Are you thinking about getting behind the wheel of either the 2023 Kia Sportage or the 2023 Hyundai Tucson? These crossover SUVs are mechanically similar but differ in other ways. Find out the differences between the two models in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Performance and gas mileage

As mechanically similar models, the 2023 Kia Sportage and 2023 Hyundai Tucson offer the same three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 hp). 

With the same engine options, the Sportage and Tucson are similarly efficient. The gas-powered models have an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid have a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the plug-in hybrid models have a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Towing

On the towing front, the Sportage has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Tucson.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Off-road capabilities

The Sportage also has the advantage for off-road capabilities. Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, while the Tucson offers a rugged XRT trim, it doesn’t match the off-road capabilities of the Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims. Notable features for the Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige include B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black off-road wheels, and multi-terrain drive modes with settings for Sport, Smart, Snow, and Normal.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Safety

The Sportage and Tucson offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes brake assist, a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and electronic stability control.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Passenger and cargo space

The Sportage and Tucson are about the same size, resulting in an identical amount of passenger space. Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five passengers and have a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft. However, the Tucson provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft, compared to 74.1 cu-ft for the Sportage.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Warranty coverage

Both the Sportage and Tucson have very generous warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Sportage, the Tucson has a free maintenance plan, with three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

Sportage vs. Tucson: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Sportage or the 2023 Tucson? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim.

For the 2023 Tucson, the price information is not yet available, but it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Tucson. The starting price of the 2022 Tucson ranges from $24,950 MSRP for the SE trim up to $43,200 MSRP for the Limited Plug-In Hybrid trim. 

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison, the two compact crossover SUVs are evenly matched in many ways. However, there are some differences. The 2023 Sportage has advantages for towing and off-road capabilities. Conversely, the 2023 Tucson has advantages for cargo space and a free maintenance plan.