Kia Syros vs Kia Seltos: Can The New Kia Subcompact SUV Outshine Its Bigger Sibling?

Kia has just added a second sub-4m SUV to its stable, the Syros. It has already turned eyeballs with its design language, which might seem unconventional compared to that of its competitors. At the same time, its package could leave you conflicted about choosing the Syros over its larger sibling, the Seltos.

Mixed up between the two? Fret not. In this report, we look at the detailed specifications of both the Syros and Seltos to help you decide which one could be the better choice for you.

Kia Syros vs Kia Seltos Dimensions and Design 

Although the Syros is shorter than the Seltos by 370 mm, it is wider and taller than the compact SUV by 5 mm and 35 mm, respectively. However, the Syros has a smaller wheelbase than the Seltos by 60 mm. Notably, the Syros also boasts 32 litres more boot space than the Seltos.

With their sizes in check, let's take a closer look at how the design of both SUVs compares.

At first glance, the Syros looks like a tiny replica of Kia's flagship electric SUV, the EV9. It features the same butch fascia with vertically stacked LED headlights and sleek LED DRLs. The front profile of the Seltos is dominated by a large blacked-out grille complemented by LED DRLs that run across it, and the front bumper houses vertically stacked LED fog lamps.

In profile, the Syros appears boxy, with its muscularity enhanced by squared wheel arches. It also boasts modern design touches, like flush-fitted door handles, which the Seltos miss out on. Additionally, the Syros rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. In contrast, the Seltos’ silhouette looks sporty, especially with its 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails that enhance its character.

Moving on to the rear, the Syros has a clean look with L-shaped taillights and an upright stance, and the silver-finished skid plate adds to its ruggedness. The Seltos, on the other hand, looks aggressive with connected LED tail lamps, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a large bumper that elevates its appearance.

Kia Syros vs Kia Seltos Features

Feature-wise the Syros is head-on against the Seltos and even outperforms it in certain aspects. For instance, it offers a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and digital driver's display than the 10.25-inch unit found in the Seltos. The Syros also provides seat ventilation for second-row passengers, along with ventilated front-row seats, which is common for both SUVs. The Seltos features greater adjustability with an 8-way powered driver's seat over the 4-way adjustment in the Syros.

The Seltos also comes equipped with larger 18-inch alloys and a heads-up display. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, a premium 8-speaker sound system, and safety tech like Level-2 ADAS are common across both models.

Kia Syros vs Kia Seltos Engine Options

In the powertrain department, the Syros gives you two engine options: a 1-litre turbo-petrol delivering 120 PS and 172 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre diesel producing 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The petrol engine comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the diesel is available with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

The Seltos, on the other hand, offers three engine choices. First, there’s a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 115 PS and 144 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. Next is a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 160 PS and 253 Nm, available with a 6-speed clutchless manual or a 7-speed DCT. Lastly, the 1.5-litre diesel engine generates 116 PS and 250 Nm, and, like the Syros, it can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Additionally, the diesel engine also offers the unique option of a 6-speed clutchless manual gearbox.

Kia Syros vs Kia Seltos Price

Kia is yet to announce the prices of the Syros, which are expected to be revealed next month, while the Seltos retails between Rs 10.89 lakh and Rs 20.44 lakh (ex-showroom).

To summarize, setting aside the commonalities, the Seltos offers more powertrain choices, including more potent options like the 160 PS turbo-petrol, but will certainly command a premium for it. That said, considering the overall package the Syros offers, it might seem like a more value-for-money option. However, we still await its pricing, and a more definitive conclusion can be drawn then.

Until then, do let us know in the comments below: Are you planning to go for the Seltos right away, or will you be waiting for the prices of the Syros to be announced?