Stellantis and Volkswagen are not the only ones to maintain internal competition. Kia and Hyundai’s best-known models, the Sportage and Tucson compact SUVs, adopt the same platform and positioning. The Argus tries to decide between them in their simple hybrid version of 230 hp.
Cars Tested: Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 230 N-Line Executive | |
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€44,550 no bonus |
Kia Sportage Hybrid 230 GT-Line Premium | |
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€44,990 no bonus |
As the automotive industry becomes more concentrated and investment needs increase, there are more and more connections between competing models. A well-known industrial strategy in Europe with the various versions of the platforms of the Volkswagen group and now of Stellantis. This art is also well mastered in South Korea, within the Hyundai-Kia group. Indeed, since the purchase of the last by the first in 1999, the two manufacturers closely share their technologies and compete on the same grounds. However, their most emblematic models, the compact SUVs Tucson and Sportage, have so far managed to avoid the “clone” effect.
![Comparative test Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage 2022](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-vs-hyundai-tucson-001.jpeg)
When we discover the new Kia, launched last fall, it is also difficult to perceive the slightest kinship with the Tucson. Less radical in terms of style, it seems more stocky and compact, while its interior displays a very different ergonomics. However, the technical sheets are clear: these two have the same dimensions, have the same hybrid engine and admit the same CO emissions2 to the nearest gram.
Kia Sportage Price
Like Hyundai, Kia has undertaken a very significant “upmarket” in recent years. We are therefore no longer surprised to see the Sportage Hybrid 230 come out at €44,990 in its most upscale GT-Line Premium finish. Since the first representative of the line, based on a Mazda 121 platform, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge! It must be said thatit displays in this declination a plethoric equipment including the panoramic sunroof, the hands-free tailgate, the 360-degree camera, semi-autonomous driving or even a high-end audio system provided by Harman Kardon, when Hyundai prefers Krell.
![Kia Sportage 022 dimensions](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-2022-033.jpeg)
If we had to look for other differences, note that the Kia adopts in this luxurious version a more bourgeois presentation marked by less lively interior colors. On the penalty and tax side, it’s white cap and white cap, since the Sportage is entitled, like the Tucson, to exemption from registration tax in most French regions. Be careful, however, a small penalty of 150 € is to be expected for the most equipped versions. Finally, let’s talk about the warranty: certainly, with a duration of seven years, the Kia retains the palm of the duration, but the limitation of the mileage to 150,000 km attenuates this advantage.
Hyundai Tucson Price
In its N-Line version, the Tucson is displayed at 440 € less than its cousin and offers a much more aggressive presentation thanks to its body-coloured rocker panels, its specific rims and its red interior decorations. Extra paraphernalia that apparently justifies offering the panoramic roof as an option at €990. With the black mirrors included in the black roof option, this is the only notable difference from the standard equipment of the Hyundai, which also has the exclusivity of the piloted suspension option. Its five-year warranty is also one of the best on the market since it is the only one among the “long durations” not to impose a mileage limit.
![Hyundai Tucson Hybrid power](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/hyundai-tucson-2021-078.jpeg)
To drive
When you get behind the wheel of one or the other of the SUVs, the differentiation remains clearly marked, with not only a very distinct interior design, but also specific controls. This is particularly the case for that of the automatic gearbox, with buttons for the Hyundai and rotary for the Kia, which seemed to us more practical. The driving position – moreover excellent – however appears similar, even if the driver’s gaze is aimed at a smaller digital instrumentation located lower on the Tucson. From the first laps of the wheel, however, the game of seven errors begins to get really tough.
![Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 230](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/hyundai-tucson-2021-054.jpeg)
![2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid review](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-2022-014.jpeg)
At PSA, we know how to give Peugeot, Citroën or Opel different “typings”. This is also the case (to a lesser extent) within the Volkswagen group, despite the use of identical platforms. We don’t bother with such subtleties within the Hyundai group, at least as far as the Sportage and the Tucson are concerned. We have indeed been struggling to detect real differences in behavior and performance between the two vehicles, which is also confirmed by the data sheets: the top speeds and acceleration figures are strictly identical. We could talk at leisure about the comparative performance of the Michelin Premacy 4 tires fitted to our Tucson and those of the Continental Ecocontact 6 on the Sportage, but the winter conditions of our test were not the most appropriate for evaluating summer tyres. Note, however, that the Michelins adhere a little better on slippery roads.
Despite its sporty appearance, the Tucson’s N-Line trim doesn’t entail any chassis modifications. We therefore find a rather placid and reassuring road behavior, marked by a fairly precise direction but without any feedback. Its damping appears considerate and provides comfort suitable for family use. On the other hand, it shows itself to be the victim of pumping phenomena when the pace is forced a little. Without suspense, the balance sheet is perfectly identical for the Sportage.
![2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 230 review](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/hyundai-tucson-2021-060.jpeg)
![Dimensions Kia Sportage 2022](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-2022-017.jpeg)
With 230 hp, the hybrid engine of our two competitors is the most powerful in the category. It benefits from an automatic transmission which avoids the effects of runaway without appearing sporty. Admittedly, the Sportage like the Tucson can start strong at the green light, but the rather slow gear changes do not encourage you to increase the pace despite the presence of paddles on the steering wheel. We are also surprised in both cases to find only two driving modes, Sport and Eco, which really only affect the response of the accelerator. We are a little disappointed by the consumption in the city, which does not take full advantage of the many 100% electric operating ranges. We have indeed recorded 6.7 l/100 km on an urban route and an average of around 8 l/100 km for the two rivals on a mixed route combining motorway, expressway and city. An overall correct balance for such powerful petrol SUVs, which will never be champions of economy.
To live
Inside, our duettists maintain the illusion just as well as outside. Their dashboards are entirely specific. The Hyundai adopts a very original symmetrical style and favors physical buttons. Sadly, its finish makes a little too much use of lacquered plastics that are easy to scratch and sensitive to fingerprints. On the other hand, it favors “old-fashioned” physical buttons for most functions, including the multimedia system. What easier to find his little ones. Finally, note that the N-Line finish adopts a resolutely sporty style, marked by upholstery adorned with black Alcantara and fabric inserts decorated with red stripes.
![Kia Sportage GT Line 2022 dashboard](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-2022-039.jpeg)
![2022 Hyundai Tucson dashboard](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/hyundai-tucson-2021-085.jpeg)
The Kia offers a more technological interior, inspired by that of the EV6. The two instrumentation and multimedia screens seem to be one, while the physical buttons have largely disappeared in favor of a small touch screen allowing you to adjust sometimes the air conditioning sometimes the multimedia system thanks to a rocker button. It is certainly pretty and futuristic, but the ergonomics of everyday life does not gain anything. Too bad, because it was precisely one of the strong points of Kia. The equality becomes perfect again at the level of the multimedia system, whose menus are almost identical and not very pleasant to use in both cases.
![2022 Kia Sportage speedometers](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-2022-046.jpeg)
![2022 Hyundai Tucson speedometers](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/hyundai-tucson-2021-090.jpeg)
At the rear, our two rivals put forward a rigorously similar layout: the seat is not sliding, but the backrests are adjustable thanks to a handle located below the seat. On the boot side, the floor adjusts to two levels and provides a flat loading surface, while handles ensure that the bench seat backs are tilted. The Hyundai is however distinguished by its additional 29 l of loading. The volume appears sufficient in both cases, as does the roominess at the rear, including for the models fitted with the panoramic sunroof.
![trunk Kia Sportage 2022](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/kia-sportage-2022-052.jpeg)
![Trunk Hyundai Tucson 2022](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/hyundai-tucson-2021-099.jpeg)
Find the results of the match and the prices, equipment and technical sheets compared on the next page…