Are you in the market for a compact SUV? Following a series of new releases, the Kia Syros and the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara have made their way to the top of the queue of SUVs. While the Syros makes its case with futuristic design and segment-first features, Suzuki continues to bank on its reliability and mileage figures. So, which one is better?
The Syros is Kia’s new compact SUV in India. This model features a distinctive new design, combined with advanced technology in the cabin, to provide drivers and passengers with a premium in-cabin experience. Even in terms of safety, the Korean manufacturer is pulling all the stops, bagging a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
While the Grand Vitara goes down a different track. Since Maruti Suzuki is one of the most reliable car manufacturers in India, the design of the model is developed more along the lines of a traditional SUV profile. It comes with hybrid variants designed for long-term use. Both the SUVs are built for different purposes but target the same buyer group.
Let’s compare Kia Syros and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara based on price, specifications, & other features. Read on to find out which of these SUVs will be making their way to your garage.
Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Dimensions
| Aspects | Kia Syros | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| Length | 3995 mm | 4345 mm |
| Width | 1805 mm | 1795 mm |
| Height | 1680 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm | 2600 mm |
| Boot Space | 465 litres | 373 litres (Mild Hybrid) |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm (approx.) | 210 mm |
The Kia Syros strikes a comfortable balance between compactness and interior comfort. The wider stance results in a more spacious cabin, especially for the back seat. Additionally, the model’s increased stance also gives you more headroom. All the tall riders can breathe a sigh of relief with the Syros. Despite its shorter wheelbase in comparison to the Grand Vitara, the Syros efficiently optimizes its cabin space.
On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has a broader road presence and rear seat comfort. Its wheelbase allows considerably more legroom compared to other models. The higher ground clearance of the Grand Vitara makes it a more appropriate ride for the uneven terrains and gravel roads. In addition to greater underbody protection, the ground clearance also ensures a smoother ride over rough patches. However, the same ground clearance may also lead to greater difficulty in entry for shorter passengers.
When we look at it practically, the Kia Syros has a bigger boot space, which again accommodates flexibility for daily storage, groceries, or luggage when on weekend outings. Though still sufficient, the Grand Vitara has less boot space, which is still suitable for folks who just want a decent storage capacity for daily activities. But, do remember, the Grand Vitara’s boot space varies depending on the powertrain you choose. The mild hybrid variant provides more storage options than the strong hybrid version offers (which has 265 litres due to battery placement).
The Syros reigns supreme with its clever use of space and functionality for everyday city usage, while the Grand Vitara exists for those in need of added space in the cabin and higher performance on tougher trips.
Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Engine & Transmission
| Specification | Kia Syros | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| Engine Options | 1.0L Turbo Petrol (G1.0 T-GDi)1.5L Diesel (CRDi VGT) | 1.5L Mild Hybrid (Smart Hybrid)1.5L Strong Hybrid |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol / Petrol Hybrid |
| Power Output | 120 PS (Turbo Petrol)116 PS (Diesel) | 103 PS (Mild Hybrid)116 PS (Strong Hybrid) |
| Torque | 172 Nm (Turbo Petrol)250 Nm (Diesel) | 139 Nm (Mild Hybrid)122 Nm (Strong Hybrid) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual Transmission7-speed Dual-clutch Transmission6-speed Automatic Transmission (Diesel) | 5-speed Manual Transmission6-speed Automatic Transmissione-CVT (Strong Hybrid) |
| Claimed Mileage | 17.65 to 18.2 km/l (petrol) 17.65 to 20.75 km/l (diesel) | 19.20 to 21.11 km/l (Mild Hybrid)27.97 km/l (Strong Hybrid) |
Kia Syros offers two types of engine options. A 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. The turbo petrol is tuned for urban agility and highway use. The engine comes with flat torque delivery across the mid-range. This makes overtaking easy and keeps the car lively without pushing the revs hard. Here, the 7-speed DCT adds quick gear changes and suits city use as well as highway runs. For the ones who are covering long distances on a daily basis, the diesel provides strong low-end torque and appropriate fuel economy, which is accessible when paired with the 6-speed automatic.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara provides a dual-layered hybrid experience. The mild hybrid 1.5-litre petrol is a smooth engine that is more suitable for relaxed commuting. It comes with idle start-stop and brake energy regeneration. But, it obviously still relies on the engine for primary drive. Whereas, the strong hybrid system allows the car to run on pure electric mode at low speeds. It blends engine and motor power easily, and also delivers remarkable mileage without sacrificing everyday usability.
The Syros delivers stronger torque and more engaging performance with turbo-petrol and diesel engines. Grand Vitara counters with high efficiency and refinement through hybrid tech (particularly in the strong hybrid variant).
Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Features & Comfort
| Feature | Kia Syros | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| Infotainment System | 12.3-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Music System | Harman Kardon 8-speaker | Arkamys-tuned 6-speaker setup |
| Climate Control | Fully automatic with touch controls | Fully automatic |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Adjustable Steering | Tilt only | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport | Eco, Power, EV |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch Digital Cluster | Digital + Analogue Cluster |
| Adjustable Seats | 4-way power driver seat | 8-way power driver seat |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Seat Configuration | 60:40 split with slide and recline | 60:40 split with slide and recline |
| Rear Armrest with Cup Holders | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Wireless | Wireless |
The Kia Syros takes a step forward in the technology department when it comes to higher variants. The panoramic display layout comes with a large digital instrument cluster and an HD touchscreen to provide a modern touch and feel to the cabin. Additionally, Harman Kardon’s 8-speaker system in the top variant delivers rich audio output. Also, features like rear seat ventilation and 4-way power adjustment for the driver seat are what improve everyday comfort.
