Both the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage are some of the most popular compact-to-mid-size SUVs on the market right now. Even though they are based on pretty much the same underpinnings, they do look radically different. So, Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage – Which is better?
Starting with the engines, both of these are really similar which means that power, fuel efficiency, and sophistication are almost identical. Design-wise, Hyundai came out with the new Tucson for the 2022 model year while Kia just recently re-designed the Sportage. Interior design is also really modern with both of these which means that this is going to be a tough call.
Reliability-wise, these two SUVs manage to offer a fairly trouble-free experience, but we will have to wait and see before we can judge them long-term. When it comes to the driving experience, you get pretty much the same experience with the two. Both are available with AWD which means that they can be used throughout the year without any issues.
Value-wise, there is only a few hundred dollar difference when it comes to the starting price, yet the Kia should be able to hold its value a bit better since it is a brand-new car. Practicality-wise, the Tucson offers a slightly larger trunk space while the interior space is the same.
Hyundai Tucson
The new Hyundai Tucson was revealed last year which means that it is still a really fresh car. You can choose between a 1.6L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 150hp or a hybrid 1.6L 4-cylinder that boosts the power up to 230hp or 265hp respectively. All US models come with an automatic gearbox while certain markets (EU), get both the manual and the automatic. Fuel efficiency is rated at 29MPG.
Design-wise, the Tucson represents a massive departure from the previous model as Hyundai finally started making attractive cars. A relatively round look with diamond-shaped creases makes the Tucson look like it’s carved from stone. The interior also looks really nice thanks to ambient lighting and a 10.25-inch screen.
The driving experience is nothing special which means that the Tucson is designed for ease of use and comfort. Reliability is excellent as the Tucson manages to be one of the most reliable cars in this segment. The starting price is rated at $27,000 which does represent really good value. Practicality is really good for this segment which means that the Tucson does not lack any space.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a slightly newer car than the Tucson, but these two are really similar throughout. When it comes to engines, the Kia Sportage gets the same 1.6L 4-cylinder 150hp engine as the standard gasoline model and the 1.6L 4-cylinder hybrid that offers either 230hp or 265hp respectively. As such, the powertrain is exactly the same as the Tucson. However, MPG is rated at 28MPG.
Design-wise, the Sportage does indeed look even more futuristic and cutting edge thanks to an alien-looking front end. The interior is also really modern and nicely laid out with a comparably larger 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The interior is also equipped with all the modern trinkets such as ambient lighting and a bunch of other amazing features.
Reliability should be pretty much the same as with the Tucson as these two share their powertrains and thus should be the same. The starting price is just a few hundred dollars more than the Tucson for the entry-level model. Practicality is the same as with the Tucson.
Verdict – It’s a draw
With cars as similar as these two, it’s really difficult to pick a winner. However, there are some differences between the two that can make a difference. First of all, the Kia Sportage does look better from the outside as it looks a bit more daring and boxier which is the preferred SUV design language for most people.
However, interior design is slightly more interesting with the Tucson as it does look more authentic. The entry-level 1.6L models are separated by just a few hundred dollars. However, the hybrid Sportage does cost $2,000-$3,000 less than the Tucson which is a substantial saving.
All in all, you should go for the Sportage if you want a slightly more futuristic design and a slightly newer car. The Tucson is slightly more expensive as a hybrid, but it is marginally more efficient and has a slightly larger trunk space.
No matter how you look at it, these two are almost identical. As such, it is pretty much impossible to pick a winner here. It all boils down to how you perceive these two design-wise as everything else is pretty much the same.
FAQ Section
How much does it cost to lease the Hyundai Tucson or the Kia Sportage?
A final lease cost depends on numerous factors which means that you can’t really quote them 100% correctly. However, a few leasing providers have released pricing on both of these, and it seems like the Kia Sportage costs around $265-$270 per month for 36 months while the Tucson costs $10-$15 per month less.
This, in my opinion, represents how identical these two are. The Kia does seem like the more desirable car in my opinion, but they are so similar that you can’t make a wrong decision here.
Are the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson luxury SUVs?
Well, even though brands like Hyundai and Kia manage to come really close to becoming true luxury brands, these two are not luxury SUVs. You can find a bunch of 21st-century high-end technology with both, but it takes much more for an SUV to be a true luxury SUV.
As such, we can view these two as a bridge between affordable family SUVs and premium luxury SUVs. True luxury SUVs tend to be more expensive, more powerful, more comfortable, and more infested with tech.
Are the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson the same?
Hyundai and Kia share a bunch of parts from each other which means that the Sportage and the Tucson are indeed the same. Identical engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and many other components make these SUVs two sides of the same coin.
