Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs. Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the Kia Sportage Hybrid each come equipped with a 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder engine. So, you can expect a similar performance in the power and efficiency departments. Each crossover SUV even comes with its own 6-speed automatic transmission, further leveling the playing field.

They’re dead even when it comes to power output, with the Sportage Hybrid offering 227 horsepower and the Tucson Hybrid offering 226 horsepower.

While this is the case, you may want to take adventures on the weekends. In this regard, a crossover SUV that can handle tricky terrain may be the better choice. Here, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid stands out with its standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive, which is able to effectively handle mud, snow, and other adverse conditions.

Unfortunately, the Kia Sportage Hybrid comes with front-wheel drive. So, it’s not quite as ready for adventure.

As you get behind the wheel of your hybrid vehicle, you want to know you’ll be able to sit back and relax as you make your way to your destination. Thanks to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid’s Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, you’ll be able to do just that.

With this feature, the Hyundai crossover SUV will be able to effectively judge traffic patterns, autonomously adjusting your speed as your drive. Meanwhile, the Stop & Go technology will shut off the engine when idling—say, at a red light—to preserve fuel. The Kia Sportage Hybrid does offer a similar system, but it does not come standard as it does in the Hyundai model.

When it comes to amenities, the Tucson Hybrid and the Sportage Hybrid share these key features:

However, the heated front seats are standard only in the Tucson Hybrid, while you’ll have to have it added on the Kia Sportage base trim. Plus, the Tucson Hybrid offers more headroom for your passengers with 40.1 inches in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear. The Kia Sportage Hybrid has just 39.6 inches of front headroom and 39.1 inches in the rear.

To start, both the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the Kia Sportage Hybrid offer standard 8-inch touchscreens. As such, you can connect your phone and put on your favorite albums and playlists. Both models can be upgraded to larger screens and can be equipped with navigation.

However, you’ll need to bring along some cords in the Kia Sportage Hybrid, as you’ll need them to connect your phone. In comparison, the Tucson Hybrid comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

These two vehicles also make your safety a priority. Each model comes standard with a number of advanced driver-assistive features, like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which will work to help keep you safe and secure by monitoring the roads ahead.

The Tucson Hybrid does come standard with an added feature, though. Its standard Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist will work to monitor the areas surrounding your vehicle in which you cannot physically see, helping you change lanes on multi-lane highways, for instance.