Today we’re taking a look at the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage because they’re a popular pair of cousins. Both the 2023 Hyundai Tucson and 2023 Kia Sportage are making waves in the SUV world, but are they the same? How closely related are they? 

Are the 2023 Kia Sportage and 2023 Hyundai Tucson the same? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson could be more than cousins. These SUVs could be pretty similar, like a set of twins. However, they’re fraternal, not identical. This means that they don’t look the same. 

Both SUVs ride on the same Hyundai-Kia N3 platform. It’s padded with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension setup in the rear. So, both of these models have a better ride compared to their predecessors. 

Also, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson both have a 108.5-inch wheelbase. They offer a similar amount of passenger space. Both options provide 41.3 inches of rear legroom. 

However, according to Cars Direct, the Tucson provides up to 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 6.2 cubes more than the Sportage has to offer. 

Does the Tucson or Sportage have more power? 

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson and 2023 Kia Sportage have the same standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It cranks out 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine helps the SUVs accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds. 

This isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s adequate. Also, you can upgrade to the hybrid setup. The Sportage Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid pair a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and batter pack. 

The system churns out 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This helps both SUVs reach 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. 

With the gas engine, the Tucson gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, while the Sportage gets an EPA-estimated 28 mph combined. 

But the Kia Sportage Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg combined, while the Tucson Hybrid maxes out at an EPA-estimated 38 mpg. Also, the Sportage Hybrid starts at $24,460 lbs less than the Tucson Hybrid. 

Also, the Kia Sportage X-Pro increases the ground clearance to 8.3 inches, has skid plates, comes with a locking differential, and features multi-terrain off-roading modes. The Hyundai Tucson XRT off-roading trim isn’t as beefy. 

Tucson vs. Sportage: Which model has better tech? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage has a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen that can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch unit. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson kicks things off with an 8.8-inch screen that can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch unit. 

Both SUVs could benefit from more physical controls. Also, you can opt for a wireless charging pad, ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, an upgraded digital gauge cluster, and built-in navigation. 

The Tuscon and Sportage are pretty similar in price, tech, and performance. However, the Tucson spices things up a bit with paddle shifters. It gets a slightly better fuel economy with the gas-powered engine too. 

But the Sportage has more off-roading capabilities, and the hybrid model has a better fuel economy. We recommend test-driving both models to see which one looks better and provides more comfort.