Kia Sportage Vs. Hyundai Tucson: Price, Specs, And Tech

Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson: Which is the Small SUV for You?

When scouting for an agile SUV designed for family adventures, there are good reasons to compare Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson crossovers. These two expressive models are similarly sized, granting passengers over 41 inches of legroom in the front and back rows. They also produce similar power. However, there are some key areas where the Kia Sportage pulls ahead.

We at Gunther Motor Company want you to have all the facts you need to decide on your next ride. Our Kia Sportage versus Hyundai Tucson guide will give you the specs, and then you can come to our location to explore the Sportage in person.

Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson Technology & Interior

Let's start with a glance at the cabin of these vehicles. When you climb into a Sportage or a Tucson, you'll relax with 41.4 inches of front-row legroom and 41.3 inches of rear legroom. You'll also have access to a cavernous amount of storage space, though this metric leans in favor of the Sportage. The Kia model offers class-leading cargo room.⁵

Technology specs are varied, but the Sportage has an edge. The Kia Sportage offers seven trims, letting you match features to your budget much easier than the five trims of the Tucson. For example, the Kia SUV comes standard with a 12.2-inch instrument gauge, while the Hyundai option has a 4.2-inch one and needs to climb two trims to access a 12.3-inch digital option. Heated seats are available on the base trim of the Sportage, while drivers of a Hyundai Tucson require purchasing its second trim, the SEL, for heated front seats.

Speaking of seat comfort, enjoy an available 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in a Sportage. The Tucson maxes out at eight-way seat adjustments. You can save how you like your seat positioned with driver's seat memory in four out of seven Sportage trims, or you can purchase the most expensive Tucson trim to access the same system. The Sportage gets access to a panoramic sunroof starting on its second trim – the EX. This is a feature that is standard on the final Limited trim of the Tucson.

Given these disparities, we find the Kia Sportage cabin more welcoming.

Explore Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage Performance Specs

Just like how their dimensions are similar, the Tucson and Sportage utilize engines with the same displacement and power. A 2.0-liter I-4 provides 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque in both scenarios. That power is also sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While both the Sportage and Tucson boast the same 28 MPG (Combined),^1,2 there is one thing that differentiates the performance of these two engines: towing capacity. The Sportage can haul 500 more pounds than the Tucson.^3,4 If you want to safely pull a small utility trailer or a light teardrop trailer, that extra potency is valuable.

The MPG mentioned above is with FWD. The Sportage and Tuscon have available AWD, which helps with off-roading, as does their up to 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson Comparison: Safety

Another segment where the Sportage and Tucson share many qualities is in the realm of safety. The NHTSA rated both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson as five out of five stars in 2024.^{6, 7}

The Sportage and Tucson have standard assistance technology like Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as available safety tech like Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, Blind-Spot View Monitors, and 360-Degree Cameras. However, the Sportage often has these features on more trims than the Hyundai Tucson. To see more about how the Kia Sportage keeps your family safe compared to other vehicles, review our Gunther vehicle model research.

See More of the Kia Sportage at Gunther Motor Company

We hope this guide has showcased how impressive the Kia Sportage is in the small SUV sector. You'll feel how excellently the Sportage handles when you stop by our showroom for a test drive. However, if you want more proof of how this invigorating option compares to other SUVs, see our Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento guide.

We can also help you understand Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5 advantages if you're still interested in learning about other small SUVs. Begin a discussion about your next vehicle today.

FAQ About Tucson vs. Sportage SUVs

Does the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage have better safety features?

The Kia Sportage offers impressive standard driver-assistance technology, including Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. Many trims also utilize Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. The Hyundai Tucson has great driver-assistance support, too. However, features like a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist are saved for the top-level trim.

Which offers better technology features: a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage?

While the Tucson and Sportage are comparable in premium trim technology, standard features tell a different story. The base Tucson, for example, comes with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, whereas the Sportage has a 12.2-inch one. You can add heated front seats to the base Sportage trim, while you need to get the second-level Tucson SEL for the same benefit.

Which SUV has a more spacious interior: a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage?

The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage share impressively roomy seating, with both models boasting 41.4-inch front and 41.3-inch rear legrooms. However, the Sportage has class-leading SAE cargo room,⁵ offering 39.6 cubic feet of storage space. This makes it perfect for busy families who want to take luggage, tent equipment, and more on their next weekend excursion.

Continue Your Research:

¹Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

²All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

³Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.

⁴Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

⁵Comparison based on publicly available data regarding cargo room behind the 2nd row of seats in 2024/2025 Sub-Compact SUVs as of June 2024. Sub-Compact SUV class as defined by Kia segmentation.

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/KIA/SPORTAGE/SUV/FWD

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/SUV/FWD