You would never suspect that the 2023 Kia Sportage and 2022 Hyundai Tucson have as much in common as they do because of their utterly dissimilar designs. The two five-passenger SUVs are mechanically similar and provide the same engines and significantly more interior capacity than their forerunners. However, there is much more to these two SUVs than just the fantastic warranties that most customers anticipate from both companies. How then do you even know where to begin? Here are their advantages and disadvantages.
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Power and Performance
Both the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the 2023 Kia Sportage’s base engines aren’t recognized for their lightning-fast performance. Sports-car acceleration isn’t typically at the top of the list for buyers in this market, but if they periodically drive up a hill with a car full of passengers or need to overtake on a two-lane road, an extra surge of speed will suddenly be a significant benefit. In this instance, the 187-hp 2.5-liter normally aspirated inline-four engines of the SUVs only provide acceptable acceleration, an experience we have previously referred to as unrefined.
However, there is a simple fix: buy a hybrid. Try the quieter hybrid, which will seem a little faster, if you can tolerate the tiny price increase. You can get 226 system horsepower with the 2022 Tucson Hybrid and 227 system horsepower with the 2023 Sportage Hybrid with that more economical option. A plug-in hybrid is an option for both SUVs if that isn’t enough power, but the price climbs by thousands of dollars to the mid- to high-$30,000 range for base models.
Hybrid Value
The fact that the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is available with front-wheel drive is one of the main distinctions between the two SUVs. This lowers the barrier to entry for hybrid-interested purchasers and enables Kia to vie for the title of most efficient compact SUV hybrid. The problem? Only the Sportage LX version of the hybrid is offered by Kia; once you desire upgrades above the LX, AWD is standard.
The least cheapest 2022 Tucson Hybrid costs around $2,500 more than a 2023 Sportage LX Hybrid (with standard AWD). Efficiency ratings for the FWD Sportage Hybrid are 42/44 mpg city/highway and 38/38 mpg for AWD versions like the EX trim presented below. The lowest trim (Blue) of the Tucson Hybrid equals that economy, however other trims only get 37/36 mpg. Both SUVs’ non-hybrid fuel efficiency isn’t as competitive as that of the class leaders.
Please, Let Us Pay For That
Not just the five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty (like Kia’s) but also the free maintenance are some of the biggest benefits of purchasing a new Hyundai. All brand-new Hyundai vehicles come with free basic maintenance visits for three years or 36,000 miles, which is a neat perk you might overlook until it’s time for an oil change.
Off-Road Appeal
It seems like we learn about a new off-road-oriented SUV every month. There are many of vehicles available today that have off-road appeal, including the Subaru Wilderness series, the new Honda TrailSport, the XRT line from Hyundai, and the X-Pro models from Kia. This is an easy victory for Kia, at least right now. Because Kia has something to offer, whether you’re looking for off-road styling with on-road driving manners (X-Line) or a little bit of actual capabilities (X-Pro). The X-Pro model really offers greater capability than the other trims, which lends the line’s overall legitimacy a little bit more. Try the Kia in the X-Pro model instead of the Ford Bronco Sport or Jeep Wrangler if you really want an off-road vehicle.
Sporty Styling
If sporty, street-ready appeal is more important to you, the Hyundai might be a better option. Of course, neither the 2022 Hyundai Tucson nor the 2023 Kia Sportage are sporty to drive, but some customers are content with how they look. The Tucson N Line, which modernizes the SUV’s exterior appearance and adds complex 19-inch wheels, would be a good option in such situation. The inside is dark with red elements throughout, including the gear stalk. The 187-hp engine, though, remains, so it’s all show and no go.
Technology
Have you heard of Hyundai’s excellent Smart Park feature? The function, often referred to as Remote Start Parking Assist, enables you to reverse your automobile out of a small parking place without ever leaving the vehicle. This technology is now available in the new Kia Sportage as well, although only on fully loaded hybrid variants. Top Tucson models built by Hyundai include that technology.
However, Hyundai’s screen size falls short of that of the Kia. In comparison to the Hyundai’s still-huge 10.3-inch touchscreen, the Kia’s 12.3-inch screen is situated higher on the dashboard. Nevertheless, there is more to life than large screens, and we appreciate how both companies utilize infotainment. We salute both brands for providing digital instrument clusters on the majority of trim levels. Although the screens can’t be customized as much as we’d want, the cabin feels more contemporary right away.
