Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Comparison Review With Prices, Engine Specs, Features, Dimensions, Tech, & Warranty Coverage

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson? What is the difference? 

We've all been there. At first glance, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson are both built on the same platform, share the same 2.0L Turbo I4 engine, have nearly identical dimensions, and share semi-similar features. 

However, if you take a close look you'll quickly notice that the Kia Sportage has a slight advantage over the Hyundai Tucson whenever it comes down to pricing, trim level options, upholstery, and engine configurations. 

But don't just take our word for it. See  for yourself. Check out our new Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson comparison review below. Then visit our local Kia dealership near you and put them to the test. 

Are you ready? Let's get started!

Kia Sportage Price vs Hyundai Tucson Price

When it comes down to price, the Kia Sportage typically cost less than the Hyundai Tucson. This trend continues through the higher trim levels. To shop and compare Kia Sportage prices, browse our inventory online. 

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Specs & Features

 

 Kia Sportage

Vs.

Hyundai Tucson
2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine Base engine (horsepower) 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine 
187 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm Horsepower 187 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
178 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm Torque
 178 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
8-Speed Automatic   Transmission
 8-Speed Automatic 
Available  AWD 
 Available 
14.3 gal Fuel Tank Capacity  14.3 gal
2,500 lbs.  Towing With Trailer Brakes    
 2,750 lbs. 
1,653 lbs
 Towing Without Capacity
 1,650 lbs
108.5-inches
 Wheelbase  108.5-inches
184.4-inches
 Length 182.7 lbs
73.4-inches
 Width 73.4-inches
Available 
 Stainless Steel Pedals Not Available 
8.3-inches
 Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel   8.3-inches
8.3-inches
 Leather Wrapped Shift Knob  8.3-inches
8.3-inches
 Ground Clearance AWD  8.3-inches
6 Trim Level Choices 5
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Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Engine Configuration 

 Powertrain Type  Engine Configuration  Kia Sportage  Hyundai Tucson 
Gas-Powered (Base) 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine 187 hp, 178 lb.-ft. of torque, 8-Speed Automatic   187 hp, 178 lb.-ft. of torque, 8-Speed Automatic 
 Hybrid  1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System232 hp, 271 lb.-ft. , 6-Speed Automatic   231 hp , 271 lb.-ft. of torque 
 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System with Electric Motor and Battery  268 hp, 271 lb.-ft. of torque, 6-speed Automatic  268 hp, 271 lb.-ft., 6-speed Automatic 
    
 Kia Sportage Engine
 
When it comes down to performance, both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson have three engine options- gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid. 
  • Kia Sportage Engine Configurations  
    • 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, 178 lb.-ft. fo torque, an 8-speed automatic transmission and EPA estimated fuel eocnomy of 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. 
    • 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System: 232 combined  hp, 271 combined lb.-ft., and an EPA estimated fuel economy 41 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg combined
    • 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System + Battery + Electric Motor: 268 combined horsepower, 271 combined lb.-ft. of torque,EPA-estimated MPGE 83 combined, 36 MPG Engine Only, 34 MPG All Electric  
  • Hyundai Tucson Engine Configurations  
    • 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, 178 lb.-ft. fo torque, an 8-speed automatic transmission and EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. 
    • 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder: 231 combined  hp, 271 combined lb.-ft., and an EPA estimated fuel economy 38 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined
    • 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder  + Battery + Electric Motor: 268 combined horsepower, 271 combined lb.-ft. of torque,EPA-estimated MPGE 77 combined, 35MPG Engine Only, 32 MPG All Electric  
All in all, while the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson both offer the same base engine, the Kia Sportage excels in hybrid engine configurations. 


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Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Max Towing Capacity

 Powertrain Type  Engine Configuration  Kia Sportage Max Towing  Hyundai Tucson Max Towing
 Gas-Powered (Base)  2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine
  • 2,500 lbs. with trailer brakes
  • 1,653 lbs. without trailer brakes  
  •  2,750 lbs. with trailer brakes
  • 1,650 lbs. without trailer brakes  

 Hybrid  1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System 
  • 2,000 lbs. with trailer brakes
  • 1,653 lbs. without trailer brakes  
 
  • 2,000 lbs. with trailer brakes
  • 1,650- lbs. without trailer brakes  
 Plug-in Hybrid   1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System with Electric Motor and Battery  
  • 2,000 lbs. with trailer brakes
  • 1,650- lbs. without trailer brakes  
 
  • 2,000 lbs. with trailer brakes
  • 1,650- lbs. without trailer brakes  
    
 
 



When it comes down to towing, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson are both stand out competitors. At the base level, the Hyundai Tucson has a max towing capacity of 2750 lbs. with trailer brakes and 1,650 lb.s without trailer brakes. Next up the Kia Sportage comes standard with a max towing capacity of 2,500 lbs. with trailer brakes and 1,653 lbs. without trailer brakes. As far as the hybrid trims, both the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage have a max towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. 





Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Road Handling 


  
In terms of road handling, the gas powered Kia Sportage comes available with all-wheel drive on the LX, EX, and SX Prestige. The Kia Sportage SX and X-Pro Prestige both come standard with All-Wheel Drive. The Kia Sportage Hybrid comes standard with AWD on the S, EX, X-Line, and SX Prestige. The LX does not offer All-Wheel Drive. 

The gas-powered Hyundai Tucson comes available with All-Wheel-Drive on the SE, SEL, SEL Premium, XRT, and  Limited. All Hyundai Tucson Hybrid trims come standard with All-Wheel-Drive. 

