New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter – Which is Better?

Kia has revealed the new Syros compact SUV for our market making it the second Kia product in this category after Sonet

In this post, I shall compare the new Kia Syros with the Hyundai Exter on the basis of specs, features, design and safety. Kia has been having a great time in the Indian automobile market. It became the quickest to reach 1 million (10 lakh) sales within just 59 months of operations. Vehicles like the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens have been the reason for this massive success. Going forward, the Korean auto giant will even squeeze out mass volumes from the Syros. It is a premium sub-4m SUV with tons of practicality and the latest tech. On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter is a popular micro SUV which has been doing great on the sales charts too. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter – Specs

The new Kia Syros is based on a reinforced K1 platform and shares the powertrains with the Sonet. It boasts 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. The petrol mill pairs with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, whereas the diesel engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Note that the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of the Sonet has been given a miss. In any case, there are all sorts of engine and transmission combinations to satisfy the needs of all sorts of customers.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter is also versatile when it comes to powertrains. It comes with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine which can also be had with a CNG version. The power and torque outputs are 83 PS / 113 Nm, and 69 PS / 95 Nm, respectively. One can choose between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox with the petrol and a sole 5-speed manual with the CNG. The mileage with the CNG is an impressive 26.99 km/kg. Again, buyers get two distinct powertrains which should suit their requirements rather well.

New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter – Features and Safety

This is one aspect where both Kia and Hyundai excel. They have a tendency to equip their vehicles with the utmost latest convenience and tech amenities to pamper the occupants. That is something most new-age car buyers want. Hence, their cars are often the most feature-laden in their respective segments. First, let us commence with the new Kia 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
• 465-litre Boot Space
• 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

On the other hand, even the Hyundai Exter comes loaded with features to the brim. The top highlights include:

• 8-inch HD touchscreen Infotainment System
• Digital Instrument Cluster with TFT Display
• Android Auto / Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Multi-language (10 Regional & 2 Global) UI Support
• Voice-enabled Smart Electric Sunroof
• Voice Commands in English, Hindi or Hinglish Languages
• Wireless Smartphone Charger
• Type C USB Fast Charger
• Cruise Control
• Footwell Lighting
• Rear AC Vents with Power Outlet
• Smart Key with Push Button Start
• Paddle Shifters
• Cooled Glove Box
• Home to Car (H2C) with Alexa Support
• Over-the-air (OTA) Update for Map and Infotainment
• Bluelink Connected Car Technology with 60 Features
• 26 Standard Safety Features
• 40 Advanced Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – Highline
• Parking Assist (Rear)-Camera with Display Audio
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Assist Control
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Emergency Stop Signal
• Speed-sensing & Impact-sensing Auto Door Lock

New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter – Design

This is one area where we experience significant distinctions between the two SUVs. The new Kia Syros embodies Kia’s latest “Opposites United” philosophy. This is something we have seen in many new-age EVs in international markets. At the front, I like the butch demeanour with 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. In fact, the adventurous road presence is the silver metallic skid plate below the bumper elevates the rugged traits of the SUV. Moving down the sides unveils a boxy silhouette with upright side pillars, dual-tone 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, streamline door handles, puddle lamps with Kia logo projection, silver side body cladding and roof rails. Finally, the tail end incorporates a shark fin antenna, an LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. I must admit the Syros is one vehicle which looks unlike any other car out there!

On the other hand, even the Hyundai Exter carries a modern appeal. At the front, it boasts a new design language from Hyundai with H-shaped LED DRLs integrated on the edge of the bonnet with main LED projector headlamps mounted on the extreme edges of the bumper. In the middle, you will find a broad grille with Exter lettering. Down below, the Exter possesses a rugged bumper with solid elements. On the sides, there are prominent wheel arches and muscular shoulder lines along with stylish alloy wheels, black side pillars and handy roof rails. Completing the exterior appearance is the quirky tail section with a shark fin antenna, roof-mounted spoiler, H-shaped LED taillamps, a sturdy bumper with adventurous components. There is also a black panel between the taillamps. All in all, both these SUVs are quite attractive in their own right.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling products is not easy. This is especially true since the prices of the Kia Syros have not been announced yet. The bookings will open in January 2025 and the deliveries will commence from February. That is when things will get clear. In any case, we know that the Hyundai Exter will be a great option for those who want a relatively affordable product with all the latest functionalities. On the other hand, the Syros makes sense for those who like to indulge in opulence and want a strong performance.

Also Read: New Kia Syros vs Sonet – Which Kia Offers What?