2022 Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage: Which SUV is Better?

Hyundai has launched the all-new fourth-generation version of the Tucson, which now happens to be the flagship SUV from the Korean carmaker in India. Compared to the previous version it replaced, the new Hyundai Tucson looks extremely radical and premium. This massive transformation received by the new Tucson has made it more appealing and premium even than the other midsize SUVs like Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross and Volkswagen Tiguan, all of which were priced higher than it before. Without a doubt, the new Hyundai Tucson has instantly become the new benchmark among premium midsize SUVs in India.

However, while all the rivals of the new Tucson are potent in their ways, there is one SUV which is still not present in the Indian context but has the potential to give Tucson some serious nightmares. We are talking about the fifth-generation Kia Sportage, which is now available in global markets and is yet to come to India. Just like the new Tucson, the Sportage is a massive leap from its previous version. Many of you might not know, but both Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are sister models based on the same platform and powered by the same set of powertrain combinations.

Finding the better SUV between the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage can be a bit of brainstorming, but we have reached a conclusion after a detailed comparison between the two. 

Price

With the pricing ranging between Rs 27.70-34.39 lakh, the new Hyundai Tucson has become much more expensive than ever before. At the same time, the Kia Sportage is still not available officially in the Indian car market. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the prices of all the variants of the Hyundai Tucson in India:

Hyundai Tucson

• Platinum (petrol) – Rs 27.70 lakh
• Signature (petrol) – Rs 30.20 lakh
• Platinum (diesel) – Rs 30.17 lakh
• Signature (diesel) – Rs 32.87 lakh
• Signature AWD (diesel) – Rs 34.39 lakh

(All prices mentioned above are ex-showroom, pan India)

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Engine and Performance

For the Indian car market, the Hyundai Tucson has been launched with two potent engine options – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. While the petrol engine produces 156 PS of power and 192 Nm of torque and is available solely with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the diesel engine produces 186 PS of power and 417 Nm of torque and is offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Kia Sportage is also available with both these engines and transmission choices, and that too is in the same state of tune. In addition to these powertrains, both the Tucson and Sportage are also available with other engines, such as 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid and 1.6-litre diesel.

Petrol

Diesel

Exterior and Dimension

There’s nothing much to differentiate between the dimensions of both Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, however, it is the Tucson which is marginally longer and taller. However, despite that, the boot space of the Kia Sportage is significantly more than that of the Hyundai Tucson.

Design

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are radically different and extremely dramatic in their looks when compared to their respectively last generation models. However, if you compare the two in their current forms, it is the Tucson which looks sharper and more aggressive than the Sportage. The Tucson looks more futuristic with its sensuous sportiness design language, comprising of a parametric front grille with concealed daytime running LEDs, extensive cuts and creases on the side profile and claw-shaped LED tail lamps joined by an LED light bar at the back.

However, the Kia Sportage has a lot of visual drama to it, with a bold-looking front profile which looks more SUV-ish of the two. It has an aggressive and wide-looking front fascia with the latest iteration of the Tiger-nose grille and LED headlamps. However, compared to Tucson, the side and rear profiles look lesser dramatic and comparatively cleaner. If you like your SUV to look a bit sober in appeal but flashy at the same time, the Kia Sportage should be your pick. Otherwise, Tucson steals the show with its extremely extrovert design lines.

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Interior and Features

When you compare the interiors of the two SUVs, the story takes an altogether different turn. Contrary to the exterior, it is the Kia Sportage which feels more radical and futuristic on the inside, compared to the Tucson.

The Hyundai Tucson has a cleaner-looking dashboard, comprising a pop-up style rectangular TFT instrument console and a cascading centre console comprising of a wide touchscreen infotainment system and touch-sensitive buttons for climate control. On the other hand, the Kia Sportage looks more new-age and unique with its wide curved full-TFT cockpit screen comprising both the TFT instrument console and touchscreen infotainment screen in a single panel. The conventional buttons for the climate control housed in a sleek panel are also easier to use than the touch-sensitive buttons of the Tucson, while on the go.

In terms of features, both the SUVs are evenly loaded with premium kit, including dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents, panoramic sunroof, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car features and telematics, wireless charger, electric tailgate and more. Even the list of safety features is the same, which also includes a full suite of autonomous driving assistance systems.

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Verdict

Given that they share basic platform and engine options, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage feel the same to drive and have the same levels of comfort and space on the inside. However, both the SUVs have very different appeals when it comes to looks, both in and out. While the Tucson has a more dramatic exterior appearance, the Sportage has a more futuristic-looking cabin with more convenient controls. However, for the time being, there’s no Sportage available in India, which makes the Hyundai Tucson a relatively more default option for us to choose.

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