Kia Syros vs Mahindra Bolero Neo vs Skoda Kylaq (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (September 2026):
- Pick the Kia Syros if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 20.8 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L).
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.59 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
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 →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 Neo prices & variants →Skoda Kylaq in short
The Kylaq is Skoda's first sub-4-metre SUV and its most affordable car in India, aimed squarely at the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. Every variant gets the willing 115 PS 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol, giving it the strongest driving manners in its class. A five-star Bharat NCAP result seals its family-car credentials.
Full Kylaq prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Syros vs Bolero Neo vs Kylaq — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Syros if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 20.8 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (465 L). Pick the Mahindra Bolero Neo if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.59 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Syros, Bolero Neo, Kylaq?
The Skoda Kylaq starts lowest at ₹7.59 Lakh, against ₹8.42 Lakh for the Syros and ₹9.90 Lakh for the Bolero Neo (ex-showroom, September 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Syros: 5 stars; Mahindra Bolero Neo: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars.