If fuel cost matters most
Kia Sportage with up to 38 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage
Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Sportage is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the Sportage reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Hyundai Tucson | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2004 - present | 1993 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 230 hp | 265 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 37 MPG | 38 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2021/2022) | 1 | 1 |
| Latest dimensions | 4500 × 1865 × 1650 mm | 4515 × 1865 × 1645 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1588 kg (3501 lbs) | 1693 kg (3732 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Hybrid | Petrol, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid |
If power matters most
Kia Sportage with a verified peak of 265 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Hyundai TucsonTucson IV 1.6 T-GDI | Kia SportageSportage V 1.6 T-GDI |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 1.6L (1598 cc) | 1.6L (1598 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 250 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 8.8 s | 9.9 s |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 189 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch | Manual |
| Gears | 7 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 28.0 MPG | 30.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 36.0 MPG | 38.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 31.0 MPG | 34.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 158 g/km | 155 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4500 mm | 4515 mm |
| Width | 1865 mm | 1865 mm |
| Height | 1650 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1520 kg | 1500 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Tucson or the Sportage?
Kia Sportage wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 38 MPG, versus 37 MPG for the Hyundai Tucson.
Which has more horsepower, the Tucson or the Sportage?
Kia Sportage reaches the higher verified peak at 265 hp, compared with 230 hp for the Hyundai Tucson.
Which is safer: Tucson or Sportage?
Hyundai Tucson has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Kia Sportage has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.