A quintessential dilemma for many car buyers is choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. These compact SUVs are among the most popular in their class, offering a well-rounded mix of performance, comfort, and value. This comprehensive article by Cargiant will provide a detailed comparison of these two remarkable vehicles to help you make an informed decision.
Design & Aesthetics - Sportage vs Tucson
The Tucson and Sportage share a design language due to their parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, but they have distinct aesthetics. The latest Hyundai Tucson (2023 model) features a daring and futuristic design, characterised by its parametric dynamics. Its angular bodywork, geometric grille, and integrated daytime running lights make a strong visual impact.
Credit: https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/2023/pictures/
The Kia Sportage (2023 model), on the other hand, sports a bolder, more aggressive design. The tiger-nose grille, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, and pronounced wheel arches give the Sportage a more dynamic and athletic appearance. Inside, both SUVs offer sleek, modern cabins, but the Sportage opts for a more driver-focused layout.
Credit: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sportage/2023/gallery
Interior and Comfort - Sportage vs Tucson
Inside, both cars offer ample space for five passengers, but the Tucson wins on cargo volume. It offers 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Sportage, meanwhile, offers 31 cubic feet and 64 cubic feet, respectively.
Credit: https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/2023/pictures/
Both vehicles offer a similarly high standard of material quality and build. However, Tucson's minimalist interior design featuring a fully digital gauge cluster and touch-sensitive controls for the infotainment and climate system provides a more modern and sophisticated ambiance. In contrast, the Sportage sticks to a traditional layout with physical buttons, which some may find more intuitive.
Credit: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sportage/2023/gallery
Performance and Drive - Sportage vs Tucson
Under the hood, both SUVs offer a similar range of powertrains. The base engine for both models is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The Tucson's engine produces 187 horsepower, while the Sportage's produces 187 horsepower. Both vehicles also offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for those seeking better fuel efficiency.
The Tucson has a slight edge in terms of fuel efficiency. According to EPA estimates, the Tucson gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the motorway, compared to the Sportage's 25 mpg city and 32 mpg motorway.
In terms of ride quality, the Tucson and Sportage are comparable, both providing comfortable rides with composed handling. However, the Sportage leans towards a sportier driving experience with its slightly firmer suspension setup and more direct steering feel.
Technology and Safety - Sportage vs Tucson
Both SUVs are loaded with tech features. The Tucson offers a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch or optional 10.25-inch infotainment screen, while the Sportage offers a digital instrument cluster and a panoramic curved display, integrating two 12.3-inch screens. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assistance systems come standard on both vehicles.
In terms of safety, both the Tucson and Sportage earned the highest rating of "Good" in all six crashworthiness tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They also include a suite of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Pricing - Sportage vs Tucson
Price-wise, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are closely matched. The base price for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson starts at around £28,900, while the 2023 Kia Sportage starts at around £26,965. Of course, prices can rise significantly with higher trim levels and additional features.
Conclusion
The decision between the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson depends largely on personal preference. The Tucson offers a bit more cargo space, slightly better fuel economy, and a futuristic design, while the Sportage offers a sportier driving experience and a more aggressive design. Both are excellent choices in the compact SUV segment, offering comfort, performance, and an array of modern features at a competitive price.
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