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Published: March 25, 2025
Kia has expanded its electric lineup with the all-new Syros EV, a compact SUV that slots between the Niro EV and the larger EV6. With two battery pack options and a claimed range of up to 526 kilometers (327 miles) on the WLTP cycle, the Syros EV aims to be a practical daily driver. We spent a full day behind the wheel to test its real-world range, acceleration, ride comfort, and interior quality. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Syros EV adopts Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design language, featuring a sleek, closed-off grille with integrated LED daytime running lights. The lower bumper gets a wide air intake for cooling, while the sharply creased hood and flared wheel arches give it a planted stance. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and a roof spoiler add a sporty touch.
One standout detail is the flush door handles, which pop out when you approach the car. The 18-inch aero-optimized wheels are standard on higher trims, helping reduce drag. Overall, the Syros EV looks more aggressive than the Niro EV, but it’s still clearly a family-friendly SUV.
Kia offers two battery packs: a standard 48.6 kWh unit and a long-range 67.5 kWh pack. The smaller pack targets urban commuters, while the larger one is for those who need extra highway mileage. Claimed WLTP range for the long-range version is 526 km (327 miles), but we saw about 450 km (280 miles) in mixed driving with the heater on and highway speeds. That’s competitive with the Hyundai Kona Electric (which uses the same platform) and the Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Charging speed is rated at 150 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10–80% top-up in about 30 minutes with the 67.5 kWh pack. The standard pack charges slightly slower at 100 kW. Kia says an 11 kW onboard AC charger is standard, so a full charge at home takes about 7 hours.
The Syros EV is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 150 kW (201 hp) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque. This gives it a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 7.5 seconds for the long-range version, or 7.9 seconds for the standard pack. That’s quick enough for daily driving, but not as punchy as the dual-motor Kia EV6.
On the road, the Syros EV feels light and nimble thanks to its compact dimensions and low center of gravity from the underfloor battery. The steering is well-weighted but lacks feedback, which is common for mainstream EVs. The suspension does a decent job of soaking up bumps, though sharper potholes can send a jolt through the cabin. We’d recommend the 18-inch wheels over the optional 19-inch ones for a quieter ride.
Regenerative braking has four levels, managed via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The strongest “i-Pedal” mode allows one-pedal driving, where you rarely need to touch the brake pedal. It’s smooth and predictable, making city driving a breeze.
Kia’s cabin design is a highlight. The Syros EV features a curved dual-screen setup: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, all under a single piece of glass. The dashboard is clean, with physical buttons for the climate control and audio volume—a welcome touch in an era of touch-only controls.
The front seats are comfortable with good lateral support, and the driver gets a 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat space is generous for a compact SUV: two adults can sit comfortably with decent legroom, but the sloping roofline cuts into headroom for taller passengers. The rear bench is a 60/40 split, and the trunk offers 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet) with the seats up, expanding to 1,200 liters (42.4 cubic feet) when folded.
Material quality is mostly good, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash and door tops, but lower door panels use hard plastics. The ambient lighting with 64 colors adds a premium feel at night.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 6-speaker audio system. For an extra cost, you can add a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, and a premium Bose sound system with 8 speakers.
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates. Kia’s connected services include remote climate control, battery status, and charging station location through the app. Voice commands work well, but the system can be slow to respond at times.
Driver assistance features are comprehensive: adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a semi-autonomous highway driving assist (HDA) that works well on marked roads.
The Syros EV shares its platform with the Hyundai Kona Electric, but Kia has tuned the suspension to be slightly firmer, giving it a sportier feel at the cost of a little comfort. The Kona Electric offers similar range and charging speeds, but the Syros EV has a more modern interior design and a larger infotainment screen. Pricing is expected to start around $36,000 for the standard battery, making it slightly more affordable than the Kona Electric’s base price. However, Hyundai has a more established dealer network, which could affect service convenience.
The 2025 Kia Syros EV is a well-rounded electric SUV that delivers on range, technology, and practicality. It’s not the fastest or the most luxurious, but it ticks the right boxes for most buyers looking for an affordable, zero-emission daily driver. The two battery options let you choose between cost and range, and the interior is a step above many rivals. If you’re shopping in the compact EV segment, the Syros EV deserves a test drive.
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Kia Syros EV pricing and availability in the U.S. are expected later this year, with EPA range estimates to be confirmed.
