The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are two of the more popular compact crossover choices in the country. The two cars have a lot in common with each other, which means their respective qualities are often at par with one another. That’s mainly because Hyundai and Kia are considered sister companies, and this has led to the two South Korean car brands cooperating on the build of many cars in their respective lineups. The Tucson and Sportage a prime example of this synergistic cooperation: both cars are built on the same platform, and offer buyers a lot of similar features.
That said, these two family haulers are far from the same car. We break down the key differences between the 2019 Hyundai Tucson and 2019 Kia Sportage, to help you decide which one suits your needs better should you be in the market for a crossover SUV.
Hyundai updated the Tucson late in 2018 for the 2019 model year. It was relatively minor facelift, mostly focusing on the car’s front facade. That said, the overall look of the Hyundai Tucson remains the same. The general ingredients and proportions are conservative and proper, while available LED daytime running lights and larger alloy wheels help boost curb appeal.
Like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia also treated the Sportage to a light facelift for 2019. However, the changes may or may not be your cup of tea: the Sportage’s “Tiger Nose” grille and high-set headlights are an acquired taste, so you either you love or hate it. Nevertheless, the latest Sportage boasts aerodynamic improvements via fog lamp vents at the front and an inconspicuous spoiler at the back. Smart exterior additions include projector type bi-function headlamps, LED fog lamps and taillights, and a Smart Welcome feature that makes it a cinch to enter the car and drive off.
Winner: Kia Sportage
Truth to tell, the Hyundai Tucson cabin is a bit of a letdown. Though contemporary-looking, the overall design is busy, and there are plenty of hard plastics all-throughout—a questionable decision considering the price range. Adding insult to injury are the seats, which are upholstered solely in fabric. The Tucson offers a 7.0-inch color touchscreen display as standard, which comes with Aux, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a six-speaker audio system.
Contrary to the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage’s ergonomic and stylish interior is easily one of the best you can find for the price. The center console design is practical and attractive, the seats are cozy and reassuring, and there’s plenty of head and legroom, front and back. The all-new Sportage has steering wheel-equipped audio remote control, 3.5-inch color TFT LCD, and quality fit and finish all around. There’s even leather seats for the top-spec variant. As for the infotainment system itself, the 8-inch touchscreen has got auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity linking to six great-sounding speakers.
Winner: Kia Sportage
The Hyundai Tucson has two engine options: the gasoline-fed Nu 2.0-liter MPI and the R 2.0-liter CRDi e-VGT diesel The former has a maximum power of 153hp and maximum torque of 192Nm while the latter has a max power of 182hp and a max torque of 400Nm. Transmission options for the Tucson are an 8-speed automatic for the diesel variants and either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual for the gas variants. Drive mode select is only available in the GLS AT variant.
Either a 2.0-liter E- VGT CRDi or 2.0-liter D-CVVT engine propels the front-wheel drive Kia Sportage forward. Power ratings are at 182hp and 400Nm for the diesel, and 153hp and 192Nm for the gas. Shifting is managed by an 8-speed automatic with shiftronic in the top two diesel trims and a standard 6-speed auto in the base gasoline trim. A drive mode select comes standard across all trims.
Winner: Kia Sportage
The locally available Hyundai Tucson offers new active safety features, including electronic stability control, hill start assist, and downhill brake control, with advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) for a stronger body. Apart from that, there’s not much else, save for the basics such as dual airbags, ABS-EBD, and child safety rear door locking. Top variants get a rear camera, though.
As the Kia Sportage is primarily a people hauler, and so it comes with a lot of standard safety features for driver and passengers alike. All the basics are accounted for: dual and curtain airbags, ISOFIX child anchors, child safety locks, keyless entry with burglar alarm, and the all-important anti-lock braking system. The top of the line GT-Line trim comes with additional electronic stability control, immobilizer, cruise control, rear camera display, and parking distance warning.
Winner: Kia Sportage
The Hyundai Tucson is available in four different trims, priced as follows:
The Kia Sportage is available in three different trims, priced as follows:
Winner: Kia Sportage
For our money, the Kia Sportage is simply the hands-down winner. Despite the subjective front façade, the Sportage is better-equipped with a prettier interior, and also wins on the pricing and safety department.
Photos from Hyundai, Kia
Also read:
2020 Kia Soluto vs. the competition: Your other subcompact sedan options
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