Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: 2022 twin test review

These SUVs are among the best-sellers in the UK this year. Which is better?

If there’s one key indicator of just how successful these two brands have become, then the sales of the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson tell a big part of the story. 

Based on the latest new-car registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Kia has sold 18,206 Sportages in 2022 up to the end of July, making it the fifth most popular car in the UK. Sitting just behind in sixth, on 17,173 units, is the Tucson. Both are currently more popular with buyers than anything Volkswagen produces, including the Golf.

Of the four match-ups that we’ve assembled here, the Tucson and the Sportage are the most similar, at least under the skin. The fifth-generation Sportage and the Mk4 Tucson both use the same Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, both use MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension arrangement at the back, too. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Both offer similar petrol engines, all of which are based around a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit, but the Sportage is also available with a mild-hybrid diesel option that produces a hefty 320Nm of torque. 

The petrols get various degrees of hybrid assistance, ranging from none at all to a plug-in arrangement. The entry-level 148bhp version can be chosen as a standard combustion model, or a 48-volt mild-hybrid. Above those are the full-hybrid cars we have here; they can cover short distances on electric power alone and, at 226bhp, they make more power than the MHEV models. The PHEV increases that figure to 261bhp, and can cover around 38 miles on a charge. 

From a driving point of view, there’s not much in it. The Sportage has lighter controls, so at lower speeds it’s slightly easier to move around. Conversely, the Tucson feels brilliantly stable and solid at high speeds. Both are more focused on comfort, but the Tucson is a little softer, something that we prefer from an SUV like this.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fabia Estate

2018 Skoda

Fabia Estate

54,119 milesManualDiesel1.4L

Cash £9,300
View Fabia Estate
I-PACE

2023 Jaguar

I-PACE

37,565 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £23,995
View I-PACE
A4

2017 Audi

A4

94,078 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £11,700
View A4
Qashqai

2016 Nissan

Qashqai

98,861 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £6,500
View Qashqai

The engines can sound a little coarse under hard acceleration, but the integration of the hybrid systems means that you don’t need to explore their limits too often anyway. The transition between petrol and electric propulsion is also smooth.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The differences are mainly cosmetic. The Tucson’s dramatic front end employs a near-solid bank of LED lights that makes it look like nothing else on the road. The same can be said for the Sportage, which features a wide grille that’s flanked by some angular headlights.

Inside, the Kia is inspired by the EV6, with a wraparound dash giving a sporty alternative to the Hyundai’s sturdy-looking design. There’s little to separate the two for space; rear kneeroom in the Tucson is very slightly better because the backs of the front seats are a little more sculpted inwards. In the boot, it’s 616 litres versus 587, in the Hyundai’s favour.

Across most of the range with the most closely matched trims, the Tucson slightly undercuts the Sportage for monthly PCP figures at first glance. The top-spec Tucson Ultimate with a hybrid powertrain costs £535 per month when you place a £4,000 deposit on a three-year agreement with a 10,000-mile annual limit. When powered by the same hybrid set-up, the Sportage GT-Line S is priced from £573 per month. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

But those numbers are closer in reality, because the Kia has a little more standard driver-assistance kit. For instance, the Remote Park assist, which can drive the car out of a tight parking spot from the outside using the key, is included on the Sportage, but is part of a £1,500 Tech Pack with the Tucson.

Verdict

First place: Hyundai Tucson

Of all the matches we’ve made here, this is the closest. The Hyundai takes the win for the smallest of reasons: it’s very slightly more comfortable than the Sportage, the boot is a touch larger, and if you don’t feel the need to tick every option box, it’s slightly cheaper on a monthly finance deal, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Second place: Kia Sportage

While the Sportage takes second, it still has all of the Tucson’s strengths to a very narrow degree. It’s practical, great to drive, and has a cracking warranty. We’d let your choice come down to three things: which car is available first, which dealer offers the best deal and which one’s looks you prefer. 

Figures

 

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi HEV GT-Line S

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid Ultimate

On the road price

£39,400

£38,310

Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)

£21,650/55.0%

£20,350/53.1%

Annual tax liability std/higher rate

£2,525/£5,050

£2,358/£4,716

Insurace group/quote/road tax cost

25/£627/£155

20/£621/£155

Servicing costs

£589 (3 years)

£602 (3 years)

   

Length/wheelbase

4,515/2,680mm

4,500/2,680mm

Height/width

1,650/1,865mm

1,651/1,865mm

Engine

4cyl in-line/1,598cc

4cyl in-line/1,598cc

Peak power

227/5,500 bhp/rpm

227/5,500 bhp/rpm

Peak torque

350/1,500 Nm/rpm

350/1,500 Nm/rpm

Transmission

6-speed auto/FWD

6-speed auto/FWD

Fuel tank capacity

52 litres

52 litres

Boot capacity (seats up/down)

587/1,776 litres

616/1,795 litres

Kerbweight

1,649kg

1,564kg

Turning circle

10.9 metres

10.9 metres

Basic warranty (miles)

7yrs (100,000)/1yr

5yrs (unlimited)/1yr

NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars

87/86/66/72/5 (2022)

86/87/66/70/5 (2021)

Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.

3rd/6th

11th/12th

   

0-62mph

7.7 secs (0-60mph)

8.0 secs (0-62mph)

Top Speed

120mph

120mph

WLTP mpg

48.7mpg

49.6mpg

Claimed CO2/tax bracket

132g/km/31%

131g/km/31%

Now read our twin test of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £14,900
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £18,185Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £9,800
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,275
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution
Connecting charger to Hyundai Tucson PHEV

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution

Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
News
19 May 2025
New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here’s everything we know so far
News
20 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025