2025 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Kia Sportage

$28,705 · Crossover

$28,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Kia Sportage can feel like splitting hairs when they look so similar on paper, but subtle differences exist. Both crossovers start nearly identically in price, with the Sportage clocking in at $28,690 versus the Tucson's $28,705, a mere $15 difference. Performance metrics are a perfect match: both deliver 187 horsepower, 178 lb-ft of torque, and achieve an identical 28 MPG combined (25 city/33 highway) running on regular unleaded fuel. The primary practical divergence lies in space; the Sportage wins narrowly with 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Tucson's 38.7 cubic feet. Dimensionally, the Sportage is 1.7 inches longer at 184.4 inches, while the Tucson sits slightly taller at 65.6 inches. Both offer the same efficient 8-speed automatic transmission and standard FWD configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage has a slight edge due to its marginally larger 39.6 cu ft cargo area for commuting gear.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage

The Sportage offers 0.9 cu ft more usable space, which helps when loading strollers or groceries for the family.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Tucson

Since power figures are identical, the tie goes to the Tucson for its slightly taller stance at 65.6 inches.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage wins the value contest by offering 0.9 cu ft more cargo space for $15 less MSRP.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

You prefer the slightly taller vehicle, as the 2025 Tucson stands 65.6 inches high.
You are loyal to the Hyundai brand and prefer its specific design language.
You value marginally more vertical height over sheer length, as the Tucson is 182.7 inches long.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You want the absolute maximum utility, as the 2026 Sportage boasts 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want to save $15 upfront, with an MSRP of $28,690.
You prefer the slightly longer footprint, with the Sportage measuring 184.4 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson	Kia Sportage
Length	182.7"	184.4"
Width	73.4"	73.4"
Height	65.6"	65.4"
Wheelbase	108.5"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/33 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/471.9 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Kia Sportage.

Are the fuel economy figures different between the 2025 Tucson and 2026 Sportage?

No, they are identical based on the provided data. Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage achieve a combined 28 MPG, breaking down to 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

Which crossover has more cargo space for hauling gear?

The 2026 Kia Sportage offers slightly more room for gear, providing 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s 38.7 cubic feet.

Is there a noticeable performance difference between these two SUVs?

Mechanically, no. Both vehicles produce the exact same 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How do the starting prices compare for the 2025 Tucson vs the 2026 Sportage?

The starting prices are extremely close. The 2026 Kia Sportage is slightly cheaper at an MSRP of $28,690, just $15 less than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s $28,705.

If I tow or need extra grip, do these FWD models offer AWD?

While the base models listed here are Front Wheel Drive (FWD), crossovers in this segment often offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as an upgrade option, though specific availability is not listed in these base specifications.