The Indonesian automotive market is seeing increased activity in the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment, with Kia making strategic moves to capture a larger share. The all-new Kia Carens, launched in Indonesia in August of last year, is now available with captain seats in the 1.5L variant, offering consumers more seating configuration options. This move positions the Carens as a premium competitor to established players like the Honda BR-V, Toyota Veloz, and Mitsubishi Xpander.
Kia Indonesia currently offers two Carens variants: a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT – Kia’s equivalent of a CVT), and a 1.4L turbocharged engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.5L variant was initially offered as a seven-seater, while the 1.4L came standard with six seats featuring captain chairs in the middle row. The addition of the captain seat option to the 1.5L variant provides buyers with greater flexibility.
Priced at Rp 414.6 juta (approximately $26,000 USD as of February 8, 2026), the 1.5L 6-seater slots between the 1.5L 7-seater (Rp 414.6 juta) and the top-of-the-line 1.4T (Rp 440 juta). The price difference between the 7-seater and the new 6-seater configuration is minimal, making the captain chair option an attractive value proposition for those prioritizing comfort and easier access to the third row.
The captain chairs in the 6-seater configuration include features such as tray tables, reclining functionality, manual armrests, and a one-touch electric tumble function for simplified access to the third row. This feature, according to marketing materials, sets the Carens apart from many competitors in the Indonesian MPV market.
Beyond the seating configuration, the 1.5L 6-seater variant mirrors the features of its 7-seater counterpart. These include front ventilated seats, a sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charging, USB charging ports for all three rows (Type C), manual window blinds, an 8.0-inch head unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
The broader Kia lineup was also showcased at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2026, featuring models with internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV). This demonstrates Kia’s commitment to offering a diverse range of powertrain options to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Kia is emphasizing safety as a key differentiator for the Carens, offering a 7-year warranty. This extended warranty is being promoted as a significant benefit, providing customers with peace of mind and highlighting the company’s confidence in the vehicle’s reliability. The marketing message focuses on selling “rasa aman” – a feeling of safety – rather than simply listing features, a strategy that appears to be resonating with Indonesian consumers.
The Carens’ pricing in Indonesia places it competitively within the MPV segment. The Kia Carens Premiere 7-Seater is priced at Rp 420 juta, while the Kia Seltos is priced at Rp 425 juta. This suggests Kia is positioning the Carens as a value-oriented option within its own portfolio, while still offering a premium experience compared to some competitors.
The Indonesian automotive market is sensitive to price, and features. The Carens’ addition of the 6-seater option, coupled with its comprehensive feature set and competitive pricing, is a strategic move to attract a wider range of buyers. The availability of both 7-seater and 6-seater configurations allows Kia to cater to different family sizes and preferences, potentially increasing its market share in the increasingly competitive MPV segment.
The Carens’ engine specifications include a 1.5L petrol engine producing 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque, and a 1.4L petrol engine delivering 140 PS and 242 Nm of torque. Both engines are designed to balance fuel efficiency with adequate performance for everyday driving conditions. The fuel tank capacity for both variants is 45 liters.
The suspension system on both Carens variants features a McPherson Strut front suspension and a Torsion Beam rear suspension. Braking systems consist of ventilated discs on the front wheels and discs on the rear wheels. The Carens has a length of 4540 mm and a width of 1800 mm, while the Seltos measures 4345 mm in length and 1800 mm in width. The Carens offers a seating capacity of 7, while the Seltos accommodates 5 passengers.
