New Kia Syros vs Sonet – Which Kia Offers What?

Both these Kia cars belong to the sub-4m compact SUV category in our market which makes things quite interesting indeed

The new Kia Syros has been revealed in our market as we compare it with the Sonet in terms of specs, features, design and safety. Both these are immensely attractive products with tons of compelling elements from design to features. Kia wants to establish complete domination in this widely crowded space. That is why it has introduced the Syros despite selling the Sonet. Note that the bookings will commence in January 2025 with deliveries starting from February. Also, Sonet is already quite popular. However, the Korean auto giant claims that the Syros offers a totally new proposition. Let us compare the two thoroughly in this post.

New Kia Syros vs Sonet – Specs

The new Kia Syros shares two powertrain options with the Sonet. The new compact SUV comes with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which generate a familiar 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing transmission duties with the petrol trim is either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, while the diesel engine pairs with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hence, buyers with varying needs can opt for any of these engine-gearbox combinations.

On the other hand, the Kia Sonet also uses these same engine and transmission options. However, there is also the addition of a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill which is good for 83 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. It comes with a sole 5-speed manual transmission. Also, it also gets an iMT gearbox which is, in essence, a manual transmission without a clutch. All the other engine and gearbox options remain the same. Hence, the Sonet is slightly more diversified in this regard.

New Kia Syros vs Sonet – Features and Safety

Next up, we have the features and safety section which is extremely important in modern cars. I must admit, both these SUVs are packed to the gills when it comes to the tech and convenience features on offer. That is a typical trademark of Kia. Let us start with a glance at what the new Kia Syros comes with:

• 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display Panel including:
• 12.3-inch HD Display Instrument Cluster
• 12.3-inch HD Touchscreen Navigation Cockpit
• 5-inch Touchscreen – Fully Automatic Air Conditioner Control
• Harman Kardon Premium 8 Speakers Sound System
• Panoramic Sunroof
• 64-Colour Ambient Mood Lighting
• 2nd-row Seat Ventilation with Slide and Recline (Segment-first)
• Dual Tone Grey Leatherette Seats
• 4-Way Powered Driver Seat
• Front and Rear Ventilated Seats
• Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold
• Smartphone Wireless Charger
• Smart Pure  Air Purifier with AQI Display
• Auto Antiglare Rear View Mirror with Kia Connect Controls
• Smart Dashcam with Dual Camera
• Kia Connect with ‘Hey Kia’ Command
• Drive Modes – Eco, Normal and Sport
• Traction Control Modes – Sand, Mud and Snow
• Paddle Shifters
• 360-Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor in Cluster
• Rear Sun Shade Curtain
• Kia Connect 2.0
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates with Automatic Updating of 22 Controller (Segment-first)
• Hindi, English and Bengali VR Commands
• Valet Mode
• Lounge-inspired Interior Theme
• Best-in-Segment Head Room, Shoulder Room and Leg Room
• Find My Car with Surround View Monitor
• Stolen Vehicle Notification
• Remote Window Control
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill-start Assist Control
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Level 2 ADAS
• Blind View Monitor in Cluster
• 360-Degree Camera

Similarly, even the Kia Sonet offers the latest tech and convenience amenities. Its main highlights include:

• Connected 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• 10.25-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Segment-best Ambient Lighting
• Remote Window Auto Up/Down Function
• Rear Doors Sunshade Curtains
• Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection
• Kia Connect with 70+ Features
• X-Line with Matte Black Colour
• Diesel Engine with iMT (Intelligent Manual Clutchless Transmission) and 2 Different Alloy Wheel Designs
• Find My Car with Surround View Monitor
• Hinglish Voice Commands
• Valet Mode
• Level 1 ADAS Functions
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 3-Point Seatbelts For All Occupants
• Premium Bose Audio System
• Powered Driver’s Seat
• 6 Airbags
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• High Beam Assist
• ABS, BAS
• Hill-Start Assist Control
• ESC with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 3-Point Seatbelts

Design Comparison

In terms of design, these two compact SUVs are quite different. The new Syros boasts Kia’s latest “Opposites United” philosophy which is also seen in its latest global models including the new EVs. The front section contains vertical Starmap LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bumper which encapsulate Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, Kia Signature Digital Tiger Face and an upright stance. Elevating the adventurous road presence is the silver metallic skid plate below the bumper. On the sides, it gets dual-tone 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, streamline door handles, puddle lamps with Kia logo projection, silver side body cladding, roof rails and a boxy appearance. Finally, the tail section contains a shark fin antenna, an LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. All in all, the Kia Syros is certainly a unique proposition aimed at those who prefer something unique.

On the other hand, the Kia Sonet is also a popular product due to its modern design. The front section carries 7-shaped LED DRLs which encapsulate LED headlamps on either side of a large grille section with chrome embellishments and a metallic insert in the lower part. Lower down, we see fog lamps with a prominent skid plate on the sporty bumper. Moving down the sides reveals stylish alloy wheels, side body skirtings, black side pillars and roof rails. Completing the exterior appearance is a shark fin antenna, a roof-mounted spoiler and a tough skid plate section which enhances the butch stance of the compact SUV. Ultimately, buyers can go for the one they like better since looks are subjective.

My View

Both these are immensely capable compact SUVs. Kia is definitely trying to maintain its grip on this segment with two compelling propositions. We know that the compact SUV space is overtly crowded anyway. However, it is unprecedented for a carmaker to offer two distinct products in this space. On the one hand, we have the new Kia Syros. If you are someone who values the convenience and tech amenities in your cars a lot, the Syros should be your pick. In fact, Kia is marketing the Syros as a premium product in this category. On the other hand, if you want a tried and tested product with lakhs of units already sold, the Sonet continues to be a worthy choice. In any case, we shall have to wait for the price announcement of the Syros to make a conclusive decision. Still, you can’t possibly go wrong with either of these attractive products.

Also Read: Kia Syros Unveiled – All You Need To Know!