Kia Syros vs Kia Sonet Spec Comparison: What's Different?

Kia's new sub-4m SUV, the Syros, is the latest entrant in the compact SUV segment, with the pricing yet to be revealed in January 2025. With wraps just taken off the new Kia SUV, we intend to pit it against the Sonet—a compact SUV, again—currently on sale in India. Prices for the Sonet start at Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom); we expect the Syros to command a significant premium over the former. While the Syros sits above the Sonet in Kia India's portfolio, the former has a design similar to the EV9 that helps set it apart from the Sonet. 

While we are on that, let's talk about the design first. Inspired by the EV3 and the larger EV9, the Syros has an upright nose with a wide air dam. The Syros also stands out with its vertically stacked headlamps pushed to the sides of the bumper. Each headlamp assembly has three LED projector units and a drop-down LED Daytime Running Lamp. Another highlight is the thick black cladding around the wheel arches when viewed from the side. The side profile also boasts flush-fitting door handles and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, the high-mounted L-shaped lights sit opposite the vertical taillamps. There is also a unique kink at the quarter glass. 

As for the Sonet that Kia updated in January 2024, the taillamp is a connected unit. Unlike the Syros, the Sonet has the Seltos-inspired LED taillamps that are joined by an LED light bar. The 'L' motif can be seen on the front end too, with the vehicle featuring L-shaped headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps. The Sonet rolls on smaller 16-inch alloy wheels. Both models have electronically folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs).  

Kia Syros vs Kia Sonet: Colour Options

The Kia Syros comes in 8 monotone paint finishes – Pewter Olive, Aurora Black Pearl, Frost Blue, Intense Red, Gravity Grey, Imperial Blue, Sparkling Silver, and Glacier White Pearl. On the other hand, the company offers 11 shades with the Sonet, including two dual-tone options (Intense Red with Aurora Black Pearl and Glacier White Pearl with Aurora Black Pearl).

Also Read: Kia Syros Makes Global Debut, India Launch in January 2025

Kia Syros vs Kia Sonet: Dimensions

Moving to its dimensions, the Kia Syros is larger than the Sonet in almost all aspects. It measures 3,995mm in length (the same as the Sonet), 1,805mm in width, and 1,680mm in height, making it 15mm wider and 38mm taller than the Sonet. The wheelbase is also longer, at 2,550mm. The Syros has 465-litre boot space, up by 80 litres from the Sonet. 

Kia Syros vs Kia Sonet: Features

Being a premium offering, the Kia Syros features dual 12.3-inch displays compared to the Sonet’s 10.25-inch displays. It has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats for all passengers, windows auto up-down, and 64-colour ambient lighting. However, the Sonet makes do with wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (top variant only), a 7-speaker Bose audio system, a single-pane sunroof, and front ventilated seats. Features such as dual dashcams, side parking sensors, an electronic parking brake, an air purifier (with a touchscreen display), and reclining rear seats with a sliding function are reserved for the premium SUV.  

Kia Syros vs Kia Sonet: Engine, Gearbox

The Kia Syros brings only two engine options compared to the Sonet. The former comes with a 118bhp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 114bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine, while the latter also comes with an 81bhp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. 

Also Read: Kia Syros Bookings in India to Commence on January 3

With the Sonet, you get a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (6-iMT), and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). Meanwhile, the Syros offers a 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, and 7-speed DCT.