Comparison: Kia Syros vs. Skoda Kushaq

The sub-4-metre SUV segment is a space that is constantly evolving with newer models coming in and bringing better in terms of features, practicality, space and comfort. The latest launch to join the game is the Kia Syros, which aims to redefine the segment’s in-cabin experience with its class-leading features and impressive practicality. However, in order to truly emerge as the segment leader, the Syros not only needs to pass the test of time, but also to take on popular models both in and outside the segment. And one such name is the Skoda Kushaq, which is known to have delivered nothing but sheer performance ever since its launch in 2021. Now with the Kia Syros slowly picking up pace, creating ripples in the market, it will be interesting to see how it pitches against the enthusiast’s favourite, the Skoda Kushaq. So here is a head-on comparison between the Kia Syros and the Skoda Kushaq.

Kia Syros vs Skoda Kushaq: Dimensions

Car	Kia Syros	Skoda Kushaq
Length	3995 mm	4225 mm
Width	1805 mm	1760 mm
Height	1680 mm	1612 mm
Wheelbase	2550 mm	2651 mm
Boot Space	390 to 465 litres	385 litres
Ground Clearance	190 mm	155 mm

One look at the comparison above makes it clear that the sub-4 metre segment has surely come a long way when it comes to offering a package that is both practical and comfortable. Talking about the overall looks, the Kia Syros is the more distinct of the two, bringing in a design that blends contemporary touches with boxy SUV elements. While the design in totality reflects a certain grandeur, elements like new crystal-cut alloys, ice-cube LED headlamps, and Kia’s swanky tiger nose grille give the Syros a refreshing appeal and a distinct identity that might be too polarising for some. When compared with the Kushaq, the Syros shines, with a stance that’s 45 mm wider and 68 mm higher, with an additional 35 mm of additional ground clearance, and a substantially larger boot space that goes up to 465 litres compared to the Kushaq’s 385 litres of boot. While the larger boot itself is a practical advantage, the fact that the Syros has managed to offer it despite a 101 mm smaller wheelbase, all thanks to the Syros offering an industry-first reclining and sliding rear seat.

Coming to the Skoda Kushaq, the SUV also offers a well-proportioned, sporty design that is both assertive and dynamic, especially when compared with the Syros and other key rivals in its segment. Despite being narrower and shorter than the Syros, the Kushaq offers a 230 mm longer stance with an additional 101 mm of wheelbase, which is the key to the Kushaq’s proportioned bodyline and spacious cabin that is truly comfortable in every sense.

Other than that, the Kushaq does offer an ample boot space of 385 litres, which is good enough for almost all of your luggage needs, though not as large as what the Syros offers.

Overall, when compared side by side, both SUVs offer an alluring and modern design that is both sporty and muscular. While the final choice is rather subjective, in terms of on-paper dimensions, the Syros tends to take the lead with its wider and higher stance and a substantially larger boot that can be adjusted as per your specific needs.

Overall Winner: Kia Syros for its overall practicality and space that is slightly better than the Kushaq in certain aspects.

Kia Syros vs. Skoda Kushaq: Engine and Transmission

New Kia Syros v Skoda Kushaq: Engine Comparison (Petrol)
Cars	Kia Syros				Skoda Kushaq
Engine	1.0-litre Turbocharged Petrol Engine				1.0-litre 3-Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol Engine		1.5-litre 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol Engine
Power	120 PS				115.5 PS		149.5 PS
Torque	172 NM				178 NM		250 NM
Transmission (Manual)	6-Speed Manual				6-Speed manul		N/A
Transmission (Automatic)	7-Speed DCT				6-Speed Torque Convertor Automatic		7-Speed DCT Automatic
Mileage	18.2 km/l (Manual) 17.68 km/l (Automatic)				19.76 km/l (Manual) 18.86 km/l (Automatic)

One look at the engine comparison above and you’ll realise that the Skoda Kushaq is in for some serious business. In terms of engine offered, while the Kia Syros comes with a sole 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine on offer, the Kushaq, on the other hand, offers two peppy turbocharged units, including a smaller 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit and a bigger 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit. 

