New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Venue – Which Compact SUV is Better?

The Korean carmaker has expanded its compact SUV portfolio with the new Syros which will sell alongside the existing Sonet

In this post, we shall compare the new Kia Syros and the Hyundai Venue on the basis of specs, features, design, dimensions and safety. The compact SUV segment is the most crowded space in our country. However, the Syros promises to be more premium in comparison to the other models. That is what Kia has been announcing. In fact, it becomes clear from the kind of amenities on offer as well. On the other hand, the Venue is also among the most feature-laden products in its class. It has been a great volume churner for the Korean auto giant for a long time. For now, let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Venue – Specs

We start with the new Kia Syros which uses the reinforced K1 platform. In addition, it borrows powertrain and transmission options from the Sonet. This translates to a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which generate 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties is 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. It remains one of the few products in this category with a diesel option. As a consequence, all sorts of needs of the customers are satisfied.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue also offers great alternatives in this regard. It draws power from a 1.2-litre petrol engine which generates a familiar 83 PS and 114 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel engine belting out a healthy 116 PS and 250 Nm and a potent 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill churning out a respectable 120 PS and 172 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. These engines pair with a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. This is great to cater to all sorts of buyers with varying needs. That is something both these cars offer.

New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Venue – Interior, Features and Safety

This is where the new Kia Syros shines. It is the most feature-laden vehicle in the category with tons of segment-first or segment-best amenities. In fact, the Korean auto giant is positioning it as a premium alternative to the rest of compact SUVs. Also, we know that new-age car buyers want the absolute latest tech and convenience functionalities in their vehicles. Firstly, let us glance at the details of what the Syros has to offer:

• 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 Hyundai Venue is widely regarded as one of the most well-equipped compact SUVs too. It offers enticing features including:

• 8-inch HD Infotainment System
• Digital Instrument Cluster with Colour TFT MID
• Bluelink Connected Car Tech
• Multiple Regional Language Support
• Home-to-Car (H2C) Alexa Support
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity
• Voice Recognition
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• 4-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat
• Hyundai SmartSense Level 1 ADAS
• Drive Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• Voice-enabled Smart Electric Sunroof
• Paddle Shifters
• Auto folding and Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
• Electrochromic IRVM
• Wireless Smartphone Charger
• 16-inch Diamond Cut Alloys
• Air Purifier
• 6 Airbags
• ABS, EBD, ESC
• Hill Assist Control
• Reverse Parking Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Dashcam with Dual Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• 3 Point Seat Belts (all seats)

Design and Dimensions

This is one area where the differences between the two SUVs are the most apparent. Kia has deployed its latest “Opposites United” design philosophy with the Syros. Hence, we are able to witness a modern layout. At the front, we see vertical Starmap LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bumper which encapsulate Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, a Kia Signature Digital Tiger Face silhouette, a sporty bumper with a silver metallic skid plate and an upright stance. Once we move to the sides, there are 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 along with upright side pillars. The tail section embodies the tall boy and boxy silhouette perfectly. Other components at the rear include a shark fin antenna, an L-shaped LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. I must admit the Syros is the most distinct vehicle in the class in terms of aesthetics.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue also bears a contemporary design theme. This includes a colossal grille section finished in dark chrome with a cascading effect flanked by slim LED DRLs on the end of the bonnet while the main headlamp cluster is located on the bumper, sturdy skid plate section and black elements to demonstrate an imposing road presence. Moving down the sides reveals a sporty stance with attractive alloy wheels, chunky wheel arches, rugged side body cladding, black side pillars and roof rails. Finally, the tail section displays connected LED taillamps which look attractive in the dark, a shark fin antenna, a roof-mounted spoiler, vertical reflector lights on the bumper and a skid plate underneath at the rear. All in all, both these SUVs have a distinct exteriors which will make heads turn.

My View

Choosing between these two can be quite tricky since these two offer totally different propositions. The new Syros comes with a fresh appearance, unlike any other compact SUV. On top of that, it offers premium cabin and the latest tech, convenience and comfort features to pamper the customers. Also, the practicality of the Syros is commendable with a colossal boot space. Hence, if you are someone who prefers the latest features and has a flexible budget, then opting for the Syros will make a lot of sense. We still need to wait for the price announcement. On the other hand, the Venue is a preferred choice for all those who want an established product. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter – Which is Better?