The Kia Syros offers a blend of style, performance, and features, but the experience can vary significantly between the base model and the top variant. While the base model provides essential features at an affordable price, the top model comes packed with premium upgrades, advanced technology, and added comfort. If you’re considering buying the Kia Syros, understanding the key differences in exterior design, interior features, and overall value can help you make an informed decision. In this blog, we compare the Kia Syros Base vs Top Model in real-life conditions to see which one suits your needs best.
Key Points
Exterior
The Kia Syros rocks that boxy, upright Kia look we all love, but the HTK and HTX Plus (O) bring their own flavors to the table.
- Front: From the front, both trims sport the signature Tiger-nose grille and a silver skid plate tucked into the bumper classic Kia DNA. The HTK keeps it real with halogen headlights and basic DRLs nothing flashy, just functional. Meanwhile, the HTX Plus (O) steps up with full auto-LED projector headlights and slick LED DRLs that scream modern. Oh, and that tiny radar on the top model’s bumper? That’s for ADA smart tech the HTK skips.
- Side: The HTK rolls on 15-inch steel wheels with black covers think reliable sneakers while the HTX Plus (O) struts its stuff with 17-inch dual-tone alloys, roof rails, and ORVM turn indicators more like polished boots. Both get flush-type door handles (so cool for a sub-4m SUV!) and silver side cladding, but the top trim’s extras give it that premium edge.
- Rear: At the back, the HTK sticks to basic tail lights and skips the rear wiper and defogger still rugged with its black bumper and skid plate, though. The HTX Plus (O) shines with two-piece LED tail lights, a wiper, and a defogger functional and fancy.
Unique Take: The HTK’s like your favorite denim jacket timeless and versatile, ready for a DIY glow-up. The HTX Plus (O)? It’s a tailored blazer sharp, standout, and ready to roll straight from the rack. Your call: understated or upgraded?
Interior
Inside, both Syros trims rock a dual-tone black-and-grey theme and a funky two-spoke steering wheel. But the vibe shifts big-time between base and top.
- Base Model (HTK): A 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital driver’s display, and steering-mounted controls make it tech-savvy. You’ve got a 4-speaker sound system for tunes, manual AC with rear vents, and semi-leatherette seats with orange stitching cozy with a pop of personality. It’s fixed rear seats, though, so no sliding action here.
- Top Model (HTX Plus (O)): This is where the Syros flexes hard. Dual 12.3-inch screens (infotainment + driver’s display) dominate the dash, paired with a 5-inch climate control touchscreen. Add a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon setup, and ventilated seats for front and rear (a segment-first!), and you’re in luxury land. Sliding rear seats, a wireless charger, and Level-2 ADAS seal the deal.
Unique Take: The HTK’s like a cozy nook everything you need, no fluff. The HTX Plus (O) feels like a penthouse suite spacious, plush, and packed with wow-factor. If you’re road-tripping with family, those ventilated rear seats might just win you over.
Safety Features
Kia’s got safety on lock with the Syros, but the HTK and HTX Plus (O) cater to different levels of peace of mind.
- Base Model (HTK): You’re set with 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX anchors solid stuff for a base trim. It’s got no fancy cameras or ADAS, but it’s built to keep you safe in the daily grind.
- Top Model (HTX Plus (O)): Everything the HTK has, plus more. A 360-degree camera gives you eyes all around, and Level-2 ADAS brings adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Front parking sensors round out a package that’s ready for anything.
Unique Take: The HTK’s your trusty sidekick keeps you covered without overcomplicating things. The HTX Plus (O) is like a bodyguard high-tech, proactive, and always watching.
Powertrain Options
The Syros offers two engines a peppy 1-litre turbo-petrol and a torquey 1.5-litre diesel. Here’s the breakdown:
- 1-Litre Turbo-Petrol: 120 PS, 172 Nm. Choices are a 6-speed manual (MT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT).
- 1.5-Litre Diesel: 116 PS, 250 Nm. Pick a 6-speed manual (MT) or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic (AT).
- How They Split Across Variants:
- HTK: Only the 1-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed MT.
- HTX Plus (O): 1-litre turbo-petrol with 7-speed DCT or 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed AT.
Unique Take: The HTK’s manual petrol setup is perfect for hands-on drivers who love that raw feel plus, it’s lighter on the wallet. The HTX Plus (O) gives you auto options for chill cruises, and that diesel torque is a dream for towing or hilly roads.
Price Range and Rivals
Let’s talk money and the competition because that’s the real-world test.
- Price: The Syros spans Rs 9 lakh to Rs 17.80 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The HTK starts at that sweet Rs 9 lakh mark, while the HTX Plus (O) tops out at Rs 17.80 lakh. Launched December 18, 2024, it’s been hitting roads since early 2025.
- Rivals: Think sub-4m heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300. The Syros stands out with its premium feel especially the HTX Plus (O) making it a step above the pack.
Unique Take: The HTK’s price screams value like snagging a gourmet burger for fast-food cash. The HTX Plus (O) feels like a fine-dining upgrade pricey, but you taste the difference.
Conclusion
Kia Syros Base vs Top Model: Which One Should You Choose? The base model offers affordability with essential features, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the top model enhances the driving experience with premium interiors, advanced technology, and superior aesthetics. If you prioritize luxury, convenience, and the latest tech, the top variant is worth the extra investment. Ultimately, both models offer great value, and your choice in the Kia Syros Base vs Top Model comparison should align with your needs and budget.
