Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tuscon: Which Is Better

Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson SE At River Oaks Kia

The Compact Sport Utility Vehicle segment is one of the most popular categories in the automotive world. Buyers have never had as many good choices as they do now and with companies like Kia and Hyundai continuing to churn out great vehicles, the question constantly occurs: How do we choose? Which is the better SUV or CUV? Two  compact SUVs that everybody seems to be excited about is the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson. Both of these convenient, right-sized crossovers have plenty to offer. Between the convenience features, smaller design, and safety technology, both of these crossovers are worthy contenders.

From all indications, it appears that both the Sportage and the Tucson are evenly matched. But if power, style and the sportiness quotient are important to you, then the choice of the Kia Sportage is self-evident. Please look over our comparison table below for more information.

What's it packing?

Power for the Kia Sportage comes from a choice of a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Call us hungry power-users, but the turbo would be our choice of motivation. Both engines mate to a six-speed automatic transmission and offer front- or all-wheel-drive powertrains. The AWD system includes a locking differential for extra foul-weather traction. The Sportage is capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds.

The Hyundai Tucson SE and Value Edition get power from the company's 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, making 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. There is also an available 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. All models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) is standard, while an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version is available. The AWD Tucson offers a locking differential that enables a 50:50 front to rear torque split for better foul-weather grip.

Driving the Kia Sportage

Choices. You have choices! All you need to do is decide what's more important. Would you rather have a naturally-aspirated engine with great fuel economy or do you care more for a rapidly accelerating turbocharger-compressed four-cylinder engine? We always opt for more power! Your mileage may vary. The ride of the Sportage is very well-sorted with the electric power-assisted steering system providing a natural steering feel. The suspension offers a firm ride without feeling jarring, which lends to the Kia Sportage's sporty driving style.

Driving the Hyundai Tuscon

Steering in the Hyundai Tucson is decent but can sometimes be described as a bit soft or boosted when compared to other vehicles in the segment. There is good handling for around-the-town jaunts with a ride that can be described as compliant. Acceleration from the base 2.0-liter engine is adequate for a vehicle of this size, although you may have a feeling of inadequacy when compared to the more powerful 2.4-liter engine.

Style? Substance? Both!

The Sportage is a stylish, almost futuristic take on a space-aged Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). Significantly updated for 2020, it includes a revised interior with new steering wheel, a standard 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. That's the standard equipment. And then there are the trim-level variants that depend on which model you purchase.

Kia designers thoughtfully included many knobs in the interior instead of buttons to control the radio and other controls. The end result is a Kia that is easy to operate in the middle of winter with gloves as it is to control in the summer.

The Hyundai Tucson offers a quiet interior, spill-treated upholstery and a hands-free smart power liftgate that actually opens by your proximity to it.

We think that after examining both vehicles, the style and fun-to-drive feeling behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage will help to steer your decision. Steer. Get it? For more information, and a test drive, contact the Sportage experts at Napleton's River Oaks Kia.