2025 Kia Sportage Vs. 2025 Hyundai Tucson: Detailed Comparison
Why pit the Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson against each other? Because these gas-powered rivals share platforms, engines, IIHS wins,1,2 and passenger seating. However, we're sure the Sportage will capture your heart with its broader trim range, higher towing capacity, extra safety systems, plush ride quality, and off-road capabilities. Settle the 2025 Kia Sportage vs. 2025 Hyundai Tucson once and for all as our Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte team pulls back the curtain to reveal the best compact SUV for your money.
Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV Wins?
- 2025 Kia Sportage: The new Kia Sportage showcases triple-year award wins for "Best Family SUV",3 a minimum 12.2-inch instrument screen, front and rear skid plates, a 2,500-pound tow rating,4 and a 19.3-inch breakover angle to negotiate steep inclines.
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson: Making its best effort to keep pace with the Sportage, this year's Tucson comes with styling and infotainment refreshes and a "Best Compact SUV for the Money" award,5 but with a lower towing strength than the Kia Sportage, we're not sure how.
- Biggest Similarities: Both models are fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain, sound-absorbing windshield, cloth or faux leather upholstery, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and heated side mirrors in the second trim and higher.
- Biggest Differences: The Hyundai Tucson has a smidgen more trunk space and an ever-so-slightly higher MPG when built with AWD, while the Kia Sportage has two additional trim levels, all-terrain capabilities in its top two variants, bonus safety features like Hill Start Assist Control, and a much larger standard instrument display.
2025 Kia Sportage vs. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Specs & Off-Road Performance
Both the Sportage and the Tucson share a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain with equal horsepower and torque specs and they ride on the same 108.5-inch wheelbase, but the Sportage still pulls ahead. Sign up for one of our Kia Sportage lease deals , and you'll unlock premium Kia towing and off-road power.
The compact Sportage looks small but performs mightily, giving drivers the opportunity to seamlessly switch between off-road adventure and comfortable travel. Because the Sportage is known for its ability to soak up road imperfections and maintain composure through turns, shoppers can choose any of the first five Sportage trims for premium ride quality. When you're ready to hit the trails, the all-terrain-tuned X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige are up to the challenge. Every Sportage comes with a 2,500-pound towing capacity4 and front and rear skid plates that protect its undercarriage from rocks and debris.
In sharp contrast, the Tucson's ride quality and handling is described as "adequate" and "agreeable"6 – not quite the most attractive descriptions. Towing is limited to 2,000 pounds,7 and you won't find skid plates, fog lights, or all-terrain tires on any Tucson trim like you will on Sportage variants, so off-roading isn't recommended in this Hyundai.
Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson Reliability & Safety
Like all our new Kia vehicles, the 2025 Sportage is built on a foundation of reliable performance. The new Tucson is also a highly dependable SUV, evidenced by the fact that these Kia and Hyundai rivals earned 4 out of 5 Repairpal reliability ratings this year.8,9 Both SUVs also come with industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile warranties10,11 for added peace of mind, so which one should you choose?
The Kia Sportage and its longer list of safety systems get our vote for most reliable SUV in this comparison. The Sportage integrates standard tools like Lane Departure Warning, Hill Start Assist Control, and Dynamic Parking Guidance, options that the Tucson just can't produce to protect you and your vehicle. Overall, if you want an SUV that's as committed to the well-being of you and your wallet, these Kia trims take the cake.
Compare Kia Sportage to Hyundai Tucson: Specs, Safety & More
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2025 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Trim Options | 7 | 5 |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Engine Horsepower / Torque | 187 / 178 lb-ft | 187 / 178 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD / Available AWD | FWD / Available AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 lbs4 | 2,000 lbs7 |
| Reliability Rating | 4 out of 58 | 4 out of 59 |
| Warranty Coverage | 10 yr / 100,000 mi10 | 10 yr / 100,000 mi11 |
| EPA-Est MPG (City / Hwy) |
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| Standard Technology |
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| Standard Safety Systems |
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| Off-Road Features |
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None |
| Automotive Awards |
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Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson Size
To continue this Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage comparison, let's take a closer look at each SUV's dimensions. Both models seat up to five and have 41.4 inches of front legroom, followed by 41.3 inches of leg space in their backseats. Pack groceries into the Sportage's 39.6-cubic-foot cargo hold or stash soccer gear in the Tucson's 41.2 cubic feet. Either way, these sport-utes are ideally suited for family life.
It's worth noting that the Tucson also has a hint more headroom in select trims, so if you're a very tall adult who needs a higher ceiling, the Hyundai fits the bill. It does not, however, provide a sunroof of any kind until its third trim level, which can make your cabin feel cramped. Choose the Sportage, and a gorgeous sunroof could be yours as early as trim two – plus it includes a sunshade and comes at a lower price.
Test-Drive a New Kia Sportage at Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte
The Hyundai Tucson put up a good fight, but the new Kia Sportage for sale commanded the lead thanks to its in-depth safety features, all-terrain capabilities, and driver-confirmed smoother ride. Our Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte team is proud to offer this newest iteration of the Kia Sportage at our showroom, along with gently used vehicles for sale on our lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has more passenger space: Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson?
Compare Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson size, and you'll see that these SUVs have identical front and rear legroom and almost identical hip room for equally comfortable passenger space. A small difference in height means the Tucson front seats have between 38.3 and 40.1 inches of headroom, while the Sportage's front row offers between 37.8 and 39.6 inches.
Which SUV is better for towing: Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson?
The 2025 Kia Sportage can tow 500 pounds more than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson in every trim level,4,7 so if you're interested in trailering motorcycles, kayaks, canoes, or any other small outdoor equipment, we recommend the Kia Sportage. The Sportage is also better equipped to travel through campsites with its front and rear skid plates and 19.3-inch breakover angle.
Does the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson offer a hybrid version?
Yes, both the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson come in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Kia Sportage Hybrid trims have considerably better MSRPs than their Tucson Hybrid counterparts. Kia and Hyundai PHEVs are fairly equal in price, but the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has better all-electric range. Visit Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte to test-drive a Sportage PHEV today!
Kia Sportage Vs. Hyundai Tucson owners' opinions - Reddit Review
Ishaan Saral
"They are very similar, but the Sportage has some improvements due to being released a year later. Rear turn signals are LED and at the TOP, where they belong, unlike the Tucson, where they are dangerously LOW and incandescent. You also get fog lights on the Sportage as a tiny bonus. The Sportage exterior is less busy with fewer creases, and I think it gets slightly better fuel economy. It also has more overall cargo space and better visibility."
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TheophrastBombast
"Sportage is definitely newer. They use USB-C plugs, and the screens are better/smoother in my opinion. I also like the cupholder space vs the Tucson."
Read MoreFeatured Customer Review
Leketia Cuthbertson
4/5/2025
Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte, went above and beyond, when I came in looking for a car. I love my new car and will definitely be back in the future for more car buying. Thanks so much, to all who had a hand with me purchasing my brand new car.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/kia/sportage-4-door-suv/2025
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/tucson-4-door-suv/2025
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.kiapressoffice.com/releases/1790
4Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
5Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/4361
6Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/tucson
7Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/kia/sportage
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/hyundai/tucson
10Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
11Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
12Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
13All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.