New Kia Syros vs Seltos – Which Kia To Go For?

Kia has finally taken the wraps off the new sub-4m Syros which will be sold alongside Sonet in our market

In this post, I am comparing the new Kia Syros and Seltos on the basis of specs, features, design and safety. Both these are incredibly compelling propositions from the Korean carmaker. While the Seltos is an established mid-size SUV, the Syros is the newest addition to Kia’s Indian portfolio. Note that the bookings for the Syros will open in January 2025 with the deliveries commencing from February. It promises to be a more premium product in comparison to the rivals in this space. On the other hand, the Seltos is a successful mid-size SUV which belongs to a segment higher. Still, there will be a huge overlap in the prices of the two. Let us take a look at the detailed comparison here.

New Kia Syros vs Seltos – Specs

It makes sense to start with the specifications of the two SUVs. The new Kia Syros uses a reinforced K1 platform and shares the powertrain and transmission options with the Sonet. It carries a familiar 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which produces 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. There are options of choosing between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox with the petrol and a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with the diesel mill. Clearly, Kia aims to cater to a large section of potential customers.

On the other hand, the powertrain alternatives with the Kia Seltos are also diverse. This includes a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill which produces 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel engine which makes 115 PS and 250 Nm of the most powerful engine in the segment – the 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill which generates a colossal 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. These engines pair with manual, automatic, CVT and DCT gearboxes. Just like with the Syros, the Seltos is also aimed at creating traction among all sorts of buyers with varying needs. However, in this regard, the Seltos has a slight edge due to 3 powertrain options.

New Kia Syros vs Seltos – Features and Safety

Thereafter, let us discuss arguably the most critical aspect of this comparison. We know that modern customers want the absolute latest tech and convenience amenities in their cars. As a consequence, car companies equip their products with all the bells and whistles. This is particularly true with Kia. Its products are the most feature-laden in every segment. Firstly, let us delve into the specifics of the new Syros:

• 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

On the other hand, the Seltos is also among the feature-rich products in its class. Its main highlights incorporate:

• Two 10.25-inch Panoramic Dual Displays for Infotainment and Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• 19 autonomous ADAS Level 2 Features
• Voice-controlled Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 34 Safety features
• Kia Connect Connected Car Tech
• Alexa Home-to-Car Connectivity
• Ventilated Front Seats with 8-way Powered Adjustment
• Smart Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection
• 8-Speaker Premium Bose Sound System
• Dual-Zone Fully Automatic Air Conditioner
• OTA Map and System Update
• Voice-Controlled Window Function
• Remote AC Control
• 6 Airbags
• 360-degree Blind Spot Monitoring Camera
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• All-Four Disc Brakes
• Ambient Lighting
• Paddle Shifters
• Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold
• Smartphone Wireless Charger
• 8-inch Head-Up Display
• AI Voice Recognition System

Design Comparison

This is where the two cars differ significantly. In fact, the difference in the size becomes apparent in this section. The Syros is a compact SUV with less than 4m in length. It embodies Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy. As a part of that approach, we witness vertical Starmap LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bumper which encapsulate Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps at the front. Furthermore, the front fascia even carries a Kia Signature Digital Tiger Face silhouette, a sporty bumper with a silver metallic skid plate and an upright stance. The side profile confirms the boxy silhouette with 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, streamline door handles, puddle lamps with Kia logo projection, silver claddings on the door panels, and handy roof rails. Finally, at the rear, we come across the angular appearance with a shark fin antenna, an LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. I must admit the Syros is unlike any other vehicle in this segment.

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos also boasts an imposing road presence with tons of new-age elements. At the front, its carries the trademark Tiger Nose grille with plenty of bling from the chrome insignia, a sleek LED headlamp with integrated LED DRLs, vertical fog lamps on the extreme edges of the bumper and a sturdy skid plate underneath the bumper. On the sides, I like the elegant alloy wheels encapsulated in the matte black wheel arches while the side skirting adds to the ruggedness. The roof rails and black side pillars elevate the overall appeal. At the rear, we see a shark fin antenna, connected LED taillamps via a light panel, adventurous bumper with a silver skid plate section which highlights is road presence. All in all, both these SUVs are great to look at.

My View

Choosing between these two worthy products can be a bit confusing. Also, we will have to wait for the price announcement of the new Kia Syros. In any case, if you want the absolute latest tech, connectivity and comfort amenities and a spacious cabin, the Syros should be your pick. It is the best that Kia has to offer in this segment and is comparable to the vehicles from higher categories. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tried and tested mid-size SUV, the Seltos remains the gold standard in this space. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

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