Hyundai Vs. Kia: Comparing Tucson and Sportage SUVs
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Today, in our Kia vs. Hyundai comparison, we offer an overview of the Tucson and Sportage SUVs, which you can buy used in the dealership in Indianapolis.
If you are in the market for a compact SUV for your family, the choice is tremendous. The major automakers offer dozens of models, and that's before you even get to the truly dizzying variety of available powertrains and trim levels. Artificial limitation of choice helps with choice paralysis.
Kia vs. Hyundai: specs
The Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson look radically different from each other, but these two compact SUVs have a lot more in common than it seems. Both Hyundai and Kia share the same platform, powertrains, and even the same basic dimensions. Both vehicles are powered by a standard Hyundai/Kia 2.5-liter I-4 engine that produces 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent through eight-speed automatic transmissions and to all-wheel drive systems (optional).
Both vehicles can't be named the best SUVs for gas mileage for the compact class; The Tucson is rated at 24/29/26 mpg, while the Sportage has 23/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined. The competing Honda CR-V achieves 27/32/29.
Check the differences in Hyundai and Kia parameters in the comparative table below:
| Feature | Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD | Kia Sportage X-Pro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| BRAKES, F; R | 12.8-in vented disc; 12.0-in disc | 11.0-in vented disc; 11.0-in disc |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 182.3 x 73.4 x 65.6 in | 183.5 x 73.4 x 66.9 in |
| APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE | 19.6/26.7 deg | 18.9/26.6 deg |
| CURB WEIGHT (DIST F/R) | 3,670 lb (58/42%) | 3,715 lb (58/42%) |
| HEADROOM, F/R | 38.3/39.5 in | 37.8/38.0 in |
| LEGROOM, F/R | 41.4/41.3 in | 41.4/41.3 in |
| SHOULDER ROOM, F/R | 57.6/56.0 in | 57.5/55.6 in |
| CARGO VOLUME | 74.8/38.7 cu ft | 69.3/36.6 cu ft |
| TOWING CAPACITY | 2,000 lb | 2,500 lb |
| QUARTER MILE | 17.0 sec @ 83.6 mph | 16.9 sec @ 82.1 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 118 ft | 128 ft |
| TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH | 2,000 rpm | 1,600 rpm |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON | 24/29/26 mpg | 23/28/25 mpg |
Test drive of Hyundai and Kia SUVs
On the road, both Korean SUVs deliver average performance. The Hyundai Tucson driving position feels slightly lower than the Kia's and the steering is heavier, so it initially feels more direct than it is. The landing in the Hyundai is more rigid, the echoes of every impact are transmitted directly to the driver's seat. The Kia Sportage looks more like a classic SUV inside. The off-road rubber low grip gives the Kia's steering a light feel, and the extra flex from the tires helps smooth out the Kia's ride compared to the Hyundai.
Both manufacturers try to hide their lack of power with aggressive throttle tuning for acceleration from a stop, but the Sportage and Tucson struggle in slow highway traffic or on hills—a trait that gets even worse when loaded up for a weekend trip with the whole family.
Kia, however, is making up for lost time with its powertrain tuning. Its eight-speed automatic isn't quite timely to shift, but the Sportage's transmission shifts quicker than the Hyundai's. It's also holds lower gears longer, allowing the Sportage's engine to stay in the meat of its powerband. The Tucson tends to get into the highest gear as quickly as possible and is reluctant to downshift until you hit the gas. This makes the Tucson much more tricky to drive smoothly than the Sportage. Both Hyundai and Kia cars offer Smart, Sport, and Eco driving modes, but none dramatically change the car's behavior.
Kia vs. Hyundai: which interior is better?
Hyundai and Kia offer nearly identical space for passengers and cargo, but as with sheet metal, they take dramatically different paths in space organization.
If you are a minimalist fan, the Hyundai SUV will likely feel right at home. Its interior is simple and stylish, even discreet. Up front, metal accents reminiscent of the grille extend from the doors, past the dual free-standing 10.3-inch screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, and throughout the cabin. Below the infotainment display is a smaller clock-style display for the HVAC system, surrounded by capacitive buttons; underneath is a wireless phone charger.
While Tucson's interior is rather attractive, there's room for improvement. The center stack and console buttons are unresponsive and hard to use while driving. The push-button transmission takes up more space than it needs, wasting space that could be used for storage or additional cup holders.
While the Hyundai's cabin is a bit cold in its modernity, the Kia's is warm and inviting in comparison. The Sportage's stylish and thoughtful interior includes wood and metal accents, meaty door handles that look like D-rings, and two massive 12.3-inch curved displays - for the instrument panel and the infotainment system. Kia also takes care of functionality: the car has a larger wireless charging socket than the Hyundai. Its cupholders have creative latches that turn the space into a large compartment when it's not occupied by drinks.
Hyundai vs. Kia: who wins the battle?
When it comes to comparing SUVs from Kia and Hyundai, the Sportage takes the win. Tucson's style and space deserve high marks, but it's hard to accept its unrefined driving experience. While the Sportage suffers from the same transmission issues as the Tucson, the Kia helps drivers look past it with a slightly excellent transmission tuning, improved ride, and a stylish interior.
Get your first-hand experience - schedule a test drive at a dealer location in Indianapolis. At Indy Auto Man, you can compare Hyundai and Kia models side by side and drive home behind the wheel of your winner the same day!
