The Indian compact SUV market remains highly competitive, with multiple automotive companies trying to introduce their versions that are under 4 meters. All car manufacturers desire to launch affordable SUVs with attractive styles under the 4-meter threshold.
The Kia automotive brand offers its customers two major compact SUV models, including the Kia Sonet and its newly released Kia Syros model. These cars deliver excellent features alongside stunning appearance and smooth handling characteristics.
Your effort to select between these two SUVs is unnecessary since our team will lead you through the analysis. Our team will provide guidance by evaluating multiple aspects, such as design, engine choices, price, and feature comparisons between these Kia models. Let's get started!
Kia Syros
The Kia Syros is the newest compact SUV from Kia. It looks very modern and bold.
Front Look: The front of the Syros has vertically stacked LED headlights and unique 'I'-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). The bumper has two air intakes and looks futuristic.
Side Look: It comes with large 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, silver roof rails, black plastic cladding on the wheel arches, and flush-type door handles. It has a strong, boxy shape that stands out.
Back Look: The back of the Syros has a blacked-out bumper with a fake silver skid plate, a sporty spoiler, and L-shaped LED taillights.
Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet was launched in 2020. It looks sporty and youthful.
Front Look: The Sonet displays sleek LED headlamps with DRLs together with a large air intake and stylish bumper front design.
Side Look: The design includes body-colored door handles combined with 16-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails.
Back Look: The rear section includes sporty light-emitting diode (LED) tail lamps connected by a red stripe while a spoiler combines with a distinctive bumper design.
Verdict: If you like bold and futuristic design, the Syros is a winner. But if you prefer a sportier look, the Sonet is your car.
Kia Syros Interior
The inside of the Kia Syros feels premium and is full of high-tech features.
Dashboard: Two 12.3-inch screen displays dominate the dashboard, where the infotainment system display meets a separate driver-facing display.
Steering Wheel: The 2-spoke steering wheel permits users to regulate music playback and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) functions using its various buttons.
Seats: Inside the Hyundai Tucson, we find leatherette seats featuring front ventilation and adjustable and reclining rear seats for maximum comfort.
Top Features:
Panoramic sunroof
Dual-zone AC with a 5-inch touchscreen panel
Wireless phone charger
Push-button start/stop.
360-degree camera
8-speaker Harman Kardon music system
4-way electric driver seat
64-color ambient lighting
Kia Sonet Interior
The Kia Sonet also has a modern and stylish cabin.
Dashboard: It has a nice layout with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a multi-functional steering wheel.
Seats: You can choose between fabric or leatherette seats, and the front seats are ventilated.
Top Features:
Electric sunroof
Automatic climate control
Bose 7-speaker sound system
Wireless phone charging
360-degree camera
Level 1 ADAS features
Verdict: The Syros offers more advanced tech like dual-zone AC, a bigger infotainment screen, and Level 2 ADAS. The Sonet is still feature-rich but not as advanced as the Syros.
Both the Kia Syros and Sonet offer petrol and diesel engines, but the options are a little different.
Kia Syros Engine Options
1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel: 114 bhp power and 250 Nm torque.
1.0L T-GDi Petrol: 118 bhp power and 172 Nm torque.
Transmission Choices:
6-speed Manual
7-speed DCT (Automatic)
6-speed Torque Converter Automatic
Kia Sonet Engine Options
1.0L Turbo Petrol: 118 bhp power and 172 Nm torque
1.5L Diesel: 114 bhp power and 250 Nm torque
1.2L Petrol (Smartstream): 81.8 bhp power and 115 Nm torque
Transmission Choices:
Manual
Automatic
Verdict: Both cars have similar performance for petrol and diesel engines. However, the Sonet gives you an extra 1.2L petrol engine option, which is perfect for city driving and has better fuel economy.
Key Features Comparison Table
Feature Kia Syros Kia Sonet
Infotainment DisplayDual 12.3-inch screens10.25-inch touchscreen
Sound System8-speaker Harman KardonBose 7-speaker system
Sunroof Panoramic Electric
ADAS Level Level 2 Level 1
Ventilated Front Seats Yes Yes
Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlayYes Yes
Dimensions and Space
Feature Kia Syros Kia Sonet
Length 3,995 mm 3,995 mm
Width 1,800 mm 1,790 mm
Height 1,665 mm 1,642 mm
Wheelbase2,550 mm 2,500 mm
Boot Space465 liters 385 liters
Verdict: The Kia Syros is slightly wider and taller. It also has a bigger boot space and more legroom, thanks to its longer wheelbase. So if you want more space, go with the Syros.
Bookings Started: January 3, 2025
Deliveries Begin: February 2025
Estimated Price: ₹10.00 lakh to ₹16.00 lakh (ex-showroom)
Available Now at showrooms
Price Range: ₹7.99 lakh to ₹15.77 lakh (ex-showroom)
Verdict: The Sonet is cheaper than the Syros and is already available. But the Syros gives you more premium features, so it's a great deal if your budget allows.
Choose Kia Syros if you want:
Latest technology
Panoramic sunroof
Bigger screens
More boot space
Level 2 ADAS safety
A futuristic design
Choose Kia Sonet if you want:
Sporty styling
A slightly lower price
More engine options (including 1.2L petrol)
Proven performance
Still plenty of modern features
The Kia Syros and Kia Sonet stand as two wonderful compact SUVs due to their robust powertrain, fuel-efficient performance, and modern designs. These vehicles were designed to fulfill distinct needs among different consumer types.
The cost-to-performance ratio of these vehicles aligns with their market values, although personal preference will determine which characteristics lead you to choose between technological luxury and sporty styling.
Read More: Kia Syros: The Game-Changing SUV? First Drive Review
The Kia Syros has two 12.3-inch screens, while the Sonet has a 10.25-inch screen.
The Syros may feel more comfortable for long drives because of more boot space, reclining rear seats, and a longer wheelbase.
Yes, the Syros starts at ₹10 lakh, while the Sonet starts at ₹7.99 lakh.
Yes, both cars have a sunroof. The Syros offers a panoramic sunroof, while the Sonet has an electric sunroof.