The Kia Syros is the latest addition to Kia India’s impressive SUV lineup, launched on January 1, 2025, and positioned strategically between the popular Kia Sonet and the Kia Seltos. Unveiled to the public at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, this sub-4-meter SUV brings a fresh perspective to the compact SUV segment with its bold design, premium features, and versatile engine options. Aimed at buyers seeking a blend of practicality, modern technology, and urban-friendly dimensions, the Syros stands out with its unconventional boxy styling and segment-first features like rear-seat ventilation and a panoramic sunroof. Kia has crafted the Syros to appeal to both traditional SUV enthusiasts and those considering a step up from sedans, offering a spacious cabin, advanced safety tech, and a choice between petrol and diesel powertrains.
Since its debut, the Kia Syros has garnered significant attention, registering over 5,500 bookings in its first month—a testament to its appeal in a crowded market. With a starting price of ₹8.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes with established players like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Hyundai Venue, while also overlapping with mid-variants of compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Kia’s strategy with the Syros is clear: to deliver a premium yet accessible SUV that pushes the boundaries of design and functionality in its class. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting new offering.
Technical Specifications
The Kia Syros is available with two engine options: a 1.0L turbo-petrol and a 1.5L diesel, both paired with manual and automatic transmission choices. Below is a detailed breakdown of its technical specifications, compiled from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale.
| Parameter | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 1.5L Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Smartstream G1.0 T-GDi (3-cylinder) | 1.5L CRDi VGT (4-cylinder) |
| Displacement | 998 cc | 1493 cc |
| Max Power | 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm | 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed Manual / 7-speed DCT | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed AT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.2 kmpl (MT) / 17.68 kmpl (DCT) | 20.75 kmpl (MT) / 17.65 kmpl (AT) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 liters | 45 liters |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3995 mm x 1805 mm x 1680 mm | 3995 mm x 1805 mm x 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm | 2550 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm | 190 mm |
| Boot Space | 390L (HTK, HTK(O)) / 465L (Higher trims) | 390L (HTK, HTK(O)) / 465L (Higher trims) |
| Tyre Sizes | 195/65 R15 / 215/60 R16 / 215/55 R17 | 195/65 R15 / 215/60 R16 / 215/55 R17 |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring |
| Suspension (Rear) | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc / Disc (higher trims) or Drum (base) | Disc / Disc (higher trims) or Drum (base) |
Variants
The Kia Syros is offered in six broad trim levels, with a total of 13 variants based on engine and transmission combinations. Below is a tabular representation of the variants, sourced from CarDekho and Kia India’s official updates.
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTK | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 6-speed MT | Halogen headlamps, 15-inch steel wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| HTK (O) | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 6-speed MT | Adds sunroof, keyless entry |
| HTK (O) | 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed MT | Same as above with diesel engine |
| HTK+ | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 6-speed MT | 16-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, rear camera |
| HTK+ | 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed MT | Same as above with diesel engine |
| HTK+ | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 7-speed DCT | Adds paddle shifters, auto transmission |
| HTX | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 6-speed MT | LED headlamps, ventilated front seats, climate control |
| HTX | 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed MT | Same as above with diesel engine |
| HTX | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 7-speed DCT | Adds paddle shifters, auto transmission |
| HTX+ | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 7-speed DCT | 17-inch alloys, ADAS, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon audio |
| HTX+ | 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed AT | Same as above with diesel engine |
| HTX+ (O) | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 7-speed DCT | Top-spec with Level-2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof |
| HTX+ (O) | 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed AT | Same as above with diesel engine |
Price in Metro Cities
The Kia Syros pricing varies slightly across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges and insurance costs. Below are the on-road prices (approximate) as of March 2025, based on data from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale for select variants in key metro cities.
| Variant | Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Chennai | Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTK Turbo MT | ₹10.02 Lakh | ₹10.34 Lakh | ₹10.45 Lakh | ₹10.28 Lakh | ₹10.15 Lakh |
| HTK+ Diesel MT | ₹12.25 Lakh | ₹12.60 Lakh | ₹12.75 Lakh | ₹12.50 Lakh | ₹12.38 Lakh |
| HTX Turbo DCT | ₹14.73 Lakh | ₹15.10 Lakh | ₹15.28 Lakh | ₹14.95 Lakh | ₹14.85 Lakh |
| HTX+ Diesel AT | ₹17.88 Lakh | ₹18.30 Lakh | ₹18.50 Lakh | ₹18.15 Lakh | ₹18.00 Lakh |
| HTX+ (O) Turbo DCT | ₹18.98 Lakh | ₹19.45 Lakh | ₹19.65 Lakh | ₹19.30 Lakh | ₹19.15 Lakh |
Note: Prices are introductory ex-showroom plus RTO and insurance, subject to change based on dealer offers and taxes.
About Kia Syros
Design and Exterior
The Kia Syros breaks away from conventional sub-4-meter SUV designs with its bold, boxy silhouette inspired by Kia’s flagship EV9 and Carnival. Measuring 3995 mm in length, 1805 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height, it maximizes interior space while adhering to sub-4-meter tax benefits in India. The front fascia features vertically stacked LED DRLs, LED headlamps, and a closed-off grille, giving it a futuristic yet rugged appeal. The upright stance, high squared shoulders, and thick black cladding running from the bumper to the rear enhance its muscular look. Eight monotone color options—Frost Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Intense Red, Imperial Blue, Pewter Olive, Gravity Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl—offer buyers ample customization.
