New Kia MPV Coming Soon as Affordable Alternative to Toyota Innova

The Korean automaker, Kia is preparing to introduce 2 new cars in the Indian market in the next 5-6 months. A new MPV based on the Carens is expected to be launched in April 2025, while a new 3-row electric MPV is likely to be launched by mid-2025 - around June-July. The soon-to-be-launched 3-row MPV will be a premium version of the Carens and will be positioned as an affordable alternative to the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta and Innova Hycross petrol. 

New Name

It was speculated to be the updated Carens MPV; however, media reports claim that it will get a new nameplate and will sit above the Carens. Compared to the existing model, the new Kia MPV will receive design changes and an all-new interior with improved feature set. It is most likely to be offered with the same set of engines as seen on the existing Kia Carens. 

New Kia MPV - Design Changes

The MPV will come with an all-new front fascia with design inspiration from latest Kia cars including Syros and EV9. It will have a newly designed headlamps, revised LED daytime running lights, a tweaked grille and an all-new bumper. The rear is also likely to get new bumper design and revised tail-lights. The overall silhouette will remain identical to the existing model; however, Kia will add newly styled alloy wheels. 

Big Changes Inside

The new Kia Carens sibling is expected to receive big changes inside the cabin. It is likely to come with an all-new dashboard layout similar to the Syros and other latest Kia cars. It is likely to come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and a 12.3-inch digital driver's display. The connected screen will also have a new 5-inch screen for climate control. 

The new Kia MPV is likely to have new centre console, redesigned AC vents and new interior colour scheme with new upholstery for seats. The MPV is likely to get wireless phone charging for both front and rear occupants, ventilated front and second-row seats, powered driver and co-driver seats, a panoramic sunroof and others. 

For safety and security, the new MPV will have 6 airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, and rear parking camera. Similar to the Syros, the new Kia MPV could get front, rear and side parking sensors. It will also come with a 360-degree surround view camera and LEVEL 2 ADAS tech. 

Powertrain Options

The new Kia MPV is expected to be offered with the same set of engines as seen on the existing Carens. The engine options will include a 113bhp/244Nm, 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol, a 157bhp/253Nm, 1.5L turbo petrol and a 114bhp/250Nm, 1.5L turbo diesel. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT and 6-speed AT depending on the powertrain. 

Expected Price

The new Kia MPV is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. It will come as a premium alternative to the likes of the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Rumion. The new model will be an affordable alternative to the Toyota Innova Hycross and Toyota Innova Crysta.

Also See - All New Cars Launching in April 2025