The 2024 Kia Sportage and the 2024 Hyundai TUCSON are among the most popular compact SUVs. They’re known for being practical, versatile, and offering great value. In this article, we’ll compare the latest models of the Sportage and TUCSON in depth. By the end, you’ll know which SUV suits your unique driving needs and wants.
Exterior Design
The Kia Sportage and Hyundai TUCSON have different exterior looks, even though they’re similar in size. The Sportage has a bold, sporty style with sharp angles and a prominent grille. It comes in eye-catching colors such as yellow and green. The TUCSON has a smoother, more rounded shape. It looks a bit more grown-up and classy. You can get it in unique shades such as teal. Both SUVs have cool LED lights and sleek wheel designs for a commanding road presence.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Sportage and TUCSON have roomy cabins with space for five people. Interior highlights include dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and panoramic sunroofs. No matter which one you pick, you’ll have a comfortable, well-equipped cabin for everyday driving and road trips.
When it comes to tech, the Sportage stands out above the rest. It has an expansive curved screen that combines the digital gauges and touch screen into one slick panel. The TUCSON’s setup is more traditional, with separate screens. Both SUVs have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and premium audio systems on higher trims.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The Kia Sportage and Hyundai TUCSON have the same standard engine — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. They come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). This setup gives you decent acceleration and fuel economy for a compact SUV.
Regarding fuel economy, the Kia Sportage FWD offers 25 mpg on city roadways and 33 mpg on the highway, delivering a combined 28 mpg. The AWD variant has a fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, offering a combined 25 mpg. Conversely, the Hyundai TUCSON FWD version offers 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for a combined 28 mpg. The TUCSON AWD variant delivers 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for a combined 25 mpg.
The Sportage and TUCSON have a smooth, comfortable ride and easy handling. The Sportage’s steering feels a bit sportier, but the TUCSON is quieter inside. Overall, they’re evenly matched for everyday driving.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in any family SUV, and the Sportage and TUCSON don’t disappoint. Both come standard with numerous driver-assistance programs, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades include adaptive cruise control and surround-view cameras.
The TUCSON has earned top crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. We expect the Sportage to perform just as well since it shares the same platform and safety features. You can feel confident putting your loved ones in either of these vehicles.
Cargo Space and Versatility
Compact SUVs are popular because they’re so practical, and the Sportage and TUCSON are great examples. The TUCSON has a bit more cargo space, with 38.7 cubic feet behind the back seats and 80.3 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage is close behind with 36.6 and 74.1 cubic feet, respectively.
The rear seats on both models are foldable for hauling more oversized items. They also have convenient release levers in the cargo area, so you don’t have to walk around to the side doors. Other handy features include hands-free power liftgates, underfloor storage compartments, and roof rails for attaching cargo carriers or bike racks. Whether you must pack up for a camping trip, bring home a big haul from the garden center, or help a friend move, the Sportage and TUCSON make it easy. They’re versatile vehicles that can adapt to your changing needs.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2024 Kia Sportage has an MSRP of $27,190 for the base LX trim with FWD. The MSRP increases to $39,365 for the rugged X-Pro Prestige model with AWD. The EX, SX, and X-Line trims are in between, with varying features and amenities. The 2024 Hyundai TUCSON has a similar MSRP, starting at $27,250 for the SE trim and reaching $36,510 for the Limited. The Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models cost more, starting at $33,370 and $39,680 respectively. Other TUCSON trims include SEL, XRT, and N Line.
Both lineups offer much value for the money, with generous standard features and competitive pricing. Higher trims add leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and larger wheels. Choosing the right trim depends on your budget and which features matter most to your driving needs.
Warranty and Ownership Experience
Kia and Hyundai are known for having some of the best warranties in the business. The Sportage has a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is available for five years with no mileage limit. Kia also throws in three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The TUCSON has a nearly identical warranty but without free maintenance coverage. Both brands have a strong reputation for reliability and low long-term ownership costs. With proper care, your Sportage or TUCSON should give you many years of trouble-free driving.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to test-drive any ride before making a final purchase decision. That’s where Huffines Kia McKinney comes in. Our friendly sales staff would be happy to get you behind the wheel of a new Sportage so you can see what makes it unique. We have a great selection of Sportage models in stock, with competitive pricing and financing options.
Test-Drive the Kia Sportage at Huffines Kia McKinney
After carefully comparing the 2024 Kia Sportage and 2024 Hyundai TUCSON, it’s clear that both compact SUVs are excellent choices. However, the Sportage edges out the TUCSON in this close battle thanks to its bold styling, engaging driving dynamics, and impressive technology features.
Book a test drive at Huffines Kia McKinney and see why the Sportage is the best choice. Get behind the wheel, play with the cutting-edge technology, and feel the thrill of its sporty performance. Consider browsing our current Sportage inventory online, then visit our showroom for a closer look.