2025 Kia Carens Clavis vs Maruti Suzuki XL6: Which premium MPV will you pick
Both are premium family cars, offering a mix of practicality, comfort, and style. But how are they different in power, features, and price? Here's a detailed comparasion between the Kia Carens Clavis and the Maruti Suzuki XL6.
Also Read : Kia Carens Clavis launched at ₹ 11.49 lakh 2025 Kia Carens Clavis vs Maruti Suzuki: Specifications
Kia has come to the table with a diverse powertrain lineup for the Carens Clavis. Buyers can pick from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque, a 1.5-litre diesel unit delivering 116 PS and 250 Nm, or a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol option with 115 PS and 144 Nm. Transmission options are just as flexible, including a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, a clutchless iMT, and a 7-speed DCT.
Maruti Suzuki, meanwhile, offers the XL6 with a more modest engine setup. Its sole 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine makes 103 PS and 136 Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The real standout here is the XL6's CNG variant, which may not be powerful (88 PS), but offers a high claimed mileage of 26.32 km per kg—making it a strong contender for buyers focused on running costs.
The Carens Clavis clearly leads in terms of performance, particularly for those who want a stronger highway performer or more spirited urban driving. However, the XL6 still makes a compelling case for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize efficiency over outright power. 2025 Kia Carens Clavis vs Maruti Suzuki: Features
Both MPVs bring a good amount of equipment to the table, but the Carens Clavis pulls ahead with its tech-savvy and premium approach. The exterior gets a sharper, modern update with connected LED tail lights, sleek LED headlights, and larger 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. On the inside, Kia offers a dual-tone navy blue and beige theme, a two-spoke steering wheel, and the option of both six- and seven-seat configurations. The higher variants also have a panoramic sunroof as well as 64-color ambient lighting.
Also Read : Kia Carens Clavis First Drive Review - New mask, same task
In contrast, the cabin design of the XL6 is more functional, with black colors and faux wooden inserts. The XL6, which is only available in six-seat configuration with captain seats in the second row, offers features such as LED fog lamps, cruise control, and footwell lighting..
When it comes to creature comforts, the Carens Clavis takes things up a notch. It boasts ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, a powered driver seat with four-way adjustment, auto air conditioning with vents for all three rows, and rain-sensing wipers. The XL6 does offer several of these conveniences, such as ventilated seats and auto AC, but misses out on more premium touches like the powered seat and wireless charging.
Kia equips the Carens Clavis with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a matching 12.3-inch digital driver's display. The interface is paired with an eight-speaker Bose audio setup and connected car features. While wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are reserved for lower variants with the 8-inch system, the setup still feels premium and immersive.
Maruti's XL6 gets a smaller 7-inch touchscreen with a six-speaker Arkamys-tuned sound system. On the plus side, it does support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across variants, giving it a usability advantage despite the smaller screen size and more modest interface.
Safety is another area where the Carens Clavis outshines its rival. It has a six-airbag standard, plus all the bells and whistles like a 360-degree view camera with blind spot monitoring, Level-2 ADAS, dual-camera dashcam, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and disc brakes at all four corners. These features don't just increase comfort and assurance in your safety, but also demonstrate Kia's effort to meet modern-day safety expectations.
The XL6 does have the basics, dual airbags (up to four on top models), electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and a 360-degree view camera. Some features such as ADAS and top-end safety suite features are not available in the Carens. 2025 Kia Carens Clavis vs Maruti Suzuki: Price
At ₹ 11.50 lakh for the starting model, the Kia Carens Clavis undercuts the base XL6 by a bit. But the Carens' top trims go all the way up to ₹ 21.50 lakh, while the XL6 goes only up to ₹ 14.84 lakh. That's quite a difference, and it highlights the two's different positioning.
Maruti's XL6 remains the more accessible option, especially for families looking to strike a balance between comfort, efficiency, and cost. On the other hand, the Carens Clavis is aimed at buyers willing to spend more for added power, technology, and a premium driving experience.
Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.
