Hyundai Exter vs Kia Syros vs Toyota Taisor (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh).
- Pick the Kia Syros if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L).
- Pick the Toyota Taisor if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.5 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Exter | Kia Syros | Toyota Taisor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹6.21 Lakh – ₹10.51 Lakh | ₹8.42 Lakh – ₹15.82 Lakh | ₹7.70 Lakh – ₹13.00 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG | 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.2L NA petrol / 1.0L turbo-petrol (Boosterjet) |
| Max power | 82 bhp | 118 bhp | 99 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, CNG | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, AMT | Manual, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, AMT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 19–27 kmpl | 17.7-20.8 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 20.0-22.8 km/l petrol, 28.5 km/kg CNG (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 391 L | 465 L | 308 L |
Hyundai Exter in short
The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.
Full Exter prices & variants →Kia Syros in short
Launched in early 2025, the Kia Syros slots between the Sonet and Seltos with boxy, EV3-inspired styling and a surprisingly premium cabin. It brings big-car features to the sub-4-metre class, including a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS and segment-first reclining-and-sliding rear seats with ventilation. A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating strengthens its case against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and its own sibling, the Sonet.
Full Syros prices & variants →Toyota Taisor in short
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is Toyota's take on the Maruti Fronx, a coupe-styled crossover that straddles the hatchback and compact SUV segments. Its highlight is the peppy 1.0 Boosterjet turbo-petrol with a proper six-speed torque-converter automatic, a rarity at this price. Against the Fronx, Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, it offers sportier looks and Toyota's warranty advantage.
Full Taisor prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Exter vs Syros vs Taisor — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹6.21 Lakh). Pick the Kia Syros if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L). Pick the Toyota Taisor if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.5 kmpl). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Exter, Syros, Taisor?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹6.21 Lakh, against ₹7.70 Lakh for the Taisor and ₹8.42 Lakh for the Syros (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Kia Syros: 5 stars; Toyota Taisor: not yet NCAP-tested.