Kia Syros HTX vs Tata Nexon Fearless Plus – Mid Trims Compared!

The compact SUV segment in India has been immensely popular in the last few years and the competition in this space is fierce

In this post, I am comparing the mid-/top-level variants of the Kia Syros and Tata Nexon. These are HTX and Fearless Plus respectively. The main point of this comparison is that both these cost exactly Rs 13.30 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, it will be exciting to see what the buyers can get for the same price from these two cars. Note that both these are compact SUVs which means they measure less than 4 m in length. So, let us delve into this comparison.

Kia Syros HTX vs Tata Nexon Fearless Plus – Specs

The Kia Syros is based on the reinforced K1 platform and is available in two powertrain options – a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which outputs 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. One can pair the formed with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, while the diesel mill is on offer with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The mid-trim, HTX, is available with both these engines. The petrol version costs Rs 13.30 lakh, while the diesel version retails for Rs 14.30 lakh. Hence, there is a difference of Rs 1 lakh between petrol and diesel. Also, both these trims bear the 6-speed manual transmission.

On the other hand, even the Tata Nexon offers turbo petrol and diesel mills. One can choose between 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol direct injection, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel and a 1.2-litre turbo petrol + CNG engines. These mills output 120 PS / 170 Nm, 125 PS / 225 Nm, 115 PS / 260 Nm and 99 PS / 170 Nm, respectively. Taking care of the transmission duties is a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT or 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. The Fearless Plus is available with the turbo petrol mill and 6-speed manual transmission. Therefore, both these compact SUVs carry turbo petrol mills with manual gearboxes.

Kia Syros HTX vs Tata Nexon Fearless Plus – Features

This is where things get a lot more interesting. We know that modern car buyers want the absolute top-notch in-cabin amenities from their vehicles. These include technological functionalities, connectivity, convenience and safety. In this regard, both these car marques possess tons of new-age amenities to pamper the customers. In fact, I must say that Kia and Tata cars are among the most well-equipped vehicles in their respective segments. That is also reflected in their massive sales. Firstly, let us check out what kind of features are on offer on the Kia Syros HTX variant:

• 12.3-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 4.2-inch Color TFT MID
• 4-speaker Audio System
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Driver Seat Height Adjust
• Smart Key with Push Button Start
• Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
• Driver Door Window Up / Down via Smart Key
• Rear View Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Type-C USB Charging Ports (Front x2 and Rear x2)
• Tilt Steering Adjustment
• Centre Console with Armrest and Cup Holders
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs with Auto Fold and LED Turn Signal
• Manual AC with Rear AC Vents
• Sunglass Holder
• Rear Door Sunshade Curtains
• 20 Standard Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• ABS with EBD
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors

On the other hand, the top highlights of the Tata Nexon Fearless Plus trim incorporate:

• 10.25-inch Slim Bezel Touchscreen Infotainment System by HARMAN
• iRA Connected Vehicle Features
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Premium Benecke Kaliko Leatherette Seats
• Height Adjustable Front Seats
• Voice Assisted Electric Sunroof
• JBL Branded Speaker System with Subwoofer
• Air Purifier with Dust Sensors
• Wireless Charger
• Rear Defogger
• Height Adjustable Driver and Co-driver Seat Belts
• Auto Dimming IRVM
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• 360-degree HD Surround View System
• Front Parking Sensors
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Cruise Control
• Cooled Glovebox
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Push Button Start Stop

My View

Now, choosing between these two compelling propositions can be quite tricky. This is particularly true since both these variants cost exactly the same. I believe the final choice will depend on which vehicle offers you the better features according to your preferences along with which compact SUV you like better when it comes to exterior styling. Clearly, the two cars are quite distinct in the way they look. Also, we know that appearances are subjective. Hence, that could be one aspect to keep in mind. Apart from that, the powertrains are almost similar on both which translates to just about identical performance characteristics. Overall, it is a matter of personal preference. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: Kia Syros Base Model vs Sonet Base Model – Which is More VFM?