First Published Date: 26 May 2025, 17:12 PM IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Maruti Suzuki cuts near-term EV production amid rare earths crisis
Maruti Suzuki has cut near-term production targets for its maiden electric vehicle e-Vitara by two-thirds because of rare earths shortages, a document showed, in the latest sign of disruption to the auto industry from China's export curbs. India's top carmaker, which said on Monday it had not seen any impact yet from the supply crisis, now plans to make about 8,200 e-Vitaras between April and September, versus an original goal of 26,500, according to a company document seen by Reuters. It cited "supply constraints" in rare earth materials that are vital in making magnets and other components across a range of hi-tech industries. Maruti still plans to meet its output target of 67,000 EVs for the year ending March 2026 by ramping up production in subsequent months, the document said. China's curbs on some rare earth exports have rocked the global auto industry, with companies warning of severe supply chain disruptions. While some companies in the United States, Europe and Japan are seeing supplies easing as they secure licences from Beijing, India is still waiting for China's approval amid fears of production stoppages. Launched amid much fanfare at India's car show in January, the e-Vitara is crucial to Maruti's EV push in the country, marking its entry in a segment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government wants to grow to 30% of all car sales by 2030 from about 2.5% last year. The setback could also hurt parent Suzuki Motor, for which India is the biggest market by revenue and a global production hub for EVs. The bulk of the made-in-India e-Vitaras are earmarked for export by Suzuki to its major markets like Europe and Japan around summer 2025. Maruti told reporters last week the rare earths issue had no "material impact" on the e-Vitara's launch timeline. Chair RC Bhargava said there was "no impact at the moment" on production, local media reported on Monday. Maruti and Suzuki did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Maruti shares trading on the Indian stock exchange fell as much as 1.4% to the day's low after the news. Maruti is yet to open bookings for the e-Vitara with some analysts warning it is already late to launch EVs in the world's third-largest car market where Tesla is also expected to begin sales this year. Under its previous plan "A", Maruti was to produce 26,512 e-Vitaras between April and September - the first half of the fiscal year. Under the revised plan "B", it will manufacture 8,221, the document showed, indicating a two-thirds cut in its production schedule. However, in the second half of the financial year - between October and March 2026 - Maruti plans to ramp up production to 58,728 e-Vitaras, or about 440 per day at its peak, versus a previous target of 40,437 for those six months under plan A. Two supply chain sources confirmed Maruti's plan to scale back e-Vitara production because of rare earth magnet shortages but were not privy to the exact numbers. The rare earths crisis comes as Maruti is already grappling to recover market share lost to Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra's feature-rich SUVs. These companies also lead India's EV sales. Maruti's share of India's passenger vehicle market is down to 41% from a recent peak of about 51% in March 2020. Suzuki has trimmed its sales target for India to 2.5 million vehicles by March 2031 from 3 million previously, and scaled back its lineup of EV launches to just four, instead of the six planned before, as competition in the South Asian nation intensifies.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Maruti Suzuki attempts to change image with six-airbag ‘safety shield'
Kolkata: Maruti Suzuki is seeking to alter the perception that its vehicles are low on safety features by making six airbags a standard feature across 97% of its product portfolio, including all variants in entry-level cars such as the Alto, S-Presso, and Wagon-R. "Safety is paramount, and we believe it must be available to every customer irrespective of the variant they purchase," said Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer (marketing & sales) Partho Banerjee. Renault, whose Kwid is the closest competitor to Maruti Suzuki Alto, does not offer six airbags as a standard safety feature. Hyundai's Grand i10 NIOS, a hatchback in a segment above the entry-level, offers six airbags. "Hyundai was the first to introduce six airbags across models and variants in Oct 2023," said a Hyundai India official. Tata Motors was the first Indian automaker to focus on safety and received the five-star safety rating by Global NCAP in 2018, followed by the Altroz, Harrier, Safari, and Punch. However, not all variants of these models have six airbags. The Maruti Suzuki 'safety shield' provides both active and passive safety features across models. Apart from six airbags, it includes advanced safety technologies like Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Banerjee said these safety measures had led to a 40% price hike in the entry-level segment.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
EV supply chain strain: Maruti Suzuki cuts e-VITARA production, rare earth magnets bottleneck worsens after China export curbs
India's largest automaker Maruti Suzuki is slashing the production forecast for its upcoming electric SUV e-VITARA, amid a critical shortage of rare earth magnets, according to industry sources. The company now aims to roll out 8,000 units by September, down sharply from the originally planned 26,000+ units. The automaker, however, plans to meet its full-year production target of 67,000 units by ramping up output in later months, sources added. Maruti Suzuki declined to officially comment on the matter. The shortfall comes as China tightens export restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets — materials critical for electric motors in EVs. Since April 4, Beijing has mandated special licences for exporting seven types of rare earths, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, and lutetium, which are used in everything from EV propulsion systems to missiles. 'As of now, there is no impact on production,' Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava said earlier this week. However, supply-side risks remain as China controls over 90% of global processing capacity for these essential materials. Carmakers urge Indian government to step in Several Indian carmakers have sought government intervention to expedite approvals from Chinese authorities via their local vendors for importing rare earth magnets. But no licences have been granted yet, creating uncertainty in the EV and hybrid vehicle manufacturing pipeline. Rare earth magnets are vital to permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), preferred in EVs for their high torque, efficiency, and compact design. While internal combustion engine vehicles use them in limited systems like electric power steering, their role is critical in electrified powertrains. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
