The compact SUV space is an absolute battlefield in India, with new contenders popping up every year. Kia already has the Sonet in this segment, but now they’ve decided to spice things up with the Syros—a model that slots between the Sonet and the Seltos. What makes the Syros stand out? Well, it has a funky design, a feature-packed cabin, and a focus on comfort. But does it have what it takes to shake up the sub-4-metre SUV segment? Let’s find out.
One look at the Kia Syros, and you know it’s not your run-of-the-mill SUV. Kia has gone bold with the styling, and while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly grabs attention. The front end features a closed-off grille, hinting at an EV version that’s expected in the future. The standout design elements include vertically stacked 'ice-cube' LED headlights, which are pushed to the corners and bordered by sleek daytime running lamps (DRLs). While they look cool, their placement makes them prone to minor dings in tight parking spaces.
The chunky black cladding around the wheel arches and bumpers gives the Syros a rugged stance, while the silver skid plate-like inserts add to the SUV appeal. The window line has a unique upward curve near the B-pillar, breaking the monotony of conventional straight lines. The rear design is equally bold, featuring L-shaped LED taillights that integrate seamlessly into the cladding.
Kia is offering some funky paint choices, including a striking metallic red and two shades of blue, including the ‘Frost Blue’ seen on our test car. Whether you love or hate the Syros’ design, one thing’s for sure—it refuses to blend in.
The Syros comes with two engine options:
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1.0-litre turbo-petrol (120hp, 172Nm) – Available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT automatic.
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1.5-litre diesel (116hp, 250Nm) – Available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The petrol engine is punchy and quick, with 0-100 km/h taking 11.63 seconds in Sport mode. However, turbo lag is noticeable below 1,500rpm, and the engine gets noisy beyond 2,200rpm. The DCT shifts smoothly at higher speeds but can be a bit clunky in slow-moving traffic.
The diesel engine, on the other hand, is smooth and torquey, making city driving effortless. It takes 13.88 seconds to reach 100 km/h but feels more relaxed in everyday conditions. The automatic gearbox is tuned for comfort rather than aggression, and overtaking is easy thanks to the strong mid-range torque.
The turbo-petrol DCT feels quick, hitting 0-100 km/h in 11.6 seconds. It’s got enough grunt in the mid-range but suffers from noticeable turbo lag under 1,500rpm. The DCT is smooth for the most part, though it does tend to upshift early to save fuel.
The diesel, on the other hand, is a torque-rich mile-muncher. It’s great for city and highway use, offering effortless overtaking. However, both engines suffer from higher-than-expected cabin noise. The petrol engine gets vocal past 2,200rpm, and the diesel is clearly audible beyond 2,500rpm—something Kia could have worked on, especially given the Syros’ comfort-oriented approach.
Ride quality is on the firmer side, with the suspension tuned to control body roll rather than soak up potholes. The tall stance and heavy sunroof mean there is some lean around corners, but nothing alarming. The steering is well-weighted at high speeds but could have been lighter for city use.
Overall, it’s a competent, refined package—just wish it was a little quieter inside.
Interiors: Stylish and Spacious
Step inside the Syros, and the design feels just as unique as the exterior. The dashboard layout is modern, with a mix of textures and colours that create a premium yet youthful vibe. There are four different interior color schemes depending on the variant, all featuring lively accents. Kia has also incorporated sustainable and recycled materials, which adds an eco-friendly touch.
The steering wheel is a new ‘squircle’ design with an off-centre Kia logo—something that takes a bit of getting used to. The gear knob follows the same cube-like theme and gets a dual-tone finish with an illuminated P-R-N-D indicator.
Seating comfort is a highlight of the Syros. Thanks to its tall-boy design, the headroom is excellent. Rear passengers get a sliding and reclining seat—the first in this segment. This means you can adjust the backrest for extra comfort, making long journeys more relaxing. Another segment-first feature is the rear seat ventilation, although it only cools the seat base and not the backrest due to space constraints.
Boot space ranges between 390 to 465 litres, depending on how far back the rear seats are positioned. That’s more than the Sonet and rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon.