Interior and Cargo Space
Both SUVs were on the tiny side of the segment in their previous iterations, but that is no longer the case. Both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson now have spacious cargo spaces and incredibly comfy back seats. The Hyundai has a non-hybrid capacity of 38.7 cubic feet and a normal hybrid capacity that is only a little bit more. That is only slightly less than the 39.6 cubic feet standard version and 39.5 hybrid variant of the Kia. Compare that to the roomy 37.5 cubic feet of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and you’ll see why the Kia and Hyundai both impress us in this regard.
Controls
Although the controls in the new Sportage and Tucson have previously annoyed us, we wish we had better news. There are a few knobs and screen controls on the Sportage that switch between the HVAC and audio functions. It reminds us of a mechanism in the electric Kia EV6 that we didn’t care for. This is avoided by the Hyundai, which instead chooses touch-sensitive controls that look fantastic (image) but don’t perform as well as, say, the large, bulky knobs in the RAV4.
Sportage or Tucson: Which Is Better?
While we adore the Hyundai Tucson’s eye-catching design, we think the Kia Sportage’s screens are superior. If you’re willing to consider a hybrid SUV, we’d suggest the Kia. Nevertheless, the Hyundai offers many benefits, including the N Line model that is an option and three years of maintenance-free service. What we like best about these new models is their roomier interiors, which immediately make them more competitive whether you’re looking at just the Hyundai and Kia or the whole segment.
What Hyundai model is an equivalent to the Kia Sportage?
Hyundai and Kia both offer compact SUVs in the Tucson and Sportage models. Both SUVs share many of the same parts, making them remarkably similar even though they appear to be very different from one another from the exterior.
Is a Hyundai Santa Fe the same size as a Kia Sportage?
In comparison to the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Santa Fe is larger. Off the line, the Santa Fe extends out to a width of 74.4 inches and a length of 187.8 inches. In contrast, the Kia Sportage is only 176.4 inches long and 73 inches broad.
What SUVs are comparable to the Kia Sportage in their class?
10 Alternatives to the Kia Sportage in 2019
- Tiguan by Volkswagen.
- Renault Rogue.
- Cadillac Envision.
- Cherokee Jeep.
- Toyota Eclipse Cross.
- Toyota Escape.
- Honda Forester.
- Dodge Compass.
Hyundai Kona versus Kia Sportage, which is larger?
After discussing the roomy interiors of the 2021 Hyundai Kona and Kia Sportage, it is time to discuss the external construction of these SUVs, which gives them their roomy interiors. These SUVs are classified as compact because of their significantly lower size and improved agility. Here are some details on their outside measurements:
You can see that when compared to the Kia Sportage, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is a little bit smaller all around. For a few reasons, this is not a disadvantage, though. The Kona’s smaller frame makes it more nimble and agile, making it ideal for navigating cities. Tight turns may be a little difficult for the Kia Sportage due to its stockier frame.
Additionally, the Hyundai Kona’s more agile design makes it simpler to park in a small parallel parking space. In comparison to the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Sportage could need to make a few adjustments to their parking maneuvers.
Styling and Presence
Hyundai and Kia have extremely comparable vehicle lineups. Though it’s important to note that Hyundai has established a luxury branch named Genesis that largely addresses those gaps, Kia does provide a few vehicles that Hyundai doesn’t. Hyundai’s aesthetic is generally much more restrained and understated, with slender curves and unobtrusive round forms making up the majority of the design elements. However, compared to their Hyundai cousins, Kia vehicles have sportier style that gives them a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. In a similar vein, compared to the Hyundai model, Kia SUV vehicles have a more robust, off-road oriented look. In general, Hyundai automobiles are more likely to blend in with the crowd, but Kia styling is more angular and futuristic, designed to grab attention and make a statement.
Performance and Handling
Although Hyundai and Kia share platforms and drivetrains, we already established that each company maintains its own independent engineering divisions. This is significant because it enables individual ride and handling characteristics to be tuned for each brand of car. It’s risky to generalize given the large range of vehicles available, including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and vans. In contrast, a comparable Hyundai vehicle is probably going to prioritize a smoother, but disconnected-feeling ride, whilst you will probably find that Kia vehicles provide more dynamic, engaging handling qualities. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but in our opinion, Kia automobiles’ special chassis tuning significantly increases fun.
