Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter: Two Distinctly Sized Korean SUVs Compared In Detail

The Syros has been unveiled as Kia’s latest offering for the Indian market, set to debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter, a micro-SUV of the same Korean origin, sits in a segment below. While the two aren’t direct rivals, both vehicles offer a distinct set of features that make them impressive choices from a buyer’s perspective. 

So, as automotive geeks, we’ll dive deeper to compare the two SUVs and highlight their differences to look for what each of them is special for.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter: Price

The prices for the Kia Syros will be announced sometime in February, while the SUV will be showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo from 17th January 2025. We expect its prices to start around Rs 9.7 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as the most premium sub-4m SUV in India. The Exter, on the other hand, is a much more affordable, with the Syros’ starting price undercutting its top end by just around a lakh or so.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter: Dimensions

The question is not whether the Syros is bigger than the Exter but rather how much bigger it is. This comparison can be seen in the table above. The Syros is significantly larger, particularly in terms of its length, wheelbase and boot space is 74 litres bigger.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter: Features

The Exter is a well-equipped small SUV, offering many essential features. However, the Syros takes it a step further with LED headlights, larger alloy wheels, bigger digital displays, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a high-quality audio system with twice as many speakers, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, one-touch up and down power windows for all four windows, a 360-degree camera, and front and side parking sensors over the Exter.

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What the Exter completely misses out on and the Syros brings with a premium is a mix of powered and ventilated seats with sliding and reclining adjustments, an air purifier, an electronic parking brake with auto hold and level-2 ADAS features.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter: Powertrain

Both the Syros and the Exter offer two powertrain options each, with the Syros featuring more powerful turbo-petrol and diesel engine choices, while the Exter comes with a naturally aspirated petrol engine and the same paired with a CNG option. You get different sets of transmission in both as well.

Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter: Which Is For Whom?

The aim of this comparison isn’t to position these SUVs as competitors. Both SUVs cater to distinct buyer groups — whether for their design or the features they offer, given their respective price points, known or expected.

The Exter is an ideal choice for those seeking a well-equipped, efficient car for daily commutes, offering a no-fuss ownership experience. On the other hand, the Syros appeals to buyers with a preference for something larger and more premium.

(Also Read: Kia Syros vs Hyundai Creta: Specifications and Features Compared)

So, which category do you fit into? And which of these two SUVs would be your pick? Let us know in the comments below.