Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol
Published on 26 September 2026
The Kia Carens is now available with a factory-fitted CNG option, giving buyers another fuel choice alongside the regular petrol and diesel versions. The CNG version uses the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the petrol Carens, but gets a CNG fuel system and some changes to its specifications and equipment.
The Kia Carens CNG is available only in the Premium (O) variant, while the petrol version is also offered in the same Premium (O) trim. The CNG version uses a 6-speed manual gearbox, just like the petrol version.
So, what exactly changes when you choose the Carens CNG instead of the petrol version? Here is a detailed comparison.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Price
The factory-fitted CNG version costs more than the petrol version.
| Version | Ex-showroom price* |
| Kia Carens Premium (O) Petrol | ₹11.12 lakh |
| Kia Carens Premium (O) CNG | ₹12.12 lakh |
*Prices can change. Check the latest Kia pricing before buying.
The CNG version currently carries a ₹1 lakh higher ex-showroom price than the equivalent petrol version. The factory-fitted CNG Carens was launched at ₹12.12 lakh, while the petrol version starts at ₹11.12 lakh.
This means the main question for buyers is whether the lower running cost of CNG can justify the higher upfront price.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Engine Specifications
Both versions use Kia’s Smartstream G1.5 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The major difference is that the CNG version is calibrated to run on compressed natural gas as its primary fuel.
The petrol version produces 84.4 kW of maximum power and 143.8 Nm of maximum torque. In CNG mode, the same engine produces 70.6 kW and 123.2 Nm.
| Specification | Carens Petrol | Carens CNG |
| Engine | Smartstream G1.5 | Smartstream G1.5 CNG |
| Displacement | 1,497 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Fuel | Petrol | CNG + Petrol |
| Max power | 84.4 kW | 70.6 kW |
| Max torque | 143.8 Nm | 123.2 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
The figures show that the CNG version has lower power and torque than the petrol version. This is one of the biggest mechanical differences between the two.
Does the Carens CNG Have a Different Engine?
Not in terms of basic engine displacement. Both use a 1.5-litre Smartstream G1.5 engine.
The CNG version, however, is equipped with a dedicated CNG fuel system and a CNG fuel change switch.
This means you do not have to depend entirely on CNG. The vehicle can also run on petrol.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Performance
This is where the petrol version has a clear specification advantage.
The petrol engine produces 143.8 Nm of torque, compared with 123.2 Nm in CNG mode. Maximum power also drops from 84.4 kW on petrol to 70.6 kW on CNG.
For a large seven-seat MPV, this difference can matter when the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage.
The petrol version should therefore have more performance available when you need stronger acceleration, particularly when overtaking or driving with a full load.
The CNG version, on the other hand, is primarily aimed at buyers who are willing to trade some performance for the potential fuel-cost advantage of CNG.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Transmission
There is no difference here.
Both versions use a 6-speed manual gearbox and send power to the front wheels. Kia lists a 6MT and 2WD configuration for both the petrol and CNG versions.
So, choosing CNG does not mean moving to a different transmission.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Fuel Tank Capacity
The CNG version has two fuel tanks because it can run on both petrol and CNG.
- Petrol tank: 45 litres
- CNG tank: 60 litres
The regular petrol Carens gets a 45-litre petrol tank.
The CNG version therefore gives buyers two fuel options. The CNG tank is positioned under the boot floor.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Tyre Size
There is also a difference in the wheel and tyre specification.
The brochure lists the following:
| Version | Tyre size |
| Carens Premium (O) Petrol | 195/65 R15 |
| Carens Premium (O) CNG | 205/55 R16 |
The petrol version uses 15-inch steel wheels with full covers, while the CNG version gets 16-inch steel wheels with full covers.
So the CNG model gets larger wheels despite being based on the same Premium (O) trim.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Features
The equipment list is broadly similar because both versions are based on the Premium (O) variant.
Kia lists features such as:
- Semi-leatherette seats
- Electric-adjust ORVMs with LED turn indicators
- Second-row one-touch electric tumble
- 60:40 split second-row seats with sliding, reclining and tumble functions
- 50:50 split third-row seats with reclining and full-flat folding
- Rear sunshade curtains
- 12.5-inch full-segment LCD instrument cluster
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Rear camera with dynamic guidelines
- Six speakers
- Five USB Type-C ports
- Bluetooth and voice recognition
- Keyless entry with burglar alarm
- Driving rear-view monitor
The CNG version additionally gets a CNG fuel change switch, while its instrument cluster includes CNG-related distance-to-empty logic.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Safety Features
The core safety equipment is also shared.
