Is The Kia Syros More Compelling Than The Best-selling Hyundai Creta?

Kia recently unveiled the new Syros for the Indian market – a new sub-four metre offering with a wealth of features that are mainly found in cars from higher segments. While the Syros is a sub-compact crossover, its expected price not only will stack up against the sub-four metre SUVs but also the compact SUVs. So, here we are with a spec comparison between the new Kia Syros and the best-selling compact SUV in its class, the Hyundai Creta. Even if they are poles apart in size, there are some similarities. And, of course, when the prices of the Syros are announced, they will likely overlap each other. 

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Creta: Price

As mentioned earlier, although the Kia Syros is a sub-four metre car, it has been positioned above the Sonet as a premium offering. As a result, we expect the price of the upcoming Syros will likely start at about Rs 9.70 lakh. In comparison, the Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh. While the price of the top-spec Syros variants will not go as high as Rs 20 lakh, it is expected that the prices of the higher-spec Creta variants will overlap.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Creta: Dimensions

While the Syros and Creta belong to different segments, the dimensions comparison table suggests otherwise. There is no doubt the Creta is considerably longer than the Syros in terms of length but the sub-four metre is wider and taller than the compact SUV. Plus, its boot is larger by 32 litres.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Creta: Features

Kia has equipped the Syros with a wealth of features. In fact, it has as many features as the Creta. The notable features in the Syros are rear seat ventilation, side parking sensors, 64 colour ambient lighting, flush door handles, larger displays (infotainment and instrumentation), sliding and reclining rear seat, Level 2 ADAS with 16 functions, and dual dashcam setup. On the other hand, the highlights of the Creta include dual-zone AC and a cooled glovebox but it misses out on the rear sliding seat, dual dashcam, larger screens, and multicolour ambient lighting.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Creta: Powertrain

Kia has had a history of offering a range of engine and transmission options and the Kia follows that legacy. However, being a premium sub-four metre car, it is not available with an entry-level 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and iMT transmission like the Sonet. That said, customers can still choose between turbo-petrol and diesel motor options. On the other hand, the Creta comes with a choice of 3 engines and 4 distinct transmission options. It is worth mentioning that the Creta's 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is available only with an automatic transmission because Hyundai offers the 6-speed manual gearbox exclusively with the Hyundai Creta N Line.

All in all, it is evident from the comparison that the Kia Syros seems a compelling option to consider compared to the Hyundai Creta. The Creta excels in length and wheelbase, seemingly offering a roomier cabin than the Syros. But the sub-four metre is wider and taller than the compact SUV. Additionally, they are both brimmed with features the Syros comes with a couple of features that are not available in the sub-compact SUVs and are found in cars from higher segment cars. On a positive note, the Creta can be had in 3 different engine options as against the 2 options of the Syros. At present, this comparison is a tie. But we should get clarity on this when Kia announces the pricing of the Syros. So far, this is the battle between the feature-packed vs the best-seller.