The automotive landscape in India has witnessed a dynamic shift with the arrival of the Kia Syros, a vehicle that seamlessly blends bold design, advanced technology, and uncompromising safety. Launched in December 2024, the Syros is Kia’s latest entrant in the fiercely competitive sub-compact SUV segment, positioned strategically between the popular Sonet and Seltos. With its world premiere creating ripples across the industry, the Syros is not just another SUV-it is a statement of Kia’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-centric design.
Kia Syros Launch Details
Kia Syros made its much-anticipated debut on December 19, 2024, marking a significant milestone for Kia India. The launch event showcased the brand’s vision of delivering a new species of SUV, tailored for urban drivers and tech-savvy adventurers. The Syros was introduced as the third SUV in Kia’s Indian portfolio, following the success of the Sonet and Seltos. Bookings for the Syros opened in early January 2025, with a nominal token amount, and deliveries commenced shortly after the official price announcement in February. The Syros is available in six variants-HTX, HTX Plus, HTX Plus Optional, HTK, HTK Optional, and HTK Plus-catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Buyers can choose from eight vibrant single-tone exterior colors, including the striking new Frost Blue, complemented by a sophisticated Black and Grey dual-tone interior with matte orange accents.
Kia Syros Specifications, Design, and Dimensions
The Syros is built on Kia’s reinforced K1 platform, promising durability and a solid road presence. Measuring 3995 mm in length, 1805 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2550 mm, the Syros strikes a perfect balance between compact agility and spaciousness. Its ground clearance of 190 mm ensures it can tackle Indian roads with ease, while the 465-litre boot space offers ample room for luggage, making it ideal for both city commutes and weekend getaways.
Design is where the Syros truly stands out. Embracing Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy, the exterior features a bold, upright stance, high squared shoulders, and a chiselled bonnet. The futuristic Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps with Starmap LED DRLs, signature Digital Tiger Face grille, and R17 (43.66 cm) Crystal Cut alloy wheels lend the Syros a commanding and modern appeal. Streamlined door handles, a shark fin antenna, integrated spoiler, robust front and rear skid plates with silver metallic finish, and starmap LED tail lamps further enhance its dynamic look. Every element, from the muscular contours to the puddle lamps with Kia logo projection, is meticulously crafted to create a sophisticated yet functional design.
Inside, the Syros redefines comfort and versatility. The cabin boasts first-in-segment rear sliding, reclining, and ventilated seats, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. The 60:40 split rear seats enable adjustable boot space, while the dual-pane panoramic sunroof floods the interior with natural light. The 76.2 cm (30-inch) Trinity Panoramic Display panel serves as the connected car navigation cockpit, seamlessly integrating infotainment and vehicle controls. Additional luxuries include sporty alloy pedals, 64-color ambient mood lighting, a double D-cut steering wheel, a 4-way powered driver seat, and 23 in-cabin storage spaces, making the Syros as practical as it is plush.
Kia Syros Safety and Features
Safety is at the core of the Kia Syros, which has achieved a prestigious 5-star rating in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) crash tests. This accolade places the Syros among the safest vehicles in its class, with safety scores on par with established rivals. The Syros is equipped with six airbags as standard, providing comprehensive protection for all occupants. Its robust safety suite includes 16 autonomous features as part of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Front Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse.
Further enhancing safety are features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), highline tyre pressure monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. All seats are equipped with 3-point seatbelts and reminders, ensuring that every journey is as safe as possible. The Syros’ performance in crash tests, including frontal, side, and pole impact assessments, underscores Kia’s unwavering commitment to occupant safety.
Kia Syros Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Kia Syros offers two engine options to suit diverse driving needs. The first is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 120 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque. This engine is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT), offering a blend of spirited performance and smooth gear shifts. The turbo petrol variant is particularly well-suited for urban environments, providing effortless city driving and comfortable cruising at highway speeds. The DCT’s quick downshifts and paddle shifters add a layer of driving engagement, while the cabin remains well-insulated from engine noise.