Coming to the 1.0-litre Turbocharged engine, both the Syros as well the Kushaq come with a 3-cylinder engine that offers ample torque with a punch of power, delivering impressive driving dynamics and an exciting drive experience. Strictly on paper, however, the Kushaq does offer better torque while the Syros offers slightly better power. But practically speaking, the driving experience is largely identical and equally splendid. Automatic transmission, however, is one area where the Syros takes the win with a 7-speed DCT automatic on offer that performs better than the Kushaq’s torque converter.

Coming to the Kushaq’s 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine, the performance on offer is like no other, with ample power and torque for quick overtakes and bursts of punch as and when needed. Offering one of the best driving dynamics in its segment, the Kushaq, with its bigger turbo engine, offers nothing but mind-blowing performance with a 7-speed DCT automatic to add to the overall thrill.

Overall, when considering the petrol versions of both SUVS, for those considering the smaller turbocharged engine, despite both SUVs offering similar specifications, the Syros still seems to be a better pick, thanks to the advantage of having a DCT automatic onboard for a more exciting drive. For those preferring the thrill of driving a bigger turbocharged engine, the Kushaq is a straight-up winner. 

Kia Syros v Skoda Kushaq: Engine Comparison (Diesel)
Cars	Kia Syros				Skoda Kushaq
Engine	1.5-litre Turbo Diesel Engine				N/A
Power	116 PS				N/A
Torque	250 NM				N/A
Transmission (Manual)	6-Speed Manual				N/A
Transmission (Automatic)	6-Speed AMT				N/A
Mileage	20.6 km/l (Manual) and 17.65 km/l (Automatic)				N/A

The Diesel game is a turf where the Kia Syros single-handedly rules, with its 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine that offers a 6-speed manual or AMT automatic on board. The engine itself is a highly impressive unit that delivers good power and torque figures with great output across the RPM spectrum. Mileage on offer is also impressive, with the manual transmission offering up to 20.6 km/l.

As for the Kushaq, the lack of a diesel engine is a factor that takes several potential buyers away from the SUV, towards competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon, Mahindra Scorpio, etc., that continue to offer capable diesel engines despite stringent emission norms.

Kia Syros vs. Skoda Kushaq: Features and Comfort

	Kia Syros	Skoda Kushaq
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay	10-inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Instrument Cluster	12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster	8-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster
Music System	8 Speaker Premium Harman Kardon Audio Setup	6 Speaker Premium SKODA Audio Setup
Climate Control	Yes, Dual Zone with a 5-inch AC control touch screen	Yes
Sunroof	Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof	Yes, electric sunroof
Ambient Lighting	Yes	Yes
Front Ventilated Seats	Yes	Yes
Rear Ventilated Seats	Yes (Seat Only)	No
Adjustable Seats	Yes, 4-Way Powered Driver’s Seat	Yes, 4-Way Powered Driver’s Seat
Rear AC Vents	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes
Wireless Charger	Yes	Yes
360-Degree Camera	Yes	No
Connected Car Tech	Yes	Yes
ADAS	Level-2	No

One look at the comparison above and one would realise that both the SUVS offer a variety of onboard features and technology that is rather impressive. However, when pitched head-on, the Kia Syros, being the latest offering, comes with a few additional goodies up its sleeve that the Skoda Kushaq seems to miss out on. 

These include features such as: 

• A bigger 12.3-inch infotainment system and digital instrument cluster
• Premium Harman Kardon Audio Setup
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Dual-Pane Panoramic sunroof
• 5-inch Touch Control Panel for AC
• LEVEL-2 ADAS 
• Rear Ventilated Seat
• Segment First Rear Reclining and Sliding Seats

Overall, the feature game is where the Syros takes the ultimate lead with its large panoramic sunroof, LEVEL-2 ADAS, dual-zone climate control, etc. Other than that, all premium features such as a sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc., are duly offered onboard the Kushaq as well.

Overall Winner: Syros

Kia Syros vs. Skoda Kushaq: Safety Features

	Kia Syros	Skoda Kushaq
Airbags	6 as standard	6 as standard
ABS with EBD	Yes	Yes
ESC	Yes	Yes
Hill Assist	Yes	Yes
TPMS	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensor	Yes	Yes
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	No
All 4 Disc Brakes	Yes	No
Dual-Camera Dashcam	Yes	No
Level-2 ADAS	Yes	No

When it comes to safety, though there is no doubt that both the Skoda Kushaq as well as the Kia Syros are truly incredible, however, it is the Kia Syros that shines once again, with additional safety measures including front parking sensors, dual-camera dashcam, all 4 disc brakes and a Level-2 Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite, which offer additional safety features such as:

• Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Forward Collision Warning for Junction Turning and Direct Oncoming
• Side Parking Sensors
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assistance
• Reverse Assistance
• 4 Front and Rear Parking Sensors

But with that said, the Skoda Kushaq is no less, with all standard safety features onboard, and a perfect 5-star crash test rating.

Thus, when compared head-on, the all-new Kia Syros seems a bit better thanks to the latest and greatest Level-2 ADAS on board along with other additional safety inclusions.

Kia Syros vs Skoda Kushaq: Price Comparison

Variant	Kia Syros Price Ex-Showroom	Skoda KushaqPrice Ex-Showroom
Base Variant	Rs. 9.50 Lakh	Rs. 10.99 Lakh
Mid Variant	Rs. 11.50 – 12.80 Lakh	Rs. 14.88 – 17.61 Lakh
Upper Mid Variant	Rs. 13.30 – 14.60 Lakh	Rs. 16.12 – 18.82 Lakh
Top Variant	Rs. 16 – 17.80 Lakh	Rs. 17.41 – 19.01 Lakh

When it comes to the price comparison, the Kia Syros comes with a six-trim lineup that includes HTK, HTK(O), HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and HTX(O). The trims are spread across 13 variants. On the other hand, Skoda Kushaq’s variant lineup is spread across six trims, including the Classic, Onyx, Signature, Sportline, Montecarlo and Prestige, which are spread across 15 variants.

With both SUVS somewhat similarly priced, the Syros truly takes on the Skoda Kushaq with its much more aggressive price tag. In terms of overall value, the Syros offers better value for the money you will spend at each variant spectrum, with a lot more offered for a lot less compared to the Kushaq.

When it comes to the base trim, not only is the Syros priced much lower than the Kushaq, despite the money saved, you still get a better package with features such as a 12.3-inch touch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in addition to remote key and auto light control, etc. Coming to the mid trims, the Syros again offers great savings with several additional features such as 16-inch crystal cut alloys, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, cruise control, paddle shifters, electronic parking brake and much more.

The top-trim is where the Syros goes all in to offer much more advanced features such as a better 8-speaker sound system, LEVEL-2 ADAS, dual zone climate control, 5-inch touch control AC panel, rear Ventilated Seat and segment-first rear reclining and sliding seats, which justifies its 17.80 Lakh price tag which is still 1.21 Lakh cheaper than the Kushaq’s fully loaded Prestige Trim.

Thus, as far as price is concerned, despite the Kia Syros and the Skoda Kushaq being similarly priced, considering all the aspects, the new Kia Syros is undoubtedly a better value for money product with more space and better features onboard. However, with that said, one thing that tilts the game in favour of the Kushaq is the upper mid and top-end trims of the SUV that justify their price hike with a bigger, better and more capable turbo engine.

Kia Syros vs. Skoda Kushaq: Summary

Be it the Kia Syros or the Skoda Kushaq, both SUVs offer an impressive package that does justice to the overall price tag. Both cars offer a stylish look that is not only sporty and assertive but also contemporary and muscular. However, with Syros adopting a more polarising avatar, looks are rather subjective. Coming to the performance and engine, while both SUVs offer a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol, the Kushaq offers the thrill of driving a DCT automatic, which the Kushaq does not. However, the Kushaq’s 1.5-litre bigger, better, and more capable turbo engine is something that the Syros misses. Talking of which, the Diesel engine is another feather up the Syros’s cap. Feature-wise, both SUVs are loaded with impressive features, but the Syros takes the ultimate edge, being the latest offering with some additional inclusions up its sleeve. Finally, coming on to the price, while the Skoda Kushaq is indeed value for money, the Syros still manages to take the lead, across all variant spectrums.

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