VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
250 Nm
245Nm@2000
Fuel
5.9 l/100km
—
Towing
900 Kg
1250
0-100 km/h
12.9 s
—
Engine
1493 cc
1991
Choosing between the Hyundai Alcazar and the KIA CARENS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai Alcazar delivers 85 kW while the KIA CARENS produces 83kW@4000. On fuel, the Alcazar returns 5.9 l/100km while the CARENS uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R669 900 for the Alcazar and R189 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
85 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
250 Nm
245Nm@2000
0-100 kph
12.9 s
—
Top Speed
171 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
1991
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
55
CO2 Emissions
159 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4560 mm
4493
Width
1800 mm
1748
Height
1710 mm
1609
Wheelbase
2760 mm
2560
Ground Clearance
200 mm
155
Kerb Weight
1445 Kg
1474
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
180-579-1670 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
900 Kg
1250
Load Capacity
645 l
1632
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
—
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
45000
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA CARENS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Alcazar
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARENS
Practicality
CARENS
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Alcazar
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA CARENS
Lower starting price (R189 995)
Higher towing capacity (1250)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Alcazar or CARENS?
The Alcazar uses 5.9 l/100km and the CARENS uses 0 on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Alcazar or CARENS?
The Alcazar produces 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the CARENS delivers 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Alcazar and CARENS?
The Alcazar starts from R669 900 and the CARENS from R189 995. The CARENS is cheaper by R479 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Alcazar or CARENS?
The Alcazar has a braked towing capacity of 900 Kg and the CARENS can tow 1250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Alcazar 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.