The Kia Syros is challenging established names in the SUV segment, with the Honda Elevate squarely in its crosshairs. We compare the two to see which one comes out ahead.
Due to popular demand, SUVs are everywhere in the Indian car market. In most cases, one SUV competes against another in the same segment, defined by the size, feature set and price. However, by launching the Kia Syros, the Korean car maker has unleashed chaos in the compact and subcompact SUV segments.
The Syros is a subcompact SUV, which means it measures under sub 4 metre in length, however, one look at its price and you will see it is priced similarly to compact SUVs. The Honda Elevate is one SUV from the latter segment to fall into the crosshairs of the Kia Syros. Now, if you are caught deciding between the two, we have put together this comparison of their size, powertrain, features, safety quotient and price, to find out which one would be the better fit for you.
Kia Syros vs Honda Elevate: Dimensions
| Kia Syros | Honda Elevate | |
| Length | 3995 mm | 4312 mm |
| Width | 1805 mm | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Boot space | 390 – 465 litres (sliding second row) | 458 litres |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | 220 mm |
From the onset, the Honda Elevate is the bigger SUV in this comparison. When you look at the actual dimensions, the Japanese SUV is longer than the Kia Syros, but it falls slightly short of its Korean compatriot in terms of width and height. The Elevate also has a longer wheelbase than the Syros. Although the Syros will offer marginally better head room for taller passengers, in terms of cabin space, it is the Honda SUV that has the clear advantage.
In the boot space department, it is the Kia Syros that has a larger boot by a small margin, although, there is a caveat. The space on offer in Syros’ boot isn’t fixed and is dependent on how the sliding second row of seats are positioned. When you position the rear seats for maximum boot space, you will end up heavily compromising on the leg space for the second row passengers. If you position the Syros’ seats for better leg room, the Elevate will end up offering more boot space.
On the ground clearance front, the Kia Syros does well to sit 190 mm off the ground, which is good enough to take on most obstacles on the road. The Elevate, however, with its 220 mm ground clearance offers similar capabilities as true SUVs which are meant for off-roading.
When it comes to their dimensions, the Syros tried to forge an advantage, but in front of the Honda Elevate, it was always a losing battle. In the real world, the Japanese SUV is the more spacious and practical choice.
Kia Syros vs Honda Elevate: Engine & Transmission
| Kia Syros | Honda Elevate | |
| Engine options | 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine | 1.5 litre petrol engine |
| Transmission options | 6 speed MT, 7 speed DCT (petrol), 6 speed AT (diesel) | 6 speed MT, CVT |
| Power | 120 PS (petrol), 116 PS (diesel) | 121 PS |
| Torque | 172 Nm (petrol), 250 Nm (diesel) | 145 Nm |
| Mileage | 17.65 kmpl to 20.75 kmpl | 15.31 kmpl to 16.92 kmpl |
Kia offers the Syros with a choice between a turbocharged petrol engine or a diesel engine, and both engines can be opted with a manual or an automatic transmission. In comparison, the Honda Elevate is offered with only a naturally aspirated petrol engine, but it too can be had specced with a manual or automatic transmission. In terms of choice, it is the Syros that leaps ahead with its diesel advantage.
When you compare the two petrol engines on offer, they couldn’t be more different. The Syros’ engine is smaller but due to its turbocharger, it makes similar horsepower as the Elevate’s larger petrol engine, and more torque too. The Syros will then offer better acceleration whereas the Elevate’s petrol engine has a smoother and linear power delivery.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Syros’s diesel engine will trump the petrol motors of both cars. However, the Elevate, due to its naturally aspirated engine will offer a better fuel efficiency in slow moving traffic whereas the Syros’ turbocharged petrol engine will offer a better fuel efficiency when cruising on the highway.
In the powertrain battle, it’s the Kia Syros that is offering more choice and better performance and it holds a slight advantage over the Honda Elevate. However, the Honda SUV will appeal to those who prefer a smoother, less stressed engine.
Kia Syros vs Honda Elevate: Features & Comfort
| Kia Syros | Honda Elevate | |
| Infotainment system | 12.3 inch touchscreen | 10.25 inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 8 speaker Harman Karson system | 8 speaker system |
| Climate control | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Ventilated seats | Front and Rear | Optional accessory |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt adjustable | Tilt & Telescopic adjustment |
| Drive modes | Yes | No |
| Instrument cluster | 12.3 inch digital cluster | 7 inch digital cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Single pane sunroof |
| Adjustable seats | Electrically adjustable driver seat with manual seat height adjust | Height adjustable driver seat |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 split rear seat | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
The Kia Syros has been making a name for itself by boasting of its feature set, and rightly so. It’s been touted that the Syros offers features found in SUVs one segment above, and in this case, the Honda Elevate is an SUV from one segment above. The features comparison between the two highlights the fundamental difference between the Korean and Japanese SUV, with the former going for a fully loaded experience and the latter focusing on features that add convenience and practicality.
