Compare the2025 Kia SportageVS 2025 Hyundai Tucson

Both the Sportage and the Tucson have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in long-term dependability. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Hyundai is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 1 place higher in reliability than Hyundai.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Kia Sportage higher (7 out of 10) than the Hyundai Tucson (6). This means the Sportage produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Tucson every 15,000 miles.

The Sportage has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Tucson doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Sportage has a larger cargo volume than the Tucson with its rear seat up (39.6 vs. 38.7 cubic feet).

The Sportage’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Tucson’s (2500 vs. 2000 pounds).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Sportage X-Pro to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Tucson doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Both the Sportage and the Tucson offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Sportage has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Tucson doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Sportage will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Sportage will retain 54.88% to 56.18% of its original price after five years, while the Tucson only retains 52.49% to 54.46%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson, based on reliability, safety and performance.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its February 2023 issue and the Kia Sportage X-Pro won out over the Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sportage third among compact suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Tucson isn’t in the top three.