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara may not appear as futuristic as the Syros. Yet, it’s still got a decent list of features as well. The SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen system is intuitive and integrated with precision. There is no doubt that the sound setup is not as premium as the Syros, but still, it offers good clarity. The strong hybrid variant delivers features like EV mode drive selection and a full digital instrument cluster. Such advanced functionality adds a more techy experience. However, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not consistent with all the variants. Also, the ventilated seats are only reserved for the top trim.
The Syros offers a richer feature spread with more variants, while the Grand Vitara focuses its premium touches on the strong hybrid trims.
Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Safety Features
| Safety Feature | Kia Syros | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | 5-star in Bharat NCAP | 5-star in Bharat NCAP |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 6 airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC (Electronic Stability Control) | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance) | Level 2 ADAS | No |
| Blind View Monitor | Yes | No |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes | Yes |
When it comes to safety, Kia Syros takes a bold approach by offering Level 2 ADAS features in its top-spec HTX+ variant. This functionality comes with forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control as well, which also makes Kia Syros one of the few sub-four-metre vehicles in India with this level of active safety. The addition of six airbags as standard and features like rear occupant alert and speed-sensing door locks add to its safety credibility.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara does not offer ADAS. But it stands strong with its five-star GNCAP rating, derived from its Brezza-based platform. It covers the standard safety features well and includes hill descent control and all-wheel drive capabilities in its higher trims. However, most of the advanced safety features are locked into top-end variants of this model.
While the Grand Vitara promises structural solidity and crash-tested safety, the Syros bases its safety package on advanced driver assistance and real-time protection technology.
Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Price Comparison
| Variant Level | Kia Syros (Ex-Showroom) | Grand Vitara (Ex-Showroom) |
| Base Variant | Rs. 9 – 11 lakh (HTK) | Rs. 11.42 lakh (Sigma) |
| Mid Variant | Rs. 11.5 – 12.8 lakh (HTK+) | Rs. 12.53 – 13.93 lakh (Delta) |
| Upper Mid Variant | Rs. 13.3 – 14.6 lakh (HTX) | Rs. 14.67 – 19.20 lakh (Zeta) |
| Top Variant | Rs. 16 – 17.80 lakh (HTX+ (O) Turbo Petrol DCT with ADAS) | Rs. 16.14 – 20.52 lakh (Alpha+ Strong Hybrid e-CVT) |
Kia Syros offers a competitive price by maintaining the platform within the sub-4 metre bracket. The HTK variant comes with standard safety and infotainment features, thus making it a very value-driven starter. The higher trims introduce additional equipment such as the panoramic display, sunroof, ventilated seats, and Level 2 ADAS, all within a relatively affordable price range.
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara begins with a much higher price because of its size segment and hybrid powertrain emphasis. The mild hybrid variants span a broad range, with functionalities added through the Delta and Zeta trims. The strong hybrid version, at a price point above Rs. 16 lakh, introduces Toyota’s hybrid system and electric-only driving at low speed, and it is a fuel efficiency champion in this comparison.
The Kia Syros adds more technology and active safety at a tighter price. Grand Vitara offers hybrid efficiency and a more conservative SUV shape, but at a higher starting and peak price.
Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: Summary
Kia Syros is gaining recognition for its fearless application of technology, interior design, and dynamic powertrains. It packs some premium features such as a 12.3-inch display screen, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and Level 2 ADAS, all within a competitively priced framework. Additionally, having both turbo petrol and diesel engines gives customers the choice between city-centric agility and highway touring comfort.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara goes down the more conservative but tried path. It offers a bigger cabin, a tested chassis with a five-star safety rating, and the special benefit of strong hybrid technology. For fuel-conscious buyers who care about long-term fuel saving, particularly under city stop-go conditions, the strong hybrid variant of the Grand Vitara is an obvious gain.
The ultimate choice relies on what buyers consider most important. Kia Syros is more appropriate for those seeking advanced features and a more energetic drive without breaking the bank. Grand Vitara, on the other hand, is suitable for buyers who consider established engineering, broad service coverage, and optimal fuel efficiency.
FAQs about Kia Syros vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Q. Which car is bigger – the Kia Syros or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is the bigger SUV with dimensions 4345 mm in length and 2600 mm wheelbase. Kia Syros has dimensions of 3995 mm in length and a wheelbase of 2550 mm, so it is smaller and city-oriented.
Q. Which engine delivers more power, the Syros or the Grand Vitara?
Kia Syros provides a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit with 120 PS, whereas Grand Vitara’s 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol delivers 103 PS. Nevertheless, Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid model produces 116 PS, with the advantage of electric motor support as well.
Q. Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?
The best efficiency is offered by the Grand Vitara strong hybrid version at 27.97 km/l as claimed. Kia Syros turbo petrol provides up to 20.7 km/l, and its diesel version is capable of up to 24.5 km/l under the best of circumstances.
Q. Which car has better safety equipment?
Kia Syros offers Level 2 ADAS, six airbags as standard, and features like a 360-degree camera in top variants. Grand Vitara has a tested five-star GNCAP rating and offers six airbags, ESC, and hill descent control in higher trims, but does not include ADAS.
Q. Which SUV provides better value for money?
Kia Syros provides a more feature-rich set and advanced safety technology at a more affordable price. Grand Vitara earns its price tag with hybrid technology and long-term running cost benefits. Value is determined by what’s more important: modern technology and performance, or hybrid efficiency and brand recognition.