Tech
The Kia Syros is packed with tech features that make it one of the most futuristic offerings in its segment. The highlight is the triple-screen setup, which consists of a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and a 5-inch climate control touchscreen, all housed under a single glass panel. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system ensures a premium audio experience. The Syros also gets a 360-degree camera with a blind-view monitor, which enhances safety while parking and changing lanes. There’s an advanced air purifier integrated into the front center armrest, keeping the cabin air fresh. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, and the 64-colour ambient lighting adds to the mood inside. Kia has also included connected car tech with remote engine start, window control, and OTA (over-the-air) updates for 16 controllers, making the Syros more future-proof than its competitors. Additionally, there’s an onboard AI-powered voice assistant, which responds to “Hey Kia” commands, and even lets you operate certain functions via the Kia Connect mobile app. Safety is well covered with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. Other convenience features include ventilated front seats, segment-first cooled rear seats, wireless charging with a cooling pad, rear sunshades, key-operated window controls, and resizable cup holders. With this extensive list, the Syros not only stands out in the sub-4m SUV segment but also challenges larger SUVs in terms of technology.
While the styling might be polarising, Kia has ensured the Syros isn’t just about looks—it’s practical, too. The 2,550mm wheelbase is longer than the Sonet and competitors, allowing for a spacious cabin.
The car rides on 15-inch steel wheels on lower variants, while higher trims get stylish 16- or 17-inch alloys. The thick body cladding adds a rugged appeal, and the silver inserts around the bumpers, side skirts, and wheel arches reinforce its SUV character.
One interesting detail is the blacked-out rear pillars, which give the roof a floating effect. The panoramic sunroof further enhances the cabin’s airy feel. Kia has also ensured good all-round visibility thanks to a large windshield and well-positioned mirrors.
Price Point & Rivals
The Kia Syros is priced at ₹9 lakh to ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), slotting above the Sonet and below the Seltos. This places it in direct competition with the Tata Nexon, which offers similar features but lacks a diesel-automatic combo, and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, which has a more conventional design but is petrol-only. The Mahindra XUV 3XO presents a strong challenge with its powerful and refined engines, though it misses out on some segment-first features. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Venue, which shares its engines with the Syros, offers a more familiar design but doesn’t quite match Kia’s tech-laden approach. With its bold styling, spacious cabin, and segment-leading features, the Syros has the potential to carve a niche for itself if Kia gets the pricing right.
Final Verdict
The Kia Syros dares to be different. It’s funky, spacious, and loaded with tech, making it a compelling choice for urban buyers. The comfort-oriented approach, sliding rear seats, and ventilated seats set it apart from the competition. However, the high NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels could have been better, and the turbo-petrol isn’t the quietest in the segment.
If you’re looking for a feature-rich compact SUV with a focus on comfort and tech, the Syros is a strong contender. Whether it will shake up the segment depends on how Kia prices it—but if priced right, the Syros could become the go-to urban SUV for Indian buyers.
Kia Syros – Specifications
Petrol Variant
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Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged GDi
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Displacement: 998cc
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Power Output: 120hp @ 6,000rpm
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Torque: 172Nm @ 1,500-4,000rpm
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Transmission Options:
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Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport
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Traction Modes: Snow, Sand, Mud
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0-100 km/h Acceleration: 11.63 seconds (DCT)
Diesel Variant
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Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged CRDi
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Displacement: 1,493cc
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Power Output: 116hp @ 4,000rpm
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Torque: 250Nm @ 1,500-2,750rpm
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Transmission Options:
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Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport
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Traction Modes: Snow, Sand, Mud
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0-100 km/h Acceleration: 13.88 seconds (Automatic)
Common Dimensions & Features
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Platform: Reinforced K1
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Wheelbase: 2,550mm
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Length: 3,995mm
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Width: 1,765mm
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Height: 1,590mm
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Ground Clearance: ~190mm (estimated)
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Boot Space: 390-465 litres (depending on seat position)
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Wheels: 15-inch steel / 16-inch alloy / 17-inch alloy (depending on variant)
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Suspension:
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Front: McPherson Strut
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Rear: Torsion Beam Axle