Price and Value
Kia automobiles are typically less priced than their Hyundai counterparts. The comparable Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,850, while the Kia Forte starts at $17,890. Although the Forte is less priced, Kia didn’t scrimp on quality or features. Like Hyundai, Kia provides one of the best warranties in the industry, which is ten years and 100,000 miles. Both companies offer quality that is unmatched in the industry and stand behind their products. In the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study*, Kia placed third for 2021, ahead of brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, and even Mercedes-Benz. Even Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, ended behind Kia. Only Porsche and Lexus were ranked higher among mass market brands in terms of quality than Kia. At the top of that list, Kia is, in our opinion, in good company. It’s also important to note that J.D. Power named the Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage as the top models in each of their respective classes.
The Kia Advantage
In conclusion, Kia cars offer greater value and better quality, with bolder style and a more dynamic driving experience, even though Kia and Hyundai offer comparable vehicles. Simply put, no matter what you value most in a car, Kia automobiles are better overall. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide. We recognize that purchasing a new car is a significant investment. We advise you to test drive both brands since we are certain that you will ultimately decide on a Kia. Any way you look at it, it’s unquestionably the better option. Please forgive me, Hyundai.
What is the Santa Fe’s Kia equivalent?
While each mid-size SUV has an own interior design, the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe both are equipped with high-end interior technology. Despite this, the two offer comparable features.
Sorento: No matter whatever trim level is selected, the Kia Sorento comes with a long list of standard equipment. The LX, S, and EX models each feature an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the SX and SX Prestige models feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen system. The Sorento also includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power door locks, power windows, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, USB charging ports in all three rows, a 12-volt power outlet in the front row, and another in the cargo area. Finally, each Sorento has Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity.
On all versions aside from the base, features like SiriusXM satellite radio, UVO link remote connectivity, and Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control are standard. The LX, S, EX, and SX versions all come with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster and a 6-speaker sound system as standard, but the SX Prestige vehicles add a 12-speaker Bose system and a 12.3-inch Supervision Meter Cluster LCD display. All versions come with the Smart Key system, however the base Sorento just has keyless entry while the other variants have remote start and an immobilizer. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on SX and SX Prestige models, and wireless phone charging is standard on EX, SX, and SX Prestige models. The heated steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are the final features of the SX Prestige package.
Cloth seats with a 6-way driver’s seat, a 4-way front passenger seat, a 60/40 split second row, and reclined 50/50 split third row are included as standard equipment on the Kia Sorento LX. When you upgrade to the Sorento S, you receive SynTex leather on the seats from front to back, a 10-way driver’s seat, a 4-way front passenger’s seat, a second row with a 60/40 split, and third row seats with reclining 50/50 splits. The front seats, third-row seats, and SynTex upholstery on the EX models are identical to those on the S models, but the EX also has second-row captain’s chairs, lowering the maximum occupancy to six persons. Both the Sorento SX and SX Prestige versions include 10-way power-adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat with a 50/50 split, all of which are upholstered in premium leather or SynTex, depending on the model. The SX Prestige models come with special cooled seats, while the S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige variants come standard with heated seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a gear change lever.
Hyundai Sante Fe: The Limited and Calligraphy variants have a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the SE and SEL models have an 8-inch color touchscreen. The Rear View Monitor with parking assistance, steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise control systems, a tilt/telescoping steering column, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, power door locks, and power windows are additional features included with all Sante Fe models.
While Limited and Calligraphy variants come with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a high-end Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system, SE and SEL models come standard with a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display cluster and a 6-speaker audio system. Next, all models above the base SE come standard with Blue Link Connection Car Services, HD Radio, and wireless charging, while Limited and Calligraphy models come standard with Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitoring system, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The two Calligraphy variants also come with a heads-up display as standard equipment.
Yes Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats with a 6-way driver seat adjustment and a second-row bench seat with a 60/40 split-folding are standard on the Hyundai Sante Fe SE. The Sante Fe SEL has the same upholstery and back seat, but it also has heated surfaces for both front seats and a driver’s seat that can be adjusted in eight different ways. The power-adjustable front seats and 60/40 rear seats on Limited models also have leather seating surfaces. They also have ventilated front seats in addition to heated and heated rear seats. The Calligraphy models also include a 60/40 split back seat with heat for the outboard positions, luxury quilted Nappa leather interior surfaces, and heated and cooled 8-way electrically adjustable front seats.
The list of standard items varies by trim level, but both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe provide many of the same inside elements. Hyundai has an advantage in terms of interior luxury thanks to the Sante Fe’s availability of more high-end electronics and seating sooner in the lineup while providing more premium features on the top-of-the-line variants.