The following safety features are standard across the Carens range:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control
- Vehicle Stability Management
- Brake Assist System
- Hill-start Assist Control
- Downhill Brake Control
- Highline TPMS
- All-wheel disc brakes
- Rear parking sensors
- ABS
- ISOFIX child anchors
- High-mounted stop lamp with Emergency Stop Signal
- 3-point seat belts with reminders for all seats
- Speed-sensing door locks
- Impact-sensing door unlock
The CNG version also gets a fire extinguisher.
Does the Carens CNG Have Less Boot Space?
Yes, the CNG hardware takes up space that would otherwise be available for luggage.
Kia has placed the 60-litre CNG tank under the boot floor. At launch, the CNG Carens was reported to have 116 litres of boot space with the CNG system installed.
This is an important consideration for families who regularly use all three rows and carry luggage.
The CNG version retains the seven-seat layout, but buyers should consider whether the reduced luggage capacity works for their typical usage.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Which One Should You Choose?
The answer depends mainly on how you plan to use the car.
Choose the Carens Petrol if:
- You want stronger engine output.
- You frequently drive with a full load of passengers.
- You regularly travel on highways.
- You want to avoid spending more upfront on the CNG version.
- You do not have convenient access to CNG stations.
Choose the Carens CNG if:
- You drive a high number of kilometres every month.
- Lower fuel running costs are a priority.
- You have reliable access to CNG stations along your regular routes.
- You are comfortable with the lower power and torque figures.
- You can manage the reduced boot space.
- You want a factory-fitted CNG system rather than an aftermarket conversion.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: Key Differences
| Feature | Carens Petrol | Carens CNG |
| Variant | Premium (O) | Premium (O) |
| Engine | 1.5L Smartstream G1.5 | 1.5L Smartstream G1.5 CNG |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol + CNG |
| Power | 84.4 kW | 70.6 kW |
| Torque | 143.8 Nm | 123.2 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6MT | 6MT |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD |
| Petrol tank | 45 litres | 45 litres |
| CNG tank | Not applicable | 60 litres |
| Tyres | 195/65 R15 | 205/55 R16 |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| CNG switch | No | Yes |
| CNG DTE logic | No | Yes |
| Factory-fitted CNG | No | Yes |
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol: The Bottom Line
The Kia Carens CNG is not simply the petrol Carens with a CNG kit added. It gets a dedicated factory-fitted CNG system, a larger 16-inch wheel and tyre combination, a 60-litre CNG tank and CNG-specific instrumentation.
The biggest compromise is performance. The CNG version produces 70.6 kW and 123.2 Nm, compared with 84.4 kW and 143.8 Nm for the petrol version.
For buyers who cover a lot of kilometres and have easy access to CNG, the Carens CNG offers a different ownership proposition. Those who place more importance on performance, luggage flexibility and simpler refuelling may prefer the petrol version.
Kia Carens CNG vs Petrol FAQs
Is the Kia Carens CNG available in all variants?
No. The brochure lists the factory-fitted CNG option with the Premium (O) variant.
Does the Kia Carens CNG have the same engine as the petrol version?
Both use a 1.5-litre Smartstream G1.5 engine, but the CNG version is configured for petrol and CNG operation. Its maximum power and torque figures are lower in CNG specification.
Does the Kia Carens CNG have a manual gearbox?
Yes. The factory-fitted CNG version comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
How big is the CNG tank in the Kia Carens?
Kia lists a 60-litre CNG tank, along with a 45-litre petrol tank.
Does the Kia Carens CNG have seven seats?
Yes. The CNG Carens is a 7-seater.
Does the Carens CNG have less boot space?
Yes. The CNG tank is installed under the boot floor, and the CNG version has 116 litres of boot space according to specifications reported around its launch.
Is the Kia Carens CNG factory-fitted?
Yes. Kia’s current Carens CNG is offered with a factory-fitted CNG system.
