VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
130kW@6000
Torque
245Nm@2000
227Nm@4000
Fuel
9.2
9.2
Towing
1600
1600
0-100 km/h
14.7
10
Engine
1991
2359
Choosing between the HYUNDAI TUCSON and the KIA SPORTAGE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI TUCSON delivers 83kW@4000 while the KIA SPORTAGE produces 130kW@6000. On fuel, the TUCSON returns 9.2 while the SPORTAGE uses 9.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 900 for the TUCSON and R372 995 for the SPORTAGE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
83kW@4000
130kW@6000
Torque
245Nm@2000
227Nm@4000
0-100 kph
14.7
10
Top Speed
191
185
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991
2359
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2
9.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.1
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
58
CO2 Emissions
210
219
Dimensions
Length
4325
4445
Width
1830
1855
Height
1730
1635
Wheelbase
2630
2640
Ground Clearance
195
172
Kerb Weight
1781
1492
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
1600
Load Capacity
1856
1887
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
ESC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
60
Warranty Distance
150000
100000
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HYUNDAI TUCSON
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Few notable weaknesses
KIA SPORTAGE
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10s)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the TUCSON or SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON uses 9.2 and the SPORTAGE uses 9.2 on the combined cycle. The SPORTAGE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the TUCSON or SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the SPORTAGE delivers 130kW@6000 and 227Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the TUCSON and SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON starts from R299 900 and the SPORTAGE from R372 995. The TUCSON is cheaper by R73 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the TUCSON or SPORTAGE?
The TUCSON has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the SPORTAGE can tow 1600. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the TUCSON or the SPORTAGE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.