The Syros takes the lead by offering a larger touchscreen, front and rear ventilated seats, driving modes, panoramic sunroof and an electrically adjustable driver seat. On the flip side, the Honda Elevate swings right back with telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, a widely revered feature by driving enthusiasts which aids in driver comfort.
While the Honda Elevate is the bigger SUV, when we talk about the best features, it ends up bowing in front of the Kia Syros. The panoramic screen cluster of the Korean SUV and its larger panoramic sunroof give it a high desirability factor. The Honda SUV however focuses on no frills features that add to the driving experience.
Kia Syros vs Honda Elevate: Safety Features
| Kia Syros | Honda Elevate | |
| GNCAP safety rating | 5 stars from Bharat NCAP | Not yet tested |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 6 airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | No |
| Hill-hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent control | No | No |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Yes | Yes |
The Syros and Elevate have been evenly trading blows in this comparison, but when we take a look at their ability to take a blow in the real world, it is the Kia Syros that has a proven record. It has been crash tested by Bharat NCAP and has received a 5 star rating. In contrast, the Honda Elevate has not been tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP, the two agencies that test models sold in India.
Just for context, the Elevate is exported from India to Japan, where it is sold as the WR-V. This model was tested by JNCAP (Japan NCAP) and it received a full five star rating in that crash test. Knowing Honda, we wouldn’t be surprised if the India-spec Elevate also received a similar rating when it is tested.
In terms of features, both the Kia Syros and Honda Elevate are almost evenly equipped, with both SUVs getting 6 airbags, ESP, traction control hill hold assist and a rear parking camera. ISOFIX mounting points are also offered on both SUVs and most importantly, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is also present on both of them.
While both cars offer a comprehensive safety package, it is the Syros that holds the ultimate advantage over the Elevate as it has been crash tested.
Kia Syros vs Honda Elevate: Price Comparison
| Kia Syros | Honda Elevate | |
| Base Variant | Rs. 9 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh | Rs. 11.91 lakh |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 11.50 lakh to Rs. 12.80 lakh | Rs. 12.71 lakh to Rs. 13.91 lakh |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 13.30 lakh to Rs. 14.60 lakh | Rs. 14.10 lakh to Rs. 15.30 lakh |
| Top Variant | Rs. 16 lakh to Rs. 17.80 lakh | Rs. 15.41 lakh to Rs. 16.73 lakh |
The Kia Syros and Honda Elevate are priced quite differently, and as such the Kia SUV is offered in six different variants whereas the Honda SUV is available in just four variants.
The price band of the Syros is quite spread out, so much so that there is a price gap of Rs. 8.80 lakh in its base and top variants. That means that the top variant of the Korean SUV is almost double the price of its base variant. In the case of the Elevate, things stand quite different. There is only a difference of Rs. 4.82 lakh in between the price of its base and top variants.
In essence, the Syros is being offered at more price points than the Elevate, so as to allow new car buyers to better choose the perfect variant for them. The shorter variant list of the Elevate means each variant packs in more features and each price jump brings a substantial value with it.
However, ultimately the compacted pricing of the Elevate means that its top variant ends up being more than Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than the Syros.
Summary
To summarise this comparison, the Kia Syros and Honda Elevate might be SUVs, but they are very different cars. The Syros is the new kid on the block with the performance and features on its side, trying to appeal to the modern car driver. On the other hand, the Honda Elevate uses the time tested formula of comfort and refinement, coupled with a timeless design and high levels of reliability.
The Kia Syros will be a better fit for younger buyers who don’t have a lot of family duties on their plate and will mostly be using the car for their office commutes or road trips with their friends. On the other hand, the Honda Elevate is better suited towards buyers who are looking for a long term vehicle, one that can ferry around the family comfortably and offers a smooth driving experience.
FAQs
Which one is better, Kia or Honda?
Both car makers have their identities. Kia offers radically designed cars that are loaded with features. On the other hand, Honda offers timeless designs along with a comfortable and refined driving experience. On top of that, Honda is also known for its bulletproof reliability.
Is Kia Syros in the same segment as Honda Elevate?
In terms of size, the Kia Syros is a sub 4 metre SUV whereas the Honda Elevate is longer than 4 metres and thus falls into the next segment. However, the Syros’ top variant costs Rs. 1.07 lakh more than the Elevate’s top variant, which makes them indirect rivals.
Which car can seat more people, Kia Syros or Honda Elevate?
The Kia Syros and Honda Elevate are both 5 seater SUVs. However, the Elevate can seat three people with more ease in the second row, compared to the Kia Syros.
Which SUVs compete against the Kia Syros?
The Kia Syros is a sub 4 metre SUV and its direct rivals are the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. However, larger SUVs like Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq also compete with the Kia Syros as they are priced similarly.
Which car has more airbags, Kia Syros or Honda Elevate?
The Kia Syros and Honda Elevate are both equipped with six airbags as standard on all their variants.
Do the Kia Syros and Honda Elevate have ADAS?
Yes, both the Kia Syros and Honda Elevate are equipped with Level 2 ADAS.
