There’s a new contender in the crowded sub-4 metre SUV segment – meet the Kia Syros, the second compact SUV from the South Korean automaker in India. We put it head-to-head with the segment leader, the Tata Nexon. Can the Syros dethrone the Nexon? Let’s find out.
Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon comparison: Engine Specs
Kia has confirmed that the Syros will offer two engine options — the 1-litre turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel. The new SUV will not get the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol powertrain like the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue. The 118 bhp 998 cc turbo is mated to a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission and has 172 Nm. The 1,493 cc diesel produces 114 bhp with 250 Nm and is available in either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic torque converter gearbox.
The Nexon, on the other hand, has three options — the 1.5-litre diesel and 1.2-litre turbo petrol which also comes in CNG trim. The 1,199 cc turbo churns out 118 bhp and 170 Nm and is mated to four gearboxes — a 5-speed or 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT, and a 7-speed DCA with paddle shifters. The CNG version makes 99 bhp and 170 Nm and comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1,497 cc diesel produces 113bhp and 260Nm which offers either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed AMT transmission.
| Specifications | Kia Syros | Tata Nexon | |||
| Engine | 998cc turbo | 1493cc diesel | 1497cc diesel | 1199cc turbo | 1199cc CNG |
| Power | 118 bhp | 114bhp | 113bhp | 118bhp | 99bhp |
| Torque | 172Nm | 250Nm | 260Nm | 170Nm | 170Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 7DCT | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6AMT | 5MT / 6MT / 6 AMT / 7 DCA | 6MT |
Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon comparison: Dimensions
Both the Syros and Nexon share the same length of 3,995 mm, but the Kia SUV takes the lead in height, width, and wheelbase. This dimensional edge translates into a more spacious cabin and a larger boot, giving the Syros the upper hand in practicality compared to the Tata Nexon.
| Dimensions | Kia Syros | Tata Nexon |
| Length | 3995mm | 3995mm |
| Width | 1805mm | 1804mm |
| Height | 1680mm | 1620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550mm | 2498mm |
| Luggage Space | 465 litres | 382 litres |
Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon comparison: Features
The Kia Syros comes loaded with several segment-first features, including six parking sensors (with side sensors), flush door handles, and a 30-inch display setup that integrates the infotainment system, driver’s instrument cluster, and climate control virtual switches. It also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. One standout feature is its versatile rear bench, which can recline, slide, and is split 60:40. While the rear seat squab is ventilated, the backrest misses out on this feature. The Syros also offers a 4-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort.
Like the new Kia SUV, the Nexon gets all LED illumination with additional LED fog lamps along with welcome and goodbye animations from the connected LED DRLs. It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels while the top model Syros gets a set of 17-inchers. Both the SUVs get a dual-tone cabin and panoramic sunroofs, but the sports a two-spoke steering wheel with an LED illuminated Tata logo and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. The Syros, on the other hand, offers 64-colour ambient lights and an 8-speaker music system while the Nexon gets a 9-speaker JBL set-up.
Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon comparison: Safety
The Kia Syros stands out as the safest SUV in its class, being the only vehicle in its segment equipped with radar-based Level 2 ADAS. The automatic variant also comes with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), multiple traction modes, a dash cam, and all four disc brakes. In addition to these features, both the Syros and Tata Nexon offer six airbags, a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, and a hill hold assist. The Nexon adds automatic rain-sensing wipers and boasts a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.
