What are the sizes of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage?

At first glance, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage might seem like distant cousins rather than siblings, thanks to their distinct exterior designs. However, they share many mechanical and electrical components because they’re both products of Hyundai Motor Group. Size-wise, the two are almost identical—the Tucson is a centimetre shorter and three centimetres taller than the Sportage, with nearly the same width. For context, both are comparable to the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq.

Red Hyundai Tucson driving on a road with trees in the background.

Hyundai Tucson 

Blue Kia Sportage driving on a rural road.Kia Sportage

What interior and tech features do the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage offer?

Inside, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage continue to showcase their unique styles. The Tucson opts for a conventional look focused on functionality and comfort, while the Sportage offers a dash of visual flair. Both models typically come with a touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (check for availability in your specific model). Though the systems may lack the futuristic appeal of the Peugeot 3008, they are user-friendly and efficient.

Interior of a Hyundai Tucson showing the dashboard, steering wheel, gear shift, and center console.

Interior of a Kia Sportage showing the dashboard, steering wheel, gear shift, and center console.

 

How practical are the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage?

When it comes to practicality, both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage shine. You’ll find generous rear-seat space in both models, comfortably fitting two adults or even three at a squeeze. However, headroom can be a bit tight for taller passengers if the car features a panoramic roof. Fortunately, both models offer reclining rear seats for added comfort.

 

Backseat of a Hyundai Tucson showing two white leather seats with a center armrest and cup holders.

Backseat of a Kia Sportage showing two black fabric seats with a center armrest and cup holders.

 

How much boot space do the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage have?

Boot space is another crucial factor for family SUVs, and here the Hyundai Tucson has a slight edge with 513 litres of capacity. This is more than enough for a large pushchair or a family dog. The Kia Sportage offers 491 litres, which drops to 467 litres in models with a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel enginedue to the AdBlue tank. Both cars allow you to fold down the rear seats to increase capacity—1,503 litres in the Tucson and 1,480 litres in the Sportage.

Cargo area of a Hyundai Tucson with the rear seats folded down.

 

Cargo area of a Kia Sportage with the rear seats folded down.

How do the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage drive?

Driving dynamics are where the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage diverge slightly. The Tucson aims for a smooth, relaxed experience, while the Sportage offers a more engaging drive. While neither can match the fun factor of a Seat Ateca, the Sportage does feel more responsive on winding roads. 

Both models share the same range of engines, with adequate performance across the board. However, you might find yourself shifting gears more frequently with the lower-powered variants.

What are the running costs of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage?

Given their shared lineage, it’s no surprise that the running costs for the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are similar. Fuel economy is solid but not spectacular, with the petrol Tucson offering up to 37.2mpg and the diesel models up to 49.6mpg. The Sportage slightly edges out with up to 38.7mpg for petrol models and 53.3mpg for diesel. Both cars had mild-hybrid diesel versions available in later models to help keep fuel costs down.

How safe and reliable are the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage?

Safety and reliability are strong points for both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Both models scored five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests conducted in 2015, although testing standards have evolved since then. 

Both brands are known for their dependable vehicles, often ranking high in owner-satisfaction surveys. Each model comes with an impressive warranty—seven years for Kia and five years for Hyundai, provided the car is serviced according to manufacturer specifications.

Silver Hyundai Tucson driving on a city street.
Blue Kia Sportage driving through a deep puddle on a rural road.

What are the dimensions of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage?

Hyundai Tucson Dimensions

  • Length: 4,475mm
  • Width (excluding mirrors): 1,850mm
  • Height: 1,660mm
  • Boot space: 513 litres

Kia Sportage Dimensions

  • Length: 4,485mm
  • Width (excluding mirrors): 1,855mm
  • Height: 1,635mm
  • Boot space: 467-491 litres
    Red Hyundai Tucson parked on a road with trees in the background.

    Blue Kia Sportage parked on a dirt road with trees in the background. The car has a black grille with the Kia logo and the license plate "LC20 XRS."

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage Verdict

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage offer a well-rounded package, making them excellent choices for a family SUV. Your decision might ultimately come down to specific needs and preferences. The Tucson excels in space and comfort, while the Sportage offers a more engaging driving experience and a slightly more premium feel. 

In this comparison, we give the edge to the Kia Sportage for its driving dynamics and marginally better fuel economy, but you can’t go wrong with either model.

Blue Kia Sportage driving on a road with a field in the background. The car has a black grille with the Kia logo and the license plate "LC20 XRS."

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both models offer a well-rounded package suitable for families, with each having its strengths. 

While the Tucson may win on space and comfort, the Sportage edges out with its driving dynamics and slightly better fuel economy. Regardless of your choice, both cars promise reliability, safety, and a satisfying driving experience. 

If you’re ready to make a decision or need more insights, don’t hesitate to explore our detailed car-buying guides and discover more about these and other great vehicles.