coping with less than ideal roads. Both cars can handle potholes and rough surfaces effortlessly. However, Carens also has a slight advantage in this segment.
The combination of small wheel sizes and large sidewalls is advantageous for Carens because it absorbs bumps and undulations. In Alcazar, you tend to feel more surfaces as you cross the horizontal variation of the road surface while experiencing some vertical movement.
safe
Kia offers a rugged safety kit from the base variant. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Management (ESC) and all-wheel disc brakes are available as standard. The Alcazar comes with dual airbags in the base model and the same safety features in all other models. Notably, neither Alcazar nor Carens has been crash-tested by independent authorities.
verdict
Kia Carens and Hyundai Alcazar showcase two different but popular 7-seater methods of car manufacturing. One elevates the concept of suVs, while the other focuses on practicality.
There are two reasons to consider Alcazar:
You love the look of the Alcazar and want a nice, modern "SUV" parked in your garage.
You'll see the value of the extra feel-good features Alcazar offers on Carens.
It goes without saying that the Alcazar is best thought of as a 5+2 rather than a proper 7.
Carens offers itself a solid case study:
It offers more space for all passengers, knick-knacks and any luggage in their suitcases.
It rides better than modern and feels quieter and more confident on bad roads.
With Kia Carens, there are a few feature trade-offs that can be made for an experience centered on space and comfort.