Kia Syros vs Mahindra Bolero vs Skoda Kylaq (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 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 if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹8.00 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Syros | Mahindra Bolero | Skoda Kylaq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹8.42 Lakh – ₹15.82 Lakh | ₹9.80 Lakh – ₹11.20 Lakh | ₹8.00 Lakh – ₹14.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.0L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L mHawk75 diesel | 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 118 bhp | 75 bhp | 114 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual | Manual, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.7-20.8 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 16 kmpl (claimed) | 19.1-19.7 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Boot space | 465 L | — | 446 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 Syros prices & variants →Mahindra Bolero in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Bolero 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 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 if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹8.00 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Syros, Bolero, Kylaq?
The Skoda Kylaq starts lowest at ₹8.00 Lakh, against ₹8.42 Lakh for the Syros and ₹9.80 Lakh for the Bolero (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Syros: 5 stars; Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars.