VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
85 kW
Torque
205 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
12.0 s
Engine
1199 cc
1493 cc
Choosing between the Citroen Aircross and the Kia Carens is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen Aircross delivers 81 kW while the Kia Carens produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Aircross returns 6.3 l/100km while the Carens uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R396 500 for the Aircross and R399 995 for the Carens. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
85 kW
Torque
205 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.0 s
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1493 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4323 mm
4550 mm
Width
1796- mm
1800 mm
Height
1670 mm
1734 mm
Wheelbase
2671 mm
2780 mm
Ground Clearance
200 mm
180 mm
Kerb Weight
1315 Kg
1462 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
7
Load Volume
44-511-839 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
525 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
Aircross
Practicality
Aircross
Pros & Cons
Citroen Aircross
Lower starting price (R396 500)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 85 kW)
Kia Carens
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Aircross or Carens?
The Aircross uses 6.3 l/100km and the Carens uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Carens is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Aircross or Carens?
The Aircross produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the Carens delivers 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The Carens is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Aircross and Carens?
The Aircross starts from R396 500 and the Carens from R399 995. The Aircross is cheaper by R3 495 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Aircross or Carens?
The Aircross has a braked towing capacity of 800 Kg and the Carens can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Aircross or the Carens?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.