Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the maker's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Kia Sportage test page Hyundai Tucson test page
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Tucson opens at $39,350. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $860.
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 $42,339 and $43,285 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 86% for the Hyundai Tucson.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia Sportage, against 4 on the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Kia Sportage
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006112 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2009
- REC-006109 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2014
- 10 more on the model page.
Hyundai Tucson
- REC-006717 · published 3 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Head-up Display (HUD) information may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- REC-006678 · published 17 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag sensors may not meet manufacturing specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006615 · published 29 May 2026Due to a software issue, the Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) system may continue to apply sudden/unexpected braking even though it is no longer necessary to avoid a collision or reduce impact.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Tucson gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Tucson responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
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
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 45mm longer than the Hyundai Tucson at 4,640mm (2,755mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 539L in the Hyundai Tucson, giving the Kia Sportage a 4L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Tucson leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,309/year for the Hyundai Tucson.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sportage: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 60
The Kia Sportage comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 60), taking 3 of 3 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Kia Sportage ahead by 16), reliability (Kia Sportage ahead by 6), value (Kia Sportage ahead by 5). 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Tucson by $860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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