A compact SUV released by Kia.
The name comes from the Greek island of Syros — like the island of Syros, where tradition and Western culture blend harmoniously, the name reflects the intent to differentiate the vehicle from competing models.
It was unveiled on 19 December 2024.
Table of Contents
Kia Syros Overview
It was unveiled at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time on 19 December 2024 via the YouTube channel of Kia’s Indian subsidiary, and bookings opened on 3 January 2025.
Targeting India and other developing-market compact SUV buyers, it adopts a boxy design similar to the Soul or Casper. The front features a notably low-mounted headlamp layout with Kia’s Star Map signature DRL. The taillights resemble those on Kia’s EV lineup, with the brake lights and turn signals located on the bumper and the reverse light positioned at the center of the bumper.
It is built on the same K1 platform as the Exter, with reinforced safety, though it differs in adopting 5-stud wheels. The powertrain comes in two options: a 120-horsepower 1.0L gasoline T-GDi and a 115-horsepower 1.5L diesel, paired with a 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT (gasoline), or 6-speed automatic (diesel).
The interior features a panoramic curved display combining a 12.3-inch cluster, 5-inch climate display, and 12.3-inch ccNC infotainment screen into one continuous unit, wireless OTA updates, a 4-way power seat, front passenger seat sliding/reclining function, a D-cut steering wheel, ventilated seats, an around-view monitor, a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, a Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio system, an electronic gear knob, and a dual panoramic sunroof.[1] It also comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist.
There are six trims — HTK, HTK(O), HTK+, HTX, HTX+, and HTX+(O) — with prices starting from ₹899,900 to ₹1,599,900.
The name “Clavis” had been the frontrunner, but “Syros” was ultimately chosen.
2026 Kia Syros EV
The Kia Syros EV is the all-electric version of Kia’s Syros compact SUV, which first debuted in ICE (petrol/diesel) form in early 2025. The EV builds on the same bold, boxy design language but with electric-specific styling cues and a fully electric powertrain aimed at the competitive Indian mass-market EV segment.
It was unveiled on 20 July 2026. The charging port is located on the left front fender.
With a best-in-segment 171 PS power combined with best-in-segment 526 km range, and 10% to 80% DC fast charging in approximately 39 minutes*, the Syros EV takes you further, faster, and with confidence.
It comes in two configurations: a 42kWh lithium-ion battery with a 99kW motor, or a 51.4kWh lithium-ion battery with a 126kW motor. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.1 seconds, and on a single charge it can travel between 446 and 526 km according to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) certification. A 100kW fast charger can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 39 minutes. It features a 16L frunk, battery conditioning, V2L, and 11kW AC charging capability.
There are seven trims: HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTK+ ER, HTX ER, HTX+ ER, and X-Line ER.
KIA SYROS EV Specifications
- Production location: 🇮🇳 Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Codename: AY
- Body type: 5-door compact SUV
- Seating capacity: 5
- Overall length: 3,995mm
- Overall width: 1,805mm
- Overall height: 1,615–1,670mm
- Wheelbase: 2,550mm
- Front track: mm
- Rear track: mm
- Curb weight: kg
- Battery capacity: 42–51.4kWh
- Tire size: R17
- Platform: Hyundai K1 platform
- Drivetrain: Front-motor, front-wheel drive (FF)
- Front suspension: MacPherson strut suspension
- Rear suspension: Torsion beam suspension
- Front brakes: Ventilated disc brakes
- Rear brakes:
Powertrain
- Motor type: IPMSM
- Battery voltage: V
- Battery capacity: Ah
- Max output: 99kW (ps)
- Max torque: 255Nm (kgf·m)
- Range: 446km
- Max output: 126kW (171ps)
- Range: 526km
Launch & Availability
India launch: The production-spec Syros EV was introduced in early 2026, after being previewed as a near-production concept at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025.
It slots between the Sonet and Seltos in Kia’s Indian lineup and is positioned as a premium, tech-loaded electric compact SUV under 4 metres.
Battery, Range & Performance
Exact specifications may vary by variant, but the production model closely follows the concept’s targets:
Battery pack: Liquid-cooled lithium-ion, expected 39–42 kWh capacity (smaller 32 kWh option likely for the base variant).
Range (ARAI): Around 350–400 km on a full charge, depending on the battery chosen.
Motor: Front-axle mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, producing roughly 100 kW (136 PS) and 250–280 Nm of torque.
Charging: CCS2 fast-charging capable (10–80% in under an hour on a 50 kW DC charger). Onboard AC charger supports 7.2 kW or 11 kW.
Design & Features
The Syros EV retains the ICE version’s upright stance, flush door handles, and muscular wheel arches, but adds:
Closed-off “tiger nose” grille with parametric patterns
Aerodynamically optimised EV-specific alloy wheels
Full-width LED light bars front and rear
A flat underbody for better aero efficiency
Inside, it shares the tech-heavy dashboard of the regular Syros:
Dual 12.3-inch displays (infotainment + digital driver’s cockpit)
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Ventilated & powered front seats, rear seat recline function
Panoramic sunroof (segment-first sliding type)
Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, etc.)
360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor
Connected car tech with OTA updates
Rotary drive selector (EV-specific)
Kia Syros EV Price & Rival
▶ Additional Information
BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) Option: If you choose the battery leasing model, the vehicle price starts from ₹7.99 lakh (approx. 12.8 million KRW), and a battery usage fee of ₹3.3/km is charged based on the distance driven.
In India, the Kia Syros EV is priced between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a direct competitor to:
Tata Nexon EV (especially the 45 kWh variants)
Mahindra XUV400 EV
Upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX / Toyota Urban Cruiser EV
Citroën eC3 (though the Syros is positioned higher)
