Real-world testing puts electric three-row SUVs Kia Carens Clavis EV and MG Hector Tomahawk EV head to head

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV delivers a higher real-world driving range than its rival, the Kia Carens Clavis EV Extended Range, according to recent road tests. Both models are three-row electric vehicles occupying a similar price band, but they differ significantly in battery size, power output, and efficiency.

Specifications and Pricing

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV uses a 69.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which is larger than the 51.4kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt unit found in the Kia Carens Clavis EV ER. Both electric vehicles use a single, front-mounted motor setup. The MG model produces 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque, whereas the Kia version generates 171 horsepower and 255 Nm. Despite carrying a smaller battery, the Kia is lighter, with its top-spec variant weighing an estimated 1,725 kilograms compared to the MG's 1,908 kilograms. In showrooms, the Kia Carens Clavis EV ER is the more expensive choice. Its base variant carries a price tag that is Rs 2.54 lakh higher than the entry-level version of the three-row MG Hector Tomahawk EV, while the price difference at the top end narrows to Rs 1.50 lakh.

Real-World Range Results

Official MIDC figures claim a range of 490km for the Kia and 517km for the MG, creating a small gap of just 27km on paper. However, actual road testing on fixed city and highway loops widens that gap considerably. The MG Hector Tomahawk EV achieves a tested average range of 446km, while the Kia Carens Clavis EV ER manages 364km. In city conditions, the MG runs for 495km before draining its battery, beating the Kia's city range of 383km by 112km. On the highway, the MG records 397km against the Kia's 345km, marking a 52km difference.

Efficiency and Features

Even though the MG travels further on a single charge, the Kia proves to be more efficient in how it uses its battery power. The Carens Clavis EV ER delivers 7.45km per kWh in the city and 6.71km per kWh on the highway, resulting in a real-world average of 7.08km/kWh. The Hector Tomahawk EV trails with 7.15km/kWh in the city and 5.73km/kWh on the highway, averaging 6.44km/kWh overall. The MG's distance advantage stems mainly from its much larger battery capacity, as well as features like mild regenerative braking and a boxier frame that affects highway aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the Kia includes a 'Driver-only' AC mode designed to help stretch its driving range further.

Context

Real-world testing often yields lower driving ranges than official laboratory estimates due to fluctuating traffic, active cabin climate control, and varied road conditions. Electric vehicle efficiency is measured by how many kilometers a car can travel per kilowatt-hour of energy consumed, helping buyers understand actual running costs beyond manufacturer claims.