2017 Kia Carens III (facelift 2016) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Kia Carens III (facelift 2016) ranges from 1383 to 1469 kg (approximately 3050 to 3237 pounds). This relatively moderate weight for a minivan supports stable handling and contributes to better fuel economy compared to heavier rivals. The curb weight ensures the vehicle remains agile in city traffic, while still offering stability on highways. The maximum permissible weight ranges between 2000 and 2200 kg (4410 to 4850 pounds), accounting for passengers and cargo. This balance of weight and capacity enhances its practicality without compromising driving comfort and economy.

The Kia Carens III (facelift 2016) offers a luggage capacity ranging from 103 to 536 liters (approximately 3.6 to 18.9 cubic feet) with all seats in use. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands significantly to between 1650 and 1694 liters (around 58.3 to 59.8 cubic feet). This versatility allows users to accommodate both passengers and large amounts of cargo, making it ideal for family trips, shopping, or transporting bulky items. The wide range between minimal and maximum cargo space means the Carens adapts well to everyday needs as well as occasional large loads.

The Kia Carens III, with its length of 4525 mm (178 inches), width of 1805 mm (71 inches), and height of 1610 mm (63 inches), usually fits comfortably into a standard home garage. Typical garage widths are around 2400-3000 mm (94-118 inches), and lengths are about 4800-6000 mm (189-236 inches), so the Carens leaves some space for opening doors and maneuvering inside. Keep in mind the need for additional space around the vehicle for comfort and storage, but generally, this minivan is compatible with standard residential garage sizes.

The Kia Carens III's width of 1805 mm (71 inches) offers a balanced road presence, contributing to a stable and confident feel on the road without making the vehicle overly cumbersome. This width makes it wide enough to provide comfortable cabin space for three abreast seating in the second row, yet not too wide to create difficulty navigating narrow lanes or tight urban streets. Drivers often find this width advantageous for both highway stability and city driving, where maneuverability and easy parking are essential.

Standing at 1610 mm (63 inches) tall, the Kia Carens III offers ample interior headroom for passengers in all three rows, which is critical for a comfortable minivan experience. The higher roofline improves accessibility and creates a spacious feeling inside the cabin. From an aerodynamic perspective, while taller vehicles typically have increased drag, the Carens balances height with a smooth design to maintain efficient fuel consumption. The height also aids visibility for the driver, enhancing safety and comfort during driving.

Compared to its predecessor, the Kia Carens II, the Carens III facelift exhibits noticeable changes in size and proportion. The Carens III is generally longer and wider than the Carens II, with the III generation's length at 4525 mm (178 inches) surpassing the typically shorter Carens II models by around 100-150 mm. The width of 1805 mm (71 inches) also provides a more spacious interior. These increases translate to improved passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The facelifted Carens III further refines design elements, resulting in a more modern appearance and enhanced usability, thus representing a meaningful step forward from the previous generation.

Within the compact minivan segment, the Kia Carens III (facelift 2016) holds competitive dimensions and capacity. It features a length of 4525 mm (178 inches) and width of 1805 mm (71 inches), which are on par or slightly larger than rivals like the Opel Zafira or Volkswagen Touran. Its flexible luggage capacity expanding up to 1694 liters (59.8 cubic feet) with folded seats positions it well for family and cargo versatility. Additionally, the Carens offers a good curb weight-to-capacity ratio, enhancing fuel efficiency and handling compared to some heavier competitors. Overall, it stands out as a well-rounded option in its class.

The Kia Carens III facelift offers several rim sizes including 16-inch (6.5J x 16 ET48.5), 17-inch (7.0J x 17 ET50.5), and 18-inch (7.5J x 18 ET53.5) options. Tire sizes available are 205/55 R16 91V, 225/45 R17 91V, and 225/45 R18 95V respectively. Smaller wheels and higher-profile tires, such as the 16-inch setup, usually provide better ride comfort by absorbing road imperfections more effectively. Larger wheels like the 18-inch versions can enhance handling and cornering stability by reducing sidewall flex but may offer a firmer ride. This range allows buyers to prioritize either comfort or sporty driving characteristics.

The Kia Carens III facelift supports a maximum roof load of 100 kg (220 lbs), which includes the combined weight of roof racks, carriers, or mounted accessories plus the cargo they carry. This capacity is sufficient for typical roof-mounted items such as bike racks, ski carriers, or medium-sized rooftop cargo boxes. It is essential to ensure that accessories are properly installed and that their weight, combined with the cargo inside, does not exceed the 100 kg limit. Adhering to this load limit helps maintain vehicle stability, safety, and handling, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions.