Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage: Which One Should You Buy?

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Split image showing two modern SUVs: on the left, a silver Kia SUV with license plate KIA 747 parked outside a contemporary house at dusk; on the right, a dark green Hyundai SUV with license plate T2 HYU driving on a city road during daylight. The image represents options for used cars and new cars.
Split image showing two modern SUVs: on the left, a silver Kia SUV with license plate KIA 747 parked outside a contemporary house at dusk; on the right, a dark green Hyundai SUV with license plate T2 HYU driving on a city road during daylight. The image represents options for used cars and new cars.

Looking for your next used family SUV? We're comparing Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson - two popular models from Hyundai and Kia.

If you are in the market for your next used SUV, chances are that you've already come across the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Both are extremely popular choices thanks to their versatility and practicality.

But you might be wondering - which one is right for me? Read on to learn more.


History of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage

The Hyundai Tucson first hit the roads in 2005 and almost 20 years later, it's still as popular as ever. Now in its fourth generation, it boasts the latest driver technology and a range of powertrain options.

While the Kia Sportage has almost three decades of history. Launching in the UK back in 1995, it was available as a five-door SUV and three-door convertible. It's now in its fifth generation and was recently awarded Best Family SUV at the What Car? 2024 Car of The Year Awards.

 

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage - features

Choose from five trim levels on the Hyundai Tucson - Advance, N Line, N Line S, Premium, and Ultimate. While the Kia Sportage offers four trim levels - 2, 3, GT-Line and GT-Line S.

We're looking at some of the standard features of each trim below.

Tucson Advance

  • 17" alloy wheels
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Keyless entry
  •  

 

Tucson Premium

  • 18" alloy wheels
  • Remote rear folding seats
  • LED headlights
  • Privacy glass
  •  

 

Tucson N Line

  • 19" alloy wheels
  • N Line design package
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • USB-C charging points
  •  

 

Tucson N Line S

  • 19" alloy wheels
  • N Line design package
  • Three-zone climate control
  • Panoramic sunroof
  •  

 

Tucson Ultimate

  • 19" alloy wheels
  • Three-zone climate control
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Blind spot monitor
  •  

 

Sportage 2

  • Six-speaker audio system
  • 12.3" digital display with navigation
  • 17" alloy wheels
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with voice recognition
  •  

 

Sportage 3

  • 18" alloy wheels (19" on plug-in hybrid version)
  • Heated front seats
  • Smart cruise control
  • Rear privacy glass
  •  

 

Sportage GT-Line

  • 19" alloy wheels (18" on hybrid version)
  • Suede leather upholstery
  • Three-zone climate control
  • Smart entry system
  •  

 

Sportage GT-Line S

  • 19" alloy wheels (18" on hybrid version)
  • Dual adaptive LED headlights
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • 360 degree around view monitor
  •  

Side-by-side comparison of the interiors of two cars showcasing modern design and technology, featuring the steering wheels, dashboard displays, and centre consoles; the left interior is from a Kia vehicle with a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, positioned in front of a modern building, while the right interior shows a sleek, minimalist design with a focus on comfort and simplicity, viewed against a backdrop of a beach landscape; suitable for illustrating used cars and new cars options.

 

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage - performance

Choose from four powertrain options with the Hyundai Tucson - hybrid, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, or petrol. As the Kia Sportage uses the same mechanical platform, it offers the same powertrain options as the Tucson.

Depending on the ending type you choose, you can reach 0-62mph in 8.2 - 9.9 seconds in the Hyundai Tucson or 7.7 - 11.7 seconds in the Kia Sportage.

 

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage - safety and reliability

You can be confident of a safe drive regardless of whether you choose the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. The Tucson offers a range of advanced safety features including cruise control and a surround view monitor. If you opt for the Sportage, safety features are similar in addition to forward collision avoidance assist and a blind spot monitor. It's worth bearing in mind that safety features will vary based on the model year you choose.

Both Hyundai and Kia cars are extremely reliable with comprehensive warranty packages. All new Hyundai cars benefit from a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, while Kia offer a seven-year or 100,000 mile warranty. When buying your used Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, it's important to check if it is still within the warranty period to avoid any costly repairs.

 

Which is bigger - the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage?

The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are very similar in size as they both share the same mechanical platform.

View a full breakdown for each of the models below:

    
ModelLength (mm)Width (mm)Height (mm)
Hyundai Tucson 4,510 - 4,520 1,865 (excluding door mirrors) 1,665
Kia Sportage 4,515 1,865 1,650

 

In terms of boot capacity, the Hyundai Tucson offers slightly more than the Kia Sportage.

With all seats in place, there's up to 620 litres of space on offer. This increases to 1,799 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Two views of a car's spacious luggage area, one showing an empty rear trunk with a brown leather duffel bag and the folded rear seats, the other showing a woman loading a bag into the open boot of a car parked in a scenic outdoor setting with mountains in the background, illustrating practicality and space for used cars and new cars.

 

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage - Which one should I buy?

Choosing the right car for you will probably come down to your budget. The Kia Sportage has a slightly lower price point than the Hyundai Tucson. However, to get more features you would need to upgrade to a higher trim level.

Whichever you choose, both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are great family SUV options. Both place practicality and versatility at the forefront.

 

Used cars at Bristol Street Motors

At Bristol Street Motors, we can help you find your ideal used Hyundai Tucson or used Kia Sportage. With a wide range of trims and model years available, there's a used car to suit all needs and budgets.

View used Hyundai Tucson cars 

View used Kia Sportage cars


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