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Interior Space 

When it comes down to interior both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are generously proportioned with 41.4-inches of legroom in the front and 41.3-inches of legroom in the rear and a maximum seating capacity of 5 passengers.  One of the key differences is the Kia Sportage offers 39.6-inches of headroom in the front and 39.4-inches of headroom  in the rear, and the Hyundai Tucson offers 38.3-inches of headroom in the front and 39.5-inches of headroom in the rear.  With this in mind, while the differences between the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson are small, they can make a huge impact on your driving experience. 

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Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Interior Features 

When comparing the interior differences between the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, value plays a major role. Both SUVs come equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, but the Kia Sportage makes this feature available at a lower price point. Additionally, available heated front-row seats can be equipped on both models. However, the Kia Sportage offers heated seats starting at the base trim and includes them on the EX, X-Line, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige trims, while the Hyundai Tucson does not offer heated seats as an option on its base model.
 

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Interior Trim

When it comes to interior trim colors and upholstery, the Kia Sportage stands out by offering significantly more variety and customization than the Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage features multiple seating surface options, including Saturn Black woven cloth, perforated Saturn Black SynTex, perforated Misty Gray SynTex, quilted Saturn Black SynTex, quilted Terracotta Brown SynTex, quilted Carmine Red SynTex, and quilted Misty Gray SynTex. This broader selection allows drivers to tailor the cabin to their personal style, while the Hyundai Tucson takes a more limited approach with cloth, H-Tex seating surfaces, and available leather-trimmed seats. For shoppers who value interior choice and upscale design flexibility, the Kia Sportage clearly pulls ahead.
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Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson Trim Level

In terms of trim levels, the Kia Sportage gives you more vehicle options to choose from than the Hyundai Tucson. The Kia Sportage has 6 trim levels and the Hyundai Tucson has 5 trim levels. To compare the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson trim levels, take a glance below: 
 Kia Sportage Trim Levels  Hyundai Tucson Trim Levels 
  • LX
  • EX
  • X-Line 
  • SX
  • SX Prestige
  • X-Pro Prestige 
  • SE
  • SEL 
  • SEL Premium  
  • XRT
  • Limited
 


Kia Sportage vs Hyudnai Tucson Frequently Asked Questions

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: What Kind of Engine Options Can Choose From ?

At the base level, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson both share a 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. In terms of Hybrid engine options, the Kia Sportage offers a 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System with a combined horsepower of 232 hp and a combined torque of 271 lb.-ft, and the Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with a 178 horsepower 1.6-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine that can get up to 231 combined horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of combined torque.  As far as the plugin hybrid engine option goes, the Kia Sportage and the  Hyundai Tucson both produce  268 Combined hybrid system horsepower and 271 Combined hybrid system torque.  . 

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?

Comparing towing performance, the Hyundai Tucson can tow up to 2,750 lbs with trailer brakes, slightly more than the Kia Sportage, which tows 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes. Both SUVs offer capable towing options for small trailers and recreational gear.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Do they offer all-wheel drive?

Both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are available with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and control in wet or slippery conditions. The Sportage AWD system also includes X-Pro trims with all-terrain tires and terrain mode, giving it an advantage in snow or off-road scenarios.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: How do the trim levels compare?

In the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson lineup, the Sportage offers six trims-LX, EX, X-Line, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige-while the Tucson offers five-SE, SEL, SEL Premium, XRT, and Limited. This extra trim level in the Sportage gives buyers more flexibility to find the features and price point that suit their needs.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which offers better interior trim and upholstery options?

When comparing interior trim colors and upholstery in the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage clearly leads. It offers Saturn Black woven cloth, perforated Saturn Black SynTex, perforated Misty Gray SynTex, quilted Saturn Black SynTex, quilted Terracotta Brown SynTex, quilted Carmine Red SynTex, and quilted Misty Gray SynTex. The Hyundai Tucson has fewer options, limited to cloth, H-Tex, and leather-trimmed seats, making the Sportage more customizable and stylish.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV was made first?

In the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson history, the Sportage debuted first in 1993, while the Tucson arrived in 2004. The Sportage quickly became Kia's best-selling SUV by 2016, while the Tucson also became Hyundai's top-selling SUV. Both now share similar engines, features, and dimensions, but the Sportage has a longer track record of success.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which is easier to maintain?

Both SUVs are easy to maintain with 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties and widely available parts. In the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson comparison, the Sportage provides these maintenance benefits at a generally lower starting price, offering more value over time.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV costs less?

The Kia Sportage typically starts at a lower price than the Hyundai Tucson across all trims-LX, EX, X-Line, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige. Buyers get similar features for less, making the Sportage a strong value choice.

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which is better for driving in the snow?

In snowy conditions, the Kia Sportage has an advantage over the Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage offers AWD, all-wheel-drive terrain mode with Snow settings, and X-Pro exclusive all-terrain tires. These features help maintain traction, stability, and confidence on snow-covered roads, making it the better SUV for winter driving.

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Should I Buy A Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson? Which Is Better? 

In short, we believe the Kia Sportage is the upper choice because it offers offer more trim level options, competitive prices, superior towing capabilities, and more powerful hybrid options. The Kia Sportage also offers semi-similar features and technology for less. Last but not least, the new Kia Sportage offers a bold, rugged exterior design that stands out on and off-road. But for what it's worth, the Hyundai Tucson take a more refined approach  and stands out in delivering a more premium upscale driving experience. Therefore it all comes down to your preferences and priorities. To get a better look at the Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson on-site, visit us today and schedule a test drive. We are located  17225 Torrrence Avenue, Lansing IL, 60438.
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