2023 Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson

If you're looking for an efficient and cost-effective hybrid with plenty of features to make your driving experience enjoyable, then the 2023 Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are the perfect choices. 

Each vehicle provides excellent amenities that will guarantee a pleasant ride and possesses numerous convenience options to improve your quality of life.

With both the Sportage and the Tucson winning multiple awards this season, it’s clear that they’re at the top of their game. 

In this article, we’ll compare these two models side-by-side to help you determine the right choice. Let us take a closer look at what makes each hybrid stand out in rush hour traffic (and beyond)!

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The Basics

Kia Sportage

Price: $34,445 - $53,370

Drive train: 2.5 L ULP, 8 SP Auto

Body type: Midsize SUV

Dimensions: 4660x1865x1665mm

Hyundai Tucson

Price: $34,900 - $52,400

Drive train: 2.0L ULP, 8 SP Auto

Body type: Midsize SUV

Dimensions: 4630x1865x1665mm

Right off the bat, these two models are incredibly similar. Both have comparable dimensions and engines, with a price difference of just $500. 

The Kia Sportage may be slightly pricier, but it offers extra interior space—perfect for those looking for more room to fit their belongings. Though the Tucson has a smaller engine, both offer an 8-speed automatic transmission for great acceleration and seamless shifting.

For value for money, the Sportage comes equipped with smart cruise control, heated seats, and remote start as standard features, while the Tucson boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display, keyless entry, and touch controls at no additional cost! 

Upgrading to higher trims on both models brings impressive tech options. Though the Hyundai's base vehicle is slightly more affordable, its higher-end trim and hybrid counterparts cost a bit more. Ultimately, your personal preference will be the deciding factor in which features are most appealing. 

Interior

Both cars offer generous legroom, but the Kia gives a little more hip room up front at the expense of back seat space. Ultimately, there’s slightly more space in the Tucson. 

As for style, its sleek and classic look is hard to beat—hidden air vents and wrap-around windows keep you cool, while touch-sensitive controls and an infotainment screen provide modern convenience. 

The Sportage offers a tech-centred interior with retro touches like curved panels, including both infotainment screen and controls, as well as chrome-ringed vents that create a cohesive yet distinctive feel. 

Besides the design elements (which boil down to personal taste), the biggest difference between the two interiors is size. The extra inches in the Tucson will be important if you’re particularly tall. 

Exterior

The Tucson and Kia boast distinct design elements, but the former is undoubtedly edgier. Its angular exterior features six individual character lines, while taillights integrated into the grille give it a bold "teeth-like" look. 

On the other hand, Kia's sleeker design stands out with diamond headlights, its signature Tiger Nose grille, and elongated windows—making sure it never blends in with other SUVs on the road. 

Performance

Hyundai Tucson

Engine: 2.0 Petrol 

Transmission: 8 sp Automatic FWD

Power: 187 horsepower

Power to weight ratio: 92.0 W/kg

Kia Sportage

Engine: 2.5 Petrol

Transmission: 8 sp Automatic FWD

Power: 226 horsepower

Power to weight ratio: 80.2 W/kg

Boasting a slightly larger engine, it comes as no surprise that the Sportage has more horsepower than the Tucson. Although neither of these midsize SUVs can match sportscars on the market when it comes to top speeds, they are both perfectly adequate for everyday driving. 

In terms of fuel economy, both vehicles excel; with an impressive 9.4 L/100 km in city driving and 7.3 L/km on highways for the Sportage and only marginally lower figures from its counterpart at 7.4L/100 km on highways respectively - making them virtually identical in this regard excepting a minuscule difference! 

But if you opt for one of their hybrid models, you'll find that nothing else can beat the remarkable fuel economy offered by Sportage Hybrid FWD – miles ahead of competitors! 

Tech & Safety

The Tucson and the Sportage boast impressive tech and safety features, from automated emergency braking to lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and more. The Tuscon also offers wireless charging for your devices as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus dual-climate control. 

Safety specs on both cars are virtually identical, with Safe Exit Assist, Smart Cruise Control & Surround View Monitors all included. Tech-wise they’re similar too - except Kia has faster USB-C ports conveniently located at the back of the front seats for easy access by passengers. 

Highlights

Hyundai Tucson

• Spacious and luxurious interior
• Stand-out styling 
• Excellent optional hybrid
• Smooth ride

Browse Hyundai Tucson Listings On OnlyCars

Kia Sportage

• Roomy interior with plenty of legroom
• Plenty of tech 
• Responsive and impressive optional hybrid
• Easy to drive

Go To Kia Sportage Listings On OnlyCars

Final Verdict

It's no surprise that the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are two of the top contenders in their class, with similar specs, powertrains and prices. While the Kia may have some off-roading advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between these two. 

From wildly different interior designs to striking exterior aesthetics - whichever you choose will be sure to provide your family with a reliable and value-packed SUV. 

Other Options To Consider

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a great option for those looking for an SUV with plenty of power and capability. With a sleek and spacious interior and a rugged, sporty look, it stands out for sure. 

It also comes loaded with advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and auto emergency braking. The Hybrid model offers an intense 219 horsepower engine. 

Mazda CX-5

For those on the hunt for an SUV with heaps of style and sophistication, the Mazda CX-5 is the way to go. The exterior has sleek, modern lines, while the interior is rich and comfortable.

With its standard 10.3-inch infotainment display and Mazda Connected services, you’ll be able to activate and keep track of the vehicle from anywhere. The CX-5 Hybrid model offers excellent fuel economy and up to 170 horsepower. 

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a top-rated SUV for a good reason. It offers an impressive blend of power, ruggedness and comfort, making it the ideal all-purpose vehicle. 

The interior also has plenty to boast about—climate control, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and a luxurious Harman Kardon sound system are just some of its many features.

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