Kia Syros vs Mahindra Bolero Neo (2026)
Kia Syros (₹9.00 Lakh – ₹17.80 Lakh) and Mahindra Bolero Neo (₹9.90 Lakh – ₹12.20 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Kia Syros is more affordable — it starts ₹0.90 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Bolero Neo.
- The Kia Syros is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 100 bhp.
- The Kia Syros is more efficient on paper — up to 20.8 kmpl vs 17.3 kmpl.
- Only the Kia Syros has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Syros | Mahindra Bolero Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹9.00 Lakh – ₹17.80 Lakh | ₹9.90 Lakh – ₹12.20 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L mHawk100 diesel |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 100 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Diesel |
| Transmissions | Manual, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.7-20.8 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 17.3 kmpl (claimed) |
| Seating | 5 | 7 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 2 |
| Boot space | 465 L | — |
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 Syrosprices & variants →Mahindra Bolero Neo in short
The Bolero Neo is the modernised take on the Bolero formula, built on a hydroformed ladder-frame chassis derived from the TUV300. It pairs the tough-SUV appeal and 7-seat practicality of its elder sibling with a more powerful 100 bhp diesel and a marginally better-equipped cabin. It sits in a niche of its own, competing partly with sub-4m monocoque SUVs like the Tata Nexon diesel on price.
Full Bolero Neoprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Syros or Bolero Neo?
The Kia Syros is more affordable — it starts ₹0.90 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Bolero Neo. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Syros vs Bolero Neo — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Syros — 5 stars; Mahindra Bolero Neo — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Syros or the Bolero Neo?
The Kia Syros is more affordable — it starts ₹0.90 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Bolero Neo. The Kia Syros is the more powerful car, with 118 bhp against 100 bhp. The Kia Syros is more efficient on paper — up to 20.8 kmpl vs 17.3 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.