
Kia first launched the Syros sub-four-metre SUV in India in 2024. It has now been updated with more variants, cosmetic changes and an improved feature distribution. The Syros is by far, the most well-equipped sub-4m offering in India, and the latest update only makes the deal sweeter. Most importantly, the model year 2026 (MY26) Syros now starts at Rs 8.39 lakh, ex-showroom, which is roughly Rs 30,000 less than the starting price of the model it replaces.

The update brings subtle visual upgrades to the model. It now gets a new front bumper with slightly revised LED fog lamps and body-coloured aero inserts. Even the rear bumper has been redesigned slightly. It even has a new LED high-mounted stop lamp. The roof rails and ORVMs now get gloss black finishes. The SUV also comes with new 17-inch alloy wheels (available on the HTX and HTX(O) trims) and Neon brake callipers.
As obvious, these are all minor enhancements. The design at large, remains almost the same as before. It still has the upright stance and tall-boy styling. Cues like the low-set LED headlights and flush-fitting door handles have been retained.
The carmaker has, however, added three new colour options to the Syros: Magma Red, Ivory Silver Matte, and Ivory Silver Gloss. While the new Syros is still not the best-looking car in its segment, the updated model looks much better than what it used to.

Another important highlight of this update is that it has introduced several new trims and variants on the Syros. Previously, the SUV used to be available in five trims- HTK, HTK (O), HTK+, HTX and HTX+.
Now, four new trims have been introduced: HTE, HTE (O), HTK+ (O) and HTX (O). HTE has now become the base trim. Previously, HTK used to take this place. This has, interestingly, been removed now. The current lineup includes HTE, HTE (O), HTK (EX), HTK+, HTK+ (O), HTX and HTX (O)- seven variants covering a wide price range from Rs 8.4 lakh to Rs 15.79 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Syros continues to be offered with the familiar set of engines- 1.0L TGDI turbo-petrol and 1.5L diesel. The petrol engine is capable of making 120hp and 172Nm. The diesel has an output of 116hp and 250Nm.
The diesel engine is only available from the HTE (O) trim onwards. Both manual and automatic transmissions are on offer- 7-speed DCT with the turbo-petrol and 6-speed torque converter automatic with the diesel. These are only offered from the HTK+ trim onwards.

The update leaves the feature list untouched. Nothing new has been added to it. The introduction of new trims has, however, led to a more even distribution of features and equipment.
It continues to offer the likes of two 12.3-inch displays functioning as the central infotainment unit and instrumentr cluster, a five-inch climate control display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, seat ventilation, ambient lighting, wireless charger, and more. The 60:40 split-folding second row still offers reclining and sliding functions.
The MG26 update can be seen as Kia’s attempt to pump more value into the Syros and make it more appealing for the Indian market. This SUV competes with the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Skoda Kylaq and the Hyundai Venue here. It has lately been underperforming in sales and the update is expected to address this.