Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Tucson starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $410.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,790 and $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Hyundai Tucson and 87% for the Kia Sportage.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sportage packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Tucson lines up producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 539L in the Hyundai Tucson and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 4L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Hyundai Tucson and $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Hyundai Tucson) vs $1,767 (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Hyundai Tucson) vs 7 years (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 4 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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