Kia has just launched its second mass-market electric SUV, the Syros EV, in the Indian market. It is a sub-4-metre electric SUV and serves as Kia’s entry-level EV in India. With the official launch now complete, the Syros EV will soon start appearing on Indian roads. It enters an extremely competitive segment that already includes popular models like the MG Windsor EV and the Tata Nexon EV. Here’s how the new Syros EV compares with these two rivals.
The Tata Nexon EV was the first electric SUV in this segment. It was launched in 2019, and over the years Tata has introduced several updates to keep the SUV competitive. It remained the best-selling EV in India for a long time.
The current Tata Nexon EV measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,802 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, with a 2,498 mm wheelbase. It offers 190 mm of unladen ground clearance and 350 litres of boot space.
The Nexon EV comes equipped with features such as LED projector headlamps, a connected LED light bar, electrically adjustable ORVMs, automatic climate control, multiple drive modes, a push-button start/stop system, an electronic parking brake (EPB), 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, leatherette upholstery, Level 2 ADAS, a JBL sound system, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, a 360-degree camera, and more.
The Nexon EV is available with 30 kWh and 45 kWh battery packs. The 30 kWh version produces 127 bhp and 215 Nm of torque and offers a claimed driving range of 275 km. The 45 kWh version generates 142 bhp and 215 Nm of torque while offering a claimed driving range of 489 km.
Prices for the Tata Nexon EV start at ₹12.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to ₹17.69 lakh (ex-showroom).
The MG Windsor EV is currently one of the best-selling electric vehicles in this segment. It has gained popularity because of its unique styling and exceptionally spacious cabin.
The Windsor EV measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,677 mm in height. It has a 2,700 mm wheelbase, 186 mm of unladen ground clearance, and a massive 579-litre boot, making it the most spacious vehicle in this comparison.
The Windsor EV is available with 38 kWh and 52.9 kWh battery packs. Both versions generate 134 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. The 38 kWh version offers a claimed driving range of 332 km, while the 52.9 kWh version delivers a claimed range of 449 km. The larger battery pack is available only in the top-spec Pro variants.
In terms of features, the Windsor EV offers LED projector headlamps with DRLs, LED tail lamps, an illuminated MG logo, 18-inch alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles, a shark-fin antenna, leatherette upholstery, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, adjustable front and rear headrests, rear AC vents, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Infinity sound system, reclining rear seats, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, Level 2 ADAS, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable ORVMs, V2L, V2V, six airbags, ESP, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, LED cornering lamps, disc brakes on all four wheels, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, TPMS, and more. Prices for the MG Windsor EV range from ₹14.70 lakh to ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom).
The latest entrant in this segment, the Kia Syros EV, is based on the same K1 platform as its ICE counterpart. The Syros EV measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a 2,550 mm wheelbase. It offers 465 litres of boot space along with a 16-litre frunk.
The SUV features Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, standard LED fog lamps, and Star Map LED DRLs with integrated turn indicators.
It also gets flush-fitting door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic inserts, thick body cladding around the wheel arches, and faux skid plates at both the front and rear. The Syros EV retains the boxy styling of the ICE version. Among the three EVs in this comparison, the Syros EV undoubtedly has the most polarising design – you will either love it or hate it.
Despite being a sub-4-metre SUV, Kia has managed to create a spacious cabin. The Syros EV is available with three interior themes: Cloud Blue & Grey, Onyx Black & Off-White, and the exclusive Onyx Black & Hunter Green.
Feature highlights include a 76.2 cm (30-inch) Trinity Panoramic Display, which combines a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 5-inch climate control display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Other features include 60:40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, ventilated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon 8-speaker premium sound system, ambient lighting, a dual-camera smart dashcam, rear sunshades, multiple USB Type-C charging ports including a 100W USB-C charger, V2L functionality, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Brake Assist System (BAS), a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, Rear Occupant Alert, and an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold.
The Syros EV is available with two battery pack options. The 42 kWh version produces 133 bhp and 255 Nm of torque while offering a claimed driving range of 443 km.
The larger 51.4 kWh Extended Range version produces 169 bhp and 255 Nm of torque, with a claimed driving range of 526 km. This makes the Syros EV the only electric SUV in this comparison to offer a claimed driving range of over 500 km. Prices for the Kia Syros EV start at ₹13.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
If you are looking for a uniquely styled electric SUV with a 500+ km claimed driving range, the Kia Syros EV deserves serious consideration. If your priority is a larger vehicle with a spacious cabin and a long list of premium features, the MG Windsor EV is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a made-in-India, value-for-money EV with a proven track record in the market, the Tata Nexon EV remains an excellent option.
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