Kia reveals another low-cost EV that we’ll sadly never get to see

The new Syros arrives as Kia’s most affordable EV in India, with a best-in-class charging time and a range of up to 326 miles (526 km).

Kia launches the Syros EV SUV at an entry-level price

Kia unveiled the new Syros EV in full on Wednesday and opened pre-orders. The new SUV looks about the same as the current gas version, but is powered by an all-electric powertrain.

The Syros EV shares the same K1 platform with its ICE counterpart and will be available with two battery pack options when it goes on sale later this month.

It will be offered with the same 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery pack options as the Hyundai Creta Electric.

However, since it’s a bit smaller, Kia’s electric SUV delivers a “best-in-class” driving range of up to 326 miles (526 km) with the 51.4 kWh battery based on the ARAI MIDC rating system. The smaller 42 kWh has a range of 275 miles (443 km).

The Kia Syros EV (51.4 kWh battery) can recharge from 10% to 80% in 39 minutes, also the best in its segment.

In terms of power, the larger (51.4 kWh) battery variant is equipped with a single 168 hp (126 kW) electric motor. The 42 kWh battery version uses a 132 hp (99 kW) electric motor.

Inside, the electric Syros features Kia’s 30″ Wide Panoramic Display Panel, including a dual 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and center infotainment screens, plus a 5″ climate control display.

Other standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Harman Kardon Sound System, a wireless phone charger, and ambient lighting.

With the latest Kia Connect, the Syros SUV offers over 95 connected features, including remote battery preconditioning, scheduled charging, and a Digital Key.

Measuring 3,995 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm, the electric Syros is about the size of the Kia EV2 sold in Europe.

Kia opened pre-orders for the new Syros EV in India on Wednesday, ahead of its official launch later this month. Buyers can place a reservation for 25,000 INR ($260).

Prices for the new Syros EV are expected to start at about 1,849,000 INR ($19,200), making it Kia’s most affordable electric model in India.

Electrek’s Take

Since Kia builds the Syros EV locally to sell in India, those in the US and Europe will miss out. The Syros is essentially a twin model to the EV2, Kia’s entry-level electric SUV that starts at just £24,245 ($32,500) on the road in the UK.

India gets the Syros, while Europe, the UK, and other global markets will be able to buy the EV2, but what about those in the US?

Kia currently sells the EV6, Niro EV, and three-row EV9. With the Niro EV on its way out, Kia will launch the popular EV3 in the US later this year as a replacement.

While it likely won’t be $20,000, like the Syros, the 2027 Kia EV3 is expected to start at under $35,000, making it among the most affordable electric vehicles in the US.

The 2027 Kia EV3 will offer a slightly larger, longer-range alternative (estimated at up to 320 miles) to the new Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF.