VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
205 Nm
245Nm@2000
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
-
Towing
800 Kg
1250kg
0-100 km/h
—
-
Engine
1199 cc
1991cc
Choosing between the Citroen Aircross and the KIA Carens is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Citroen Aircross delivers 81 kW while the KIA Carens produces 83kW@4000. On fuel, the Aircross returns 6.3 l/100km while the Carens uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R396 500 for the Aircross 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.
Specification
Citroen AircrossC3 Aircross MAX 1.2t A/T (7 Seat) 2026 - From R396 500
KIA Carens2.0 CRDI AT 2004 - From R189 995
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
205 Nm
245Nm@2000
0-100 kph
—
-
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1991cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
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
6.3 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
55L
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4323 mm
4493mm
Width
1796- mm
1748mm
Height
1670 mm
1609mm
Wheelbase
2671 mm
2560mm
Ground Clearance
200 mm
155mm
Kerb Weight
1315 Kg
1474kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
44-511-839 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800 Kg
1250kg
Load Capacity
525 lkg
1632kg
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
4yr
—
Service Plan Distance
60000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
Citroen Aircross
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Carens
Lower starting price (R189 995)
Higher towing capacity (1250kg)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Aircross or Carens?
The Aircross uses 6.3 l/100km and the Carens uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual 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 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Aircross and Carens?
The Aircross starts from R396 500 and the Carens from R189 995. The Carens is cheaper by R206 505 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 1250kg. 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.