kia sportage vs tucson Page 12

The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are fraternal twins: same platform, similar engines, very different wardrobes.

Under the skin they’re practically sharing socks, but the vibe from the driver’s seat is a shade different.

Both are comfy, safe mid-size SUVs that sip modestly in diesel form and feel a bit breathless with the base 2.0 petrol.

Kia Sportage

• Pros: 7-year warranty, sharp cabin design (especially higher trims), locally tuned ride/handling, and a smooth diesel with an 8-speed auto.
• Cons: The 2.0L non-turbo petrol is merely fine and a tad thirsty, big wheels can firm up the ride, and the 1.6T’s DCT can fidget in stop‑start traffic.

Hyundai Tucson

• Pros: Spacious, comfy and tidy to drive, user-friendly infotainment, and the diesel/8-speed combo is a quiet achiever.
• Cons: 5-year warranty, the base 2.0L petrol also lacks punch, and higher-spec wheel/tyre packages can nibble at ride comfort.

Pricing and running costs are neck-and-neck in Australia. Pick by cabin feel, ride preference and warranty priorities, then go for a long test drive and see which one flatters your commute.