Kia Carens Clavis EV long term review | Wrap up

Model HTX+ ERTest started: April 2026/8,444km Current ODO reading: 15,049kmTotal mileage: 6,605kmOverall efficiency: 375km/chargeAs our time with the Carens Clavis EV comes to an end, it is time to really accept the fact that EVs are here to stay. This is the most affordable 7-seater EV in the country, and it is by far, the most complete electric car that I have driven till date. Now while the entire Auto Today team loved the Clavis turbo manual and dubbed it the ‘Turbo Dad’, but I vouch for my colleagues when I say that the EV is the best version of the MPV. It looks the best of the lot too, with its smoother bits, and I really like the Ivory Silver Matte paint, it looks understated and yet unique on the road. What does make me like the Clavis truly is how it has a conventional design, unlike some radical cars on the market. But it is the cabin that makes one feel on the upper deck; the layout is sublime, and made from really-high quality plastics, and it genuinely feels like a high-end vehicle. The displays are as always crisp, and come with customisable modes, and my only gripe here is the non-utilisation of the entire infotainment display when Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is connected, and it is only wired – quite a miss. It doesn’t miss out on any features either, ventilated seats could be better, but the Bose audio is amazing, and so is the expansive customizable ambient lighting system. The Clavis EV has an immense amount of space in the second row, and this doesn’t really feel like a taller floor despite the battery being mounted in it, and the modularity is very useful for hauling stuff too. The panoramic sunroof and the roof mounted aircon vents make this an even sweeter deal, anyone searching for a chauffeur driven EV will not be disappointed. The performance is kind of addictive, the e-motor delivers instantaneous acceleration and even the eco mode is more than enough to zip through traffic, and then there are the regen modes – five of them and each works quite well, especially the long press of the left paddle shifter than maximises regen braking, one can drive the Clavis without the brake most of the time. But the change in throttle response with the different regen modes needs some getting used to. The Clavis handles really well, not as good as its ICE siblings, but pretty good, and the steering being light makes this very maneuverable in the city. Range is pretty impressive, and we clocked more than 360km on a highway run doing 120kmph, while city usage returns nearly 400km of range.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends