Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Syros: Which Should Be Your Next Purchase?

With the Indian automotive market growing in the sub-4m SUV space, two new contenders are grabbing everyone’s attention: the Skoda Kylaq and the Kia Syros. Although they may have the same dimensions and market positioning, their philosophies, design strategies, and intended purchasers are vastly different. If you are confused between the two or just wish to know which SUV best suits you, we aim to help you make the correct decision through this blog.

What Are These SUVs All About?

Kia Syros, placed as a sub-4m premium SUV, the Syros is meant for Indian families and boasts spacious interiors, cutting-edge features, and a tall-boy profile. Placed between the Kia Sonet and Seltos, the Syros plays a middle ground between practicality and luxury in Kia's range.

Skoda Kylaq, however, delivers the sporty driving dynamics and European design panache of its bigger Kushaq in a compact package. It aims at people who value the driving experience and look.

Dimensions and Platform

While both cars fall under the 4-metre rule for tax benefits in India, Kia Syros is taller and broader, which translates to better cabin space. Skoda Kylaq, however, boasts a slightly longer wheelbase, giving it an edge in stability and highway comfort.

Design and Road Presence

• Kia Syros: Boasts a strong, upright posture with a high bonnet, vertical triple LED projector headlamps, and Starmap LED DRLs. Flush door handles (segment-first) and tall-boy profile improve aerodynamics and road presence. In eight colors: Frost Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Intense Red, Imperial Blue, Pewter Olive, Gravity Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl.

• Skoda Kylaq: Takes on Skoda's European design with aggressive lines, divided LED headlights, and a Kushaq-inspired grille. Its aerodynamic shape is desired by customers looking for a smooth, high-end appearance. Comes in seven colors: Tornado Red, Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Lava Blue, Deep Black, and Olive Gold.

If you like a commanding presence and practical styling, the Syros appeals more. If you prefer classy, premium aesthetics, Kylaq is your pick.

Interiors and Cabin Comfort

Kia Syros:

• Spacious cabin with a tall roofline and large windows for an airy feel.

• Features dual 12.3-inch integrated screens (infotainment and driver display), a 5-inch climate control touch panel, 64-color ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof (top trims).

• Segment-first rear seat ventilation (seat base), sliding and reclining rear seats with 60:40 split, and four-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

• Premium touches like a Harman Kardon 8-speaker system and flush door handles.

Skoda Kylaq:

• Premium interiors with a driver-focused layout

• Digital instrument cluster, infotainment from the higher segment

• Smaller cabin, but better material feel

Go for Syros if space and practicality are your priority. Choose Kylaq if you want a more refined interior and a driver-focused cabin.

Engine and Performance

Kia Syros offers more flexibility with its diesel option, ideal for long-distance and rural users. Skoda Kylaq, however, wins with its fun-to-drive nature and refined turbo-petrol performance.

Features and Technology

Both SUVs are feature-packed but cater to slightly different audiences.

Kia Syros:

• 10.25-inch infotainment screen

• Bose sound system (top trims)

• ADAS Level 2

• Ventilated seats, sunroof

Skoda Kylaq:

• Skoda Connect tech

• 8-inch touchscreen

• 6 airbags standard in top variant

• Rear disc brakes, ESC standard

While Syros focuses more on luxury and convenience, Kylaq emphasizes safety and driving aids.

Ride Quality and Handling

Driving dynamics make a huge difference in how a car feels on Indian roads, especially with unpredictable traffic and varying terrains.

Kia Syros: Tuned for comfort, it absorbs potholes and speed bumps effectively. The steering is light, which is great for city use but may feel vague at high speeds.

Skoda Kylaq: Built on the same platform as the Kushaq and Slavia, it offers exceptional handling, firm suspension, and a connected steering feel, ideal for those who love driving.

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Boot Space and Practicality

• Kia Syros has a more spacious boot, likely upwards of 390 litres, suitable for family outings.

• Skoda Kylaq, due to its sportier stance and compact layout, might offer a slightly smaller boot, around 350 litres.

For luggage and daily practicality, Syros has the edge.

Ownership Experience and After-Sales Service

Kia India has rapidly expanded its service network, offering excellent coverage even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The Syros is expected to carry forward the brand’s strong after-sales reputation.

Skoda India has made strides in improving its service network with initiatives like the Peace of Mind program and transparent service pricing. However, its presence is still limited compared to Kia.

Pricing and Value for Money

Skoda Kylaq has a clear advantage in introductory pricing, making it attractive for early adopters. But Kia Syros could justify the higher price tag with its diesel option and more premium features.

Who Should Buy What?

Choose Kia Syros if you:

• Want a spacious SUV for the family

• Need diesel for fuel efficiency or long travel

• Prefer a feature-rich, comfort-focused experience

Choose the Skoda Kylaq if you:

• Enjoy driving and want a performance-oriented SUV

• Are attracted to premium European styling

• Prefer safety and solid build quality over extra space

Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Syros

Both SUVs are strong offerings, but are meant for very different kinds of buyers. Kia Syros excels as a spacious, urban-family car with plenty of convenience features. Skoda Kylaq offers a more thrilling and premium driving experience for younger or enthusiast buyers.

Your final choice depends on what you prioritize more, comfort and practicality (Syros), or performance and refinement (Kylaq).

FAQs: Skoda Kylaq vs Kia Syros

Q1: Which SUV has better mileage, the Skoda Kylaq or Kia Syros?

Kia Syros is likely to have better mileage, especially with its diesel variant. Skoda Kylaq’s turbo-petrol engine offers decent efficiency but leans towards performance.

Q2: Which SUV is more feature-rich?

Kia Syros has a longer feature list, including ADAS, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. Kylaq focuses more on safety and tech refinement.

Q3: Is the Skoda Kylaq good for city driving?

Yes, its compact size and responsive engine make it well-suited for city use, especially for enthusiastic drivers.

Q4: Does Kia Syros offer better rear seat comfort?

Yes, the Syros has more cabin room and a taller roofline, which translates to a more spacious rear seat experience.

Q5: Which one is more affordable?

Skoda Kylaq has lower starting prices, but the top variants are similarly priced to the Syros.

Q6: Which SUV is better for long-distance travel?

Kia Syros, especially with its diesel engine, is better suited for highway efficiency and long-distance comfort.

Q7: Which one is safer, the Kia Syros or the Skoda Kylaq?

Skoda Kylaq focuses heavily on standard safety features like ESC, 6 airbags (in top trims), and a solid build, giving it a slight edge in passive safety.