The Syros rides on wheels ranging from 15-inch steel on the base variant to 17-inch crystal-cut alloys on higher trims, paired with a 190 mm ground clearance suitable for Indian roads. At the rear, L-shaped LED tail lamps and a faux skid plate complement the modern design, though some critics note that the styling might be polarizing due to its unconventional proportions.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Kia Syros, and you’re greeted by a premium cabin that rivals higher-segment SUVs. The interior boasts a dual-tone theme (black-grey or blue-grey depending on the variant) with quirky textures and recycled materials, reflecting Kia’s sustainability focus. The centerpiece is the Trinity Panoramic Display, comprising a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and a 5-inch HVAC screen. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, alongside an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on top trims.
Comfort is a priority, with ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, and a segment-first rear-seat ventilation feature on higher variants. The 60:40 split rear seats offer recline and slide functionality, expandable boot space from 390 liters to 465 liters, and ample headroom thanks to the 2550 mm wheelbase—50 mm longer than the Sonet. Other highlights include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and 23 in-cabin storage spaces, making it exceptionally practical for families and urban commuters alike.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Kia Syros offers two powertrain options tailored to different driving needs. The 1.0L turbo-petrol engine delivers 118 bhp and 172 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual or a smooth 7-speed DCT. It’s responsive in city traffic and adequate on highways, though some reviewers note it lacks the outright punch of sportier rivals. The 1.5L diesel, producing 114 bhp and 250 Nm, excels in mid-range torque, ideal for long drives and hilly terrains. It’s available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, offering a refined and fuel-efficient experience.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit, with ARAI-claimed figures of 18.2 kmpl (petrol MT), 17.68 kmpl (petrol DCT), 20.75 kmpl (diesel MT), and 17.65 kmpl (diesel AT). Real-world tests suggest around 13 kmpl in city conditions and 18 kmpl on highways, competitive for its class. The steering is light for easy city maneuvering but firms up at higher speeds, though body roll is noticeable due to the tall stance. The suspension, while firm to limit lean, can feel stiff over potholes, especially in the diesel variants, making it less plush compared to rivals like the Hyundai Venue.
Safety and Technology
Safety is a cornerstone of the Kia Syros, with a standard package including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, and a rear parking sensor. Higher trims add Level-2 ADAS with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking, alongside a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring. Built on the reinforced K1 platform, the Syros is expected to score well in Bharat NCAP tests, though official ratings are pending as of March 2025. Additional tech like OTA updates for 16 body function controllers ensures the vehicle stays current with Kia’s evolving ecosystem.
Market Positioning and Reception
Priced between ₹8.99 lakh and ₹17.80 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia Syros straddles the sub-4-meter and compact SUV segments, overlapping with mid-variants of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Its unique selling points—rear-seat ventilation, panoramic sunroof, and spacious interiors—set it apart in a segment dominated by practicality-focused models. Early reviews praise its feature-rich package and premium feel, though some critique its ride quality and polarizing design. With over 5,500 bookings in the first month, the Syros is poised to be Kia’s next blockbuster in India, building on the success of the Sonet and Seltos.
Close Competitors
The Kia Syros faces stiff competition in India’s crowded SUV market. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rivals:
- Tata Nexon
- Price Range: ₹7.99 lakh – ₹15.80 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Turbo-Petrol (118 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (113 bhp)
- Key Features: 5-star Global NCAP rating, 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats
- Comparison: The Nexon offers superior safety credentials and a sportier drive but lacks the Syros’ rear-seat ventilation and panoramic sunroof.
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza
- Price Range: ₹8.34 lakh – ₹14.14 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 1.5L Petrol (102 bhp)
- Key Features: Head-up display, 9-inch touchscreen, fuel efficiency (19.89 kmpl)
- Comparison: The Brezza is more affordable and fuel-efficient but misses out on diesel options and advanced safety tech like ADAS.
- Hyundai Venue
- Price Range: ₹7.94 lakh – ₹13.48 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Petrol (82 bhp), 1.0L Turbo-Petrol (118 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (113 bhp)
- Key Features: 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, refined ride
- Comparison: The Venue matches the Syros in engine options but offers a more refined ride and a less bold design.
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Price Range: ₹7.49 lakh – ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Turbo-Petrol (110-129 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (115 bhp)
- Key Features: Level-2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, premium interiors
- Comparison: The XUV 3XO is a direct rival with similar features, but its broader powertrain range and lower base price give it an edge.
- Kia Sonet
- Price Range: ₹7.99 lakh – ₹15.77 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Petrol (82 bhp), 1.0L Turbo-Petrol (118 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (113 bhp)
- Key Features: 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, compact size
- Comparison: The Sonet is smaller and cheaper but lacks the Syros’ space and premium features like rear ventilation.
Final Thoughts!
The Kia Syros is a bold, feature-packed contender in India’s sub-4-meter SUV segment, blending futuristic design with practical appeal. Its premium features, spacious cabin, and versatile powertrains make it a compelling choice for urban families and young buyers alike. While it may not excel in ride quality or outright performance compared to some rivals, its segment-first offerings and competitive pricing—starting at ₹8.99 lakh—position it as a standout option. Against competitors like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, and Hyundai Venue, the Syros carves a niche with its unique style and tech-forward approach, reinforcing Kia’s reputation for innovation in India.