The second option is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, producing 116 PS of power and a robust 250 Nm of torque. This engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel variant excels in delivering strong mid-range torque, making it ideal for both city traffic and long-distance touring. The Syros’ suspension setup-MacPherson strut at the front and rear twist beam-ensures a comfortable ride over varied road surfaces, while disc brakes on all four wheels provide confident stopping power.
Kia Syros Technology and Features
The Syros is a technological powerhouse, offering a suite of features that set new benchmarks in the segment. At the heart of its tech offering is the 76.2 cm (30-inch) Trinity Panoramic Display panel, which combines a high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with digital instrumentation. This intuitive interface supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Kia Connect 2.0 brings over 80 connected car features, including real-time diagnostics, remote vehicle management, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and call center-assisted navigation.
Voice recognition with multilingual support, wake-up command functionality, and remote diagnostics enhance the user experience, making the Syros as smart as it is stylish. Rear seat ventilation, first-in-segment rear seat slide and recline, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof elevate passenger comfort. The Syros also offers practical touches like 23 in-cabin storage spaces, a 4-way powered driver seat, and 64-color ambient mood lighting, creating a truly premium environment.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: A Benchmark in Luxury and Innovation
Kia Syros Efficiency and Practicality
Efficiency is a hallmark of the Kia Syros, with both engine options delivering impressive fuel economy. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol variant offers a claimed mileage of 18.20 kmpl with the manual transmission and 17.68 kmpl with the DCT automatic. In real-world conditions, city driving yields around 10 kmpl, while highway runs can achieve up to 14 kmpl, depending on driving style and traffic conditions.
The 1.5-litre diesel variant is even more frugal, delivering 20.75 kmpl with the manual transmission and 17.65 kmpl with the automatic. With a 45-litre fuel tank, the Syros promises excellent range, making it suitable for long journeys. The 465-litre boot space, 60:40 split rear seats, and multiple storage compartments enhance practicality, ensuring that the Syros can accommodate the demands of modern families and adventure seekers alike.
Kia Syros Price and Availability
The Kia Syros is competitively priced, with the base model starting at ₹9,49,900 and extending up to ₹17.80 lakh for the top-end variant. This pricing positions the Syros attractively against rivals such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, and Hyundai Venue. With six variants and a wide array of features, buyers can select a configuration that best suits their needs and budget. The Syros is available for booking at Kia dealerships across India and through the company’s official website, with deliveries already underway in major cities.
Kia Syros Mileage
Mileage is a key consideration for Indian buyers, and the Syros delivers on this front. The petrol variant’s ARAI-certified mileage ranges from 17.68 to 18.20 kmpl, while the diesel variant offers 17.65 to 20.75 kmpl, depending on the transmission. These figures make the Syros one of the most efficient vehicles in its segment, ensuring lower running costs and greater value for money.
Kia Syros Heritage and Evolution
Kia’s journey in India has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Since its entry into the Indian market, Kia has rapidly established itself as a formidable player, with the Sonet and Seltos earning widespread acclaim for their design, quality, and feature-rich offerings. The Syros builds on this legacy, embodying Kia’s challenger spirit and commitment to setting new benchmarks.
The Syros represents the evolution of Kia’s design language and technological prowess. It introduces several segment-first features, such as rear sliding, reclining, and ventilated seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and Level 2 ADAS. The vehicle’s bold aesthetics, advanced safety, and smart connectivity reflect Kia’s vision of creating aspirational vehicles that resonate with the needs of modern Indian consumers.
Kia’s focus on safety, comfort, and innovation has resonated with buyers, as evidenced by the strong sales performance of the Syros since its launch. The SUV’s 5-star BNCAP safety rating, comprehensive feature list, and competitive pricing have cemented its position as a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment.
Kia Syros: The New Benchmark
In summary, the Kia Syros is more than just a new SUV-it is a bold statement of intent from Kia. With its striking design, advanced technology, robust safety features, efficient engines, and practical interior, the Syros sets a new benchmark in the sub-compact SUV segment. Whether you are a city dweller seeking comfort and connectivity or an adventurer looking for versatility and safety, the Syros delivers on all fronts. As Kia continues to push the boundaries of innovation and customer satisfaction, the Syros